Name: Red Wine Poached Pears Recipe
Prep time: PT-491849H40M19S
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 large oranges, navel or cara cara oranges preferred for sweetness; 6 ripe but firm small pears; 2 cups red wine such as Pinot Noir; 1/4 cup honey; 3 tablespoons raw sugar or granulated sugar; 1 cinnamon stick; 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

I’m excited to share this Red Wine Poached Pears Recipe with you — it’s a classic French dessert that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make. Imagine tender pears infused with warm spices and rich red wine, perfect for impressing guests or indulging yourself any night of the week.

The image shows five whole pears that are deep red in color, sitting in a white pot filled with a dark red liquid, likely wine. The pears have their stems intact and are mostly submerged in the liquid. There are four slices of orange with a slightly charred texture floating among the pears, adding a bright orange contrast against the red and white. The pot has a smooth, white interior and is placed on a surface that is now imagined as white marbled texture. The scene is close-up, focusing on the rich colors and glossy textures of the pears and liquid. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Red Wine Poached Pears Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Red Wine Poached Pears Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Red Wine Poached Pears Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore making these poached pears whenever I want a dessert that’s elegant yet cozy. They’re so versatile, whether you serve them warm right out of the pot or chilled the next day after the flavors deepen.

Effortless Elegance: It looks impressive on the plate but comes together with just a few simple steps.
Layered Flavors: The blend of red wine, honey, and warm spices makes the pears deeply fragrant and delicious.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These taste even better after an overnight chill, perfect for prepping ahead.
Healthy & Light: A naturally sweet dessert that’s low in fat but rich in taste.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Shopping for this recipe is pretty straightforward, but picking the right pears and wine really makes a difference. Look for small, firm pears and a fruity red wine you enjoy sipping—both will shine in this dish.

Flat lay of two whole navel oranges, one orange sliced into round thin slices arranged neatly, six whole ripe but firm pears with smooth skins, a small white ceramic bowl filled with deep red Pinot Noir wine, a small white ceramic bowl holding golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl containing raw light brown sugar crystals, a single cinnamon stick placed diagonally, a small white ceramic bowl with fine ground cardamom powder, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Oranges: I prefer navel or cara cara oranges since their sweetness adds a fresh, bright citrus note to the poaching liquid.
Pears: Choose ripe but firm small pears like Anjou or Bosc—they hold up beautifully without getting mushy as they poach.
Red Wine: A Pinot Noir works perfectly, offering a balanced fruitiness without overpowering the pears.
Honey: Adds a gentle natural sweetness and helps create that luscious syrup.
Raw or Granulated Sugar: Provides extra sweetness and helps thicken the poaching liquid for a syrupy finish.
Cinnamon Stick: Brings a warm, comforting spice that pairs perfectly with pears and wine.
Ground Cardamom: Just a hint adds an unexpected floral, aromatic layer to the flavor profile.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

Red Wine Poached Pears are wonderfully versatile, so don’t hesitate to make this classic French dessert your own. Whether you adjust the spices, swap out the wine, or add a special touch at serving, there's plenty of room to get creative and tailor it perfectly to your taste.

Wine Variations: I once used a fruity Merlot instead of Pinot Noir for a slightly softer, rounder wine flavor. It gave the poaching liquid a richer, deeper hue and a subtle plum note that paired beautifully with the cinnamon and cardamom.
Spice It Up: For a warmer twist, try adding a star anise or a few cloves to the poaching liquid. It creates an inviting, fragrant aroma that really fills the kitchen.
Seasonal Flair: When oranges aren’t in season, swapping them with lemon slices works well too—just be sure to adjust the sugar slightly to balance the tartness.
Dairy-Free Serving: Instead of mascarpone or crème fraîche, try serving with coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free indulgence that complements the spiced wine syrup.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Red Wine Poached Pears Recipe

The image shows two poached pears with a shiny deep red color placed on top of bright orange slices on a white plate with a delicate blue floral design. Around the pears, there are scattered green pistachio pieces and three cinnamon sticks lying next to the orange slices. The pear stems are dark brown, adding contrast to the smooth red pears, while a small amount of red syrup pools beneath the orange slices. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a rustic wooden table partially visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare the Oranges with Care

The magic starts with the oranges. First, zest and juice one large orange – either navel or cara cara for their natural sweetness – into a medium bowl. This bright, citrusy juice will gently coat the pears, helping to keep them from browning too quickly as they wait for their wine bath. Then, slice the second orange into lovely ¼-inch rounds that will infuse the poaching liquid with extra flavor and a touch of elegance.

Step 2: Peel and Prep the Pears Gently

Grab your favorite small, firm pears like Anjou or Bosc and peel them whole using a vegetable peeler. Resist the urge to cut them, as keeping them intact gives this dessert its signature elegant appearance. Place the peeled pears right into the bowl with the orange juice and toss them carefully so each pear gets a nice citrus coating. This simple step locks in freshness and helps maintain their beautiful pale color.

