If you’re craving a warm, comforting dessert that’s both simple and elegant, you’re going to adore this Stewed Pears with Cinnamon & Vanilla Recipe. It’s one of those recipes I pull out when I want something cozy yet light, with flavors that feel like a gentle hug. The pears stew slowly in cinnamon-spiced sweetness with a hint of vanilla that makes every bite a little magical—trust me, it’s fan-freaking-tastic and such an easy way to bring a touch of homemade comfort to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity Meets Elegance: Just a handful of ingredients come together for a dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
- Naturally Sweet & Light: You’ll love how the pears stew in their own juices with a touch of brown sugar—never too heavy or cloying.
- Versatile & Easy to Customize: Whether you want to serve it warm or cold, as a side or a dessert, this recipe adapts beautifully.
- Family-Friendly Favorite: My crew goes crazy over these pears, and they’re always asking me to make them again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about this recipe is how the ingredients work so naturally together. You don’t need fancy stuff—just ripe pears and a few classic flavorings that elevate the dish effortlessly. Choosing the right pears is key, so I’ll share some tips below.
- Pears: Go for ripe but firm pears like Bosc or Anjou; they hold their shape perfectly without turning mushy.
- Water: Just enough to create a gentle simmer; sometimes I adjust a little depending on how juicy the pears are.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a lovely caramel note that complements the pears; you can adjust sweetness to your taste.
- Cinnamon Sticks or Ground Cinnamon: I prefer sticks because they infuse the liquid slowly, but ground cinnamon works in a pinch.
- Vanilla Bean: Splitting and scraping the seeds really boosts the flavor, and if you don’t have fresh vanilla, pure vanilla extract is an okay substitute.
- Lemon Juice: Sprinkling the cut pears prevents browning and adds a touch of brightness to balance the sweetness.
Variations
I love playing around with this recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. Don’t be shy—making it your own is part of the fun!
- Add a Splash of Wine or Juice: I once swapped half the water for apple cider—such a lovely twist that adds depth and warmth.
- Spice it Up: Try adding a few cloves or a star anise if you’re feeling adventurous; it’s fantastic for the holidays.
- Make it Vegan & Refined Sugar-Free: Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar, and your stewed pears will be just as delicious and allergy-friendly.
- Serve it Differently: I often toss the stewed pears into oatmeal in the morning or dollop them over vegan yogurt for a quick snack upgrade.
How to Make Stewed Pears with Cinnamon & Vanilla Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pears and Flavors
Start by splitting the vanilla bean lengthwise and scraping out the fragrant seeds—I love this part because the smell alone makes me excited to cook. Then pour water, brown sugar, the cinnamon sticks, and vanilla (pods plus seeds) into a medium saucepan. Bring this gently to a simmer while stirring to fully dissolve the sugar. Meanwhile, peel, core, and quarter your pears, tossing them with a little lemon juice to keep them looking fresh and bright. Trust me, this little tip is a game-changer if you don’t want brown pear edges messing with your presentation.
Step 2: Gently Stew the Pears Until Tender
Once your sugared water is simmering and clear, gently add the pear pieces, making sure they’re mostly covered by the liquid. If not, add a splash more water—it depends on your pot size and how juicy your pears are. Here’s what I learned: the ripeness of your pears changes the cooking time, so check them after 5 minutes and up to 15 minutes max. You want to pierce them gently with a knife; when it slides in easily without resistance, the pears are perfectly stewed. This part reminded me of teaching my kids to be patient in the kitchen—good things take time, and it’s worth the wait!
Step 3: Serve and Savor the Warm Comfort
Once done, remove from heat and let the pears cool slightly in the saucepan to soak up even more of those beautiful cinnamon and vanilla notes. I love scooping them into bowls either warm or at room temperature, spooning some of the syrup over top. You’ll find this recipe not only makes a great dessert but also a lovely breakfast topper or snack.
Pro Tips for Making Stewed Pears with Cinnamon & Vanilla Recipe
- Use Firm But Ripe Pears: I learnt this the hard way—overripe pears tend to fall apart, so Bosc or firm Anjou work best.
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: Letting the sugar fully dissolve before adding pears ensures a smooth syrup without graininess.
- Adjust Water Amount Carefully: Add just enough to cover pears mostly; too much will dilute the flavors.
- Watch Cooking Time Closely: Pears can turn mushy quickly, so test gently with a knife starting at 5 minutes.
