If you're looking for a simple dessert that feels both timeless and tasty, this recipe for Stewed Pears is just the thing. Using a classic technique, this delicious recipe combines juicy pears, brown sugar, and aromatic spices to create a comforting treat that's easy to make.
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Ingredients and Substitutes
3 simple ingredients plus water - that's all you need to make delicious stewed pears.
- pears: quartered, cored and peeled. For more information, have a look at the next section below.
- light brown sugar: can be replaced with dark brown or white sugar.
- spices: we used a cinnamon stick and star anise, but try this recipe with a variety of different spices including whole cloves, vanilla extract (or vanilla bean), ground cinnamon, nutmeg, orange peel, black pepper and other warm spices.
- water.
Find the quantities, detailed instructions and nutritional information in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
What Pears Are Best For Stewing?
When choosing fresh pears for this stewed pear recipe, go for good varieties that balance texture and flavour. Bosc pears and Anjou pears are often considered the best pears for this dish, offering a firm texture that holds up well during cooking.
Bartlett pears and Conference pears are also great options, providing a nice balance of sweetness and juiciness.
Unripe pears will work too; just cook them a bit longer and consider adjusting the sugar to enhance their natural sweetness. Overripe pears can be used, but they may not hold their shape as well. For the best results, aim for a perfectly ripe pear that brings out the natural sugars without turning mushy.
Step-By-Step Method
1. To a medium pan, add the sugar, water, cinnamon and star anise.
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, mixing occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
3. Add the pear quarters, making sure they are all submerged (add a splash of water if they're not) in the water mixture and simmer over low heat for 6-7 minutes.
4. Turn the heat off and leave the pears in the syrup for 10-15 minutes. Serve immediately or store the stewed pears for later!
What To Serve Stewed Pears With?
This easy stewed pears recipe is versatile and can be enjoyed in many delicious ways. For breakfast, use stewed pears as a topping for pancakes, sourdough crêpes, or French toast.
They also make a great option for dessert; try serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside Greek yoghurt for a lighter treat.
If you're feeling adventurous, incorporate them into a pear crumble for a comforting dessert. As a side, stewed pears pair wonderfully with pork, adding a touch of sweetness to the savoury dish.
For a tasty lunch snack, top toasted sourdough with cottage cheese, rocket, stewed pears, and a drizzle of balsamic.
Recipe FAQs
Stewed pears can go brown due to a natural process called oxidation. When the flesh of the pear is exposed to air, enzymes in the fruit react with oxygen, causing it to brown. While this doesn't affect the taste, it can alter the appearance. To minimize browning, you can add a bit of lemon juice to the pears before cooking, as the acidity slows down the oxidation process. Additionally, using brown sugar and spices in your stewed pear recipe can help mask any slight discolouration.
Yes, you can stew underripe pears. Just cook them a bit longer and adjust the sugar to enhance their natural sweetness.
The difference between stewed pears and poached pears lies in the preparation method and presentation. Stewed pears are usually cut into chunks and cooked in syrup, while poached pears are typically cooked whole or as pear halves in a lot of liquid, like juice, or red or white wine. Try our Mulled Wine Poached Pear recipe next! Or our Port Poached Pears!
You can reduce the stewing liquid into a thick syrup by simmering it until it thickens. This delicious syrup can be drizzled over the pears or used as a tasty topping for ice cream, yoghurt, or pancakes (we use it as a maple syrup replacement).
Storage and Leftovers
Stewed pears can be kept at room temperature for a few hours, but for longer storage, the fridge is your best bet. If you've made a big batch, place the pears in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezing is also a great way to preserve them; just transfer the pears and some of the syrup mixture into a freezer-safe container. This way, you'll have a delicious dessert ready to enjoy whenever you fancy.
More Pear Recipes To Try
Can we tempt you with our Almond Flour Chocolate Pear Cake or Mulled Wine Poached Pears next? Have a look at more recipes that feature this delicious autumnal fruit:
Easy Stewed Pears
Ingredients
- 4 pears quartered, cored and peeled
- 2 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise
- 300 ml (1⅓ cups) water
Instructions
- To a medium pan, add the sugar, water, cinnamon and star anise.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, mixing occasaionally to help the sugar dissolve.
- Add the pear quarters, making sure they are all submerged in the syrup and simmer over low heat for 6-7 minutes.
- Turn the heat off and leave the pears in the syrup for 10-15 minutes. Serve immediately of store the stewed pears for later!
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