Step 3: Build the Flavorful Poaching Liquid

In a non-reactive pot (I love using my enameled one), combine the sliced orange rounds, 2 cups of red wine—Pinot Noir is a perfect choice—plus ¼ cup honey, 3 tablespoons of raw or granulated sugar, a cinnamon stick, and ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom. These ingredients marry to create a fragrant, slightly sweet spiced bath that will transform your pears into the star of the show.

Step 4: Simmer the Pears to Perfection

Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the poaching liquid to a lively rolling boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and gently add in the pears and their accompanying orange juice from the bowl. Cover the pot and let them simmer gently for about 30 minutes. Be sure to rotate the pears occasionally with a wooden spoon to ensure even poaching. You'll know they're done when a skewer slips into the thickest part of a pear with no resistance – tender, but still holding their shape.

Step 5: Reduce the Liquid to a Syrupy Delight

Carefully transfer the cooked pears back to a bowl. Keep simmering the poaching liquid on low heat for a few more minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken into a luscious syrup. This concentrated sauce boasts all the warm spices, vibrant wine, and citrus notes, ready to be drizzled over your finished pears.

Step 6: Cool and Serve with Flair

Arrange the pears upright in the pot of syrup and let them cool to your preferred temperature. Red Wine Poached Pears are delicious both warm and cold, so choose your pleasure! When serving, drizzle with the syrup and scatter a little orange zest on top for a fresh pop of color and aroma. For a truly indulgent experience, add a dollop of whipped cream, mascarpone, or crème fraîche on the side. And if you want to prepare in advance, these pears do beautifully refrigerated overnight, soaking up even more flavor.

Top Tip

Mastering the perfect Red Wine Poached Pears Recipe is all about careful attention and a few mindful tricks to bring out their best flavor and texture. These tips come from lots of kitchen experiments and little aha moments along the way.

Use the Right Pears: Choose small, firm pears like Anjou or Bosc. They hold their shape beautifully without turning mushy, which makes all the difference in texture.
Prevent Browning: Toss those peeled pears right away in fresh orange juice. This simple step keeps them looking fresh and vibrant throughout poaching.
Be Patient with Simmering: Keep the heat low and rotate pears gently to ensure even cooking. Rushing can lead to uneven textures or broken fruit.
Flavor Boost Overnight: Don't be shy about chilling the pears overnight in their syrup - it deepens the flavors wonderfully.

How to Serve Red Wine Poached Pears Recipe

A top view of a round silver pot with a handle, filled with dark purple liquid that looks like a syrup or sauce. Inside the liquid, there are five large pale pink and yellow pear halves evenly spaced, partially submerged. The dark sauce has a shiny, slightly thick texture and contains some small, darker chunks spread throughout. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For an elegant presentation, drizzle the luscious syrup over each pear and sprinkle a bit of fresh orange zest on top. To add a touch of indulgence, dollops of whipped cream, mascarpone cheese, or crème fraîche are absolute winners—they bring a creamy contrast that complements the wine’s fruitiness perfectly.

Side Dishes

Red Wine Poached Pears shine as a standalone dessert but also pair beautifully with light vanilla ice cream or crunchy toasted nuts for texture contrast. A simple biscotti or a buttery shortbread cookie on the side can elevate your serving to fine-dining territory.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover poached pears submerged in their poaching liquid in a covered container in the refrigerator. They keep beautifully for up to 24 hours, and as noted earlier, flavors will deepen if left overnight.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this dessert because the syrup’s texture and the pears’ delicate flesh can suffer after thawing. For best results, enjoy the poached pears within their fresh 24-hour refrigerated window.

Reheating

If serving warm, gently reheat the pears in their syrup on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through—about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid boiling to prevent the pears from breaking apart.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use any type of red wine?

While you can experiment, a light to medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir works best, lending fruity notes without overpowering the pears.

How do I know when the pears are done poaching?

The pears are ready when a skewer inserted into the thickest part goes in easily with no resistance, meaning they’re tender but still hold their shape.

Can I prepare this dessert in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, chilling the pears overnight in their poaching liquid enhances the flavor, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert.

What if my pears start turning brown before cooking?

Coating the peeled pears immediately with fresh orange juice prevents browning. If any spots appear, it won't affect the overall taste or texture.

Final Thoughts

Red Wine Poached Pears are one of those timeless desserts that feel both special and comforting at the same time. Whether you serve them warm on a chilly evening or chilled as a refreshing treat after dinner, they never fail to impress. The interplay of wine, spices, and the natural sweetness of pears creates a harmony that’s simply irresistible. So next time you want to wow your guests or treat yourself, this Red Wine Poached Pears Recipe is your go-to for elegant simplicity with deep flavor and that cozy French charm.