6 Amazing Poached Pears with Apricot Sauce

Oh, you are going to LOVE this dessert! When I think of truly special, yet surprisingly simple sweets, my mind always goes to Poached Pears with Apricot Sauce. It’s one of those dishes that looks fancy enough for a holiday or a dinner party, but honestly, it’s so straightforward to make. I’m Anna Kowalska, and here I share tried-and-true homemade recipes that you and your family will love. For me, it’s all about cooking with heart and flavor, making every bite memorable. This particular recipe is a shining example – the tender, sweet pears bathed in a warm, vibrant apricot sauce, with that dramatic rum flambé at the end? Pure magic!

It’s a dessert that feels like a warm hug, perfect for cozy evenings or celebrating life’s little moments. The way the pears soften just so, and the apricot sauce clings to them… trust me, it’s a winner every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Poached Pears with Apricot Sauce Recipe

This isn’t just another dessert; it’s an experience! If you’re looking for a sweet treat that impresses without stressing you out, this is it. Here’s why you’ll be making it again and again:

• Super Easy to Make: Honestly, the steps are so simple, you’ll be amazed at how elegant the final dish looks.
• Stunning Presentation: Those beautiful poached pears glistening with apricot sauce, especially with that tableside flambé, are a showstopper!
• Perfect Flavor Combo: The tender, subtly sweet pears are the perfect canvas for the bright, tangy apricot sauce. It’s just divine.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight craving or a fancy holiday gathering, these poached pears fit right in.

Ingredients for Poached Pears with Apricot Sauce

Alright, let’s get our ingredients ready! These are pretty straightforward, and you might already have most of them in your pantry. The key is good quality ingredients to make these Poached Pears with Apricot Sauce truly shine.

Water	1 ½ cups	For poaching the pears and making the syrup.
Granulated White Sugar	¾ cup	To sweeten the poaching liquid.
Pure Vanilla Extract	½ teaspoon	Adds a lovely warmth and depth to the poaching liquid.
Bosc Pears	6 medium	Peeled, halved lengthwise, and cored. Make sure they’re ripe but still firm!
Pure Apricot Preserves	1 cup	This is the star of our sauce! Look for a good quality one.
Cornstarch	2 tablespoons	To thicken our glorious apricot sauce.
Water	2 tablespoons	To mix with the cornstarch to make a slurry.
Rum	½ cup	For that dramatic tableside flambé! (Use a decent quality one for flavor).

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Poached Pears with Apricot Sauce

When it comes to pears for poaching, Bosc are my absolute favorite. They hold their shape beautifully and have that perfect texture when cooked. If you can’t find Bosc, Anjou pears are a great second choice – just make sure they’re not too soft or they might fall apart. For the apricot preserves, using a pure fruit preserve without too much added gunk is best. If apricot isn’t your jam, peach or even a nice plum preserves would be delightful substitutes in this Poached Pears with Apricot Sauce recipe. Now, if you happen to be out of cornstarch (oops, happens to me all the time!), you can use about 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour mixed with the 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry, though it might not get quite as clear. Just cook it a little longer to get rid of that raw flour taste!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Delicious Poached Pears with Apricot Sauce

Okay, let’s get cooking! This recipe for Poached Pears with Apricot Sauce is really quite simple, and watching it come together is part of the fun. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create such an elegant dessert.

1. First things first, let’s get our poaching liquid going. In a medium saucepan, combine the 1 ½ cups of water, the ¾ cup of white sugar, and that ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Bring this mixture right to a boil over high heat.
2. Now, carefully add about 3 or 4 of your prepared pear halves to the boiling liquid. Don’t overcrowd the pan! Reduce the heat to medium, so it’s just a gentle simmer, and let those pears cook until they’re just tender. This usually takes about 5 minutes, but keep an eye on them. You want them tender, not mushy.
3. Once those first pears are tender, gently remove them from the pan and place them in a warm serving dish. A chafing dish or even a metal serving platter works beautifully. You’ll want to keep them warm while you cook the rest of the pears.
4. Pop the remaining pear halves into the simmering liquid and cook them until they’re also just tender. Remove them to the serving dish with the others.
5. Now, turn the heat up under the saucepan to medium-high. We need to reduce that poaching liquid. Let it boil until you’re left with about 1 cup of syrup. This concentrates all that lovely flavor.
6. Stir in the 1 cup of apricot preserves. Give it a good mix and bring it back up to a boil.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and the 2 tablespoons of water until it’s completely smooth – no lumps allowed! Pour this slurry into the simmering apricot sauce.
8. Keep stirring and cooking for about 30 seconds, or until the sauce has thickened up and looks nice and clear. Wow, that sauce looks amazing, right?
9. To serve, carefully spoon the hot apricot sauce all over those beautiful poached pears in your dish. Then, just before you bring it to the table, sprinkle the ½ cup of rum over everything.
10. This is the fun part! Dim the lights a bit, and carefully ignite the rum with a long match or lighter. It will flame up dramatically – that’s the magic! Let the flames burn out completely before you serve. It adds such a wonderful aroma and a subtle warmth to the dessert.

Tips for Perfect Poached Pears with Apricot Sauce

Getting these Poached Pears with Apricot Sauce just right is all about a few simple tricks. When you’re picking out your pears, look for ones that are ripe but still firm to the touch. Varieties like Bosc or Anjou are perfect because they hold their shape so well during poaching. You want them to yield gently when you poke them with a fork, but not be squishy. For the sauce, don’t rush the reduction step; letting that syrup boil down concentrates the flavor beautifully. And when you mix your cornstarch slurry, make sure there are absolutely no lumps – a smooth slurry means a smooth, glossