Mulled Cider Poached Pears with Vanilla

In French kitchens, pears are often poached until tender in spiced syrup—a quiet classic. This version bathes them in mulled cider with vanilla bean, orange zest, and star anise, finished with cream and toasted almonds.

Serves 4 · 15 min prep · 45 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 265 cal
• 2g protein
• 58g carbs
• 5g fat
• 3g fiber

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Ingredients

• 4 firm ripe pears (Bosc or Anjou)
• 3 cups mulled cider
• 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
• 3 orange zest strips
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 whole star anise
• 3 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• for serving vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
• 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds

Instructions

1. 1Peel the pears carefully, leaving the stems intact if possible. Slice a thin piece off the bottom of each pear so they stand upright. Rub the cut surfaces lightly with lemon juice to slow browning.
2. 2In a saucepan just large enough to hold the pears snugly, combine the mulled cider, split vanilla bean and its seeds, orange zest strips, cinnamon stick, star anise, and honey. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the honey melts.
3. 3Carefully lower the pears into the simmering liquid so they are mostly submerged. If needed, add a splash more cider or water to cover.
4. 4Reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and poach the pears at a bare simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, turning them gently once or twice, until a paring knife slides in with almost no resistance but the pears still hold their shape.
5. 5Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pears to a shallow serving dish. Increase the heat under the poaching liquid to medium-high and boil uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes until the liquid reduces to a light syrup that coats a spoon.
6. 6Remove and discard the cinnamon stick, star anise, orange zest, and vanilla pod. Taste the syrup; it should be fragrant, lightly sweet, and deeply spiced-apple.
7. 7Spoon some of the warm mulled cider syrup over the pears. Let them cool slightly in the syrup so they absorb more flavor, or chill completely for a make-ahead dessert.
8. 8To serve, place each pear upright in a bowl, drizzle generously with the reduced syrup, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and finish with toasted sliced almonds for crunch.