How to Serve Stewed Pears with Cinnamon & Vanilla Recipe
Garnishes
I usually garnish these stewed pears with a sprinkle of toasted chopped nuts—pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch and earthiness. Fresh mint leaves or a dollop of whipped cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option) are also fantastic and brighten up the plate beautifully.
Side Dishes
Your stewed pears pair wonderfully with creamy vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt if you want an easy dessert. For breakfast or brunch, serve them alongside pancakes, waffles, or even oatmeal for a naturally sweet, spiced addition.
Creative Ways to Present
One of my favorite memories is serving these pears in pretty glass jars topped with a drizzle of honey and some granola for an elegant yet rustic dessert at a dinner party. You can also layer the pears in parfait glasses with mascarpone or fromage blanc for a fancy twist that’ll impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually keep leftover stewed pears in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, making it just as delicious if not better the next day. Just give it a gentle stir before serving.
Freezing
Freezing stewed pears works surprisingly well! I freeze them in small portions in freezer-safe containers and then thaw overnight in the fridge. The texture softens a bit more after freezing, but it’s perfect for blending into smoothies or using in baking.
Reheating
When reheating, I prefer warming them gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid breaking them down further. You can add a splash of water or juice if the syrup has thickened too much. Microwave works too, just be careful and heat in short bursts.
FAQs
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Can I use canned or frozen pears for this recipe?
While fresh pears are ideal for the best texture and flavor, you can use canned or frozen pears in a pinch. Just reduce the cooking time as these pears are already soft, and consider adjusting sugar since canned pears may come packed in syrup.
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What kind of cinnamon should I use in the Stewed Pears with Cinnamon & Vanilla Recipe?
I recommend whole cinnamon sticks for a more subtle infusion and easier removal, but ground cinnamon works well if you don’t have sticks—just stir it in with the sugar and water. Avoid cinnamon powder on its own as it can clump and cloud the syrup.
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Can I make this recipe vegan and refined sugar-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap brown sugar for pure maple syrup or coconut sugar, and use water as usual. The pears will still stew beautifully, with that same cinnamon-vanilla warmth.
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How do I prevent the pears from turning mushy?
Pick pears that are ripe but firm and check them frequently during cooking. Start testing for doneness after 5 minutes of stewing, and remove them as soon as a knife slides in easily but the fruit still holds shape. Overcooking is the main culprit to mushiness.
Final Thoughts
This Stewed Pears with Cinnamon & Vanilla Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s become a go-to for cozy evenings, when I want something that feels like a treat without fuss. It’s simple, forgiving, and downright delicious every time. I really hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy all the sweet, spiced comfort it brings. Whether you’re serving it for a family dessert, a weekend brunch, or just to savor with a cup of tea, it’s one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again—just like me.
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Stewed Pears with Cinnamon & Vanilla Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously tender stewed pears infused with the warm flavors of cinnamon and vanilla. This simple yet elegant dessert features ripe pears gently cooked in a spiced syrup, perfect for a comforting treat or a sophisticated ending to any meal.
Ingredients
Pears
- 4 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and cut into quarters or chunks
Stewing Liquid
- 250 ml water
- 25 g brown sugar
- 2 small cinnamon sticks or 1/2–1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 vanilla bean, split open and seeds scraped out
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (to sprinkle over the pears)
Instructions
- Prepare Vanilla: Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Use half the bean and add both seeds and pod to the pot for maximum flavor.
- Make Stewing Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine water, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, vanilla seeds, and pod. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar completely.
- Prepare Pears: While the syrup heats, peel, core, and quarter the pears. Sprinkle them immediately with fresh lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Add Pears to Syrup: Add the prepared pears to the saucepan, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the simmering liquid. Add additional water if needed to cover the fruit.
- Stew Pears: Cook the pears gently for 5 to 15 minutes depending on ripeness, stirring occasionally. The pears are done when a knife pierces them easily with little resistance.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve stewed pears warm or at room temperature, enjoying the rich cinnamon and vanilla flavors.
Notes
- Adjust stewing time based on the ripeness of pears; very ripe pears require less time.
- Using lemon juice on pears prevents browning and retains a fresh appearance.
- You can substitute ground cinnamon for cinnamon sticks if preferred.
- For a thicker syrup, continue cooking the liquid after removing pears to reduce it.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1 pear quarter portion)
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
