Poached Pears with Honey Mascarpone Cream

Name: Poached Pears with Honey Mascarpone Cream
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 3 cups Riesling or other sweet white wine; ⅓ cup honey; 3 cinnamon sticks; 2 teaspoons whole cloves; 3 whole star anise; 6 firm pears, peeled; Dash ground cinnamon, for garnish; 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened; 3 tablespoons half & half; 3 tablespoons runny honey; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 2 teaspoons orange zest

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Poached Pears with Honey Mascarpone Cream is an elegant dessert that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to prepare. Tender pears are gently simmered in a fragrant mixture of white wine, honey, and warm spices, creating a delicate flavour that feels both refined and comforting.

This is the kind of dessert I make when I want something light yet special. The pears become soft and aromatic during poaching, while the honey mascarpone cream adds a rich, smooth contrast. It’s perfect for dinner parties, autumn gatherings, or whenever you want a dessert that feels a little more sophisticated without being complicated.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Elegant dessert with minimal effort – These poached pears look refined and restaurant-worthy, but the method is simple and requires very little hands-on work.
Warm spices with delicate sweetness – The pears gently simmer in a fragrant mixture of honey, white wine, cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, giving them a subtle warmth without making them overly sweet.
Creamy, luxurious topping – The honey mascarpone cream is smooth and lightly sweet, adding a rich contrast to the tender pears.
Perfect for autumn and winter – With warm spices and soft fruit, this dessert feels especially comforting during the cooler months and works beautifully for dinner parties or holiday meals.

Ingredients

Before I walk you through the recipe for these Poached Pears with Honey Mascarpone Cream, let’s gather everything you’ll need. You’ll find the full ingredient list with measurements and step-by-step instructions in the printable recipe card below.

White wine – A sweet white wine such as Riesling forms the base of the poaching liquid and adds gentle fruitiness.
Honey – Sweetens the poaching liquid and adds a soft floral flavour.
Cinnamon sticks – Bring warmth and depth to the poaching liquid.
Whole cloves – Add a subtle spiced aroma while the pears cook.
Star anise – Gives the poaching liquid a delicate, aromatic note.
Pears – Firm pears work best so they hold their shape while poaching.
Ground cinnamon – Used as a light garnish when serving.
Mascarpone cheese – Creates the rich, creamy base for the topping.
Half & half – Helps loosen the mascarpone so it whips into a smooth cream.
Honey – Adds sweetness to the mascarpone cream.
Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavour of the cream.
Orange zest – Adds brightness and a light citrus aroma that pairs well with the pears.

How To Make

With all of our ingredients ready, we’re set to make these Poached Pears with Honey Mascarpone Cream. I’ll walk you through the steps below.

In a large skillet with high sides, combine the white wine, honey, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the honey has dissolved and the spices become fragrant, about 5 minutes.

While the poaching liquid heats, halve the pears and carefully remove the seeds using the tip of a potato peeler or a small spoon.

Carefully add the pears to the simmering liquid. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 20–25 minutes, or until the pears are tender. Avoid overcooking so the pears keep their shape.

While the pears are poaching, place the mascarpone cheese and half & half in the bowl of a stand mixer and whip until light and airy. (A hand-held mixer can also be used.)

Add the honey, vanilla extract, and orange zest and whip again until well combined. Place the mascarpone cream in the refrigerator to chill.

Once the pears are tender, remove them from the heat and allow them to cool slightly.

Serve the warm pears with a spoonful of honey mascarpone cream and a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon. If desired, drizzle a little of the poaching liquid over the pears before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pears are best for poaching?

Firm pear varieties work best because they hold their shape during cooking. Red Anjou, Bosc, or Bartlett pears that are slightly underripe are good choices.

Do you need to peel pears before poaching?

Yes, peeling the pears helps them absorb the flavour of the poaching liquid and gives the dessert a smoother texture.

Can poached pears be made ahead of time?

Yes. Poached pears can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator in their poaching liquid. Reheat gently or serve chilled.

What wine is best for poaching pears?

A sweet white wine such as Riesling works very well because it adds fruitiness and balances the spices and honey.

How do you know when poached pears are done?

The pears are ready when they are tender but still hold their shape. A knife or fork should slide easily into the flesh without the pear falling apart.

More Desserts You’ll Love

I hope you’ll give my Poached Pears with Honey Mascarpone Cream a try. If you do, I’d love to know what you think. Please stop back and leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.

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Yield: Serves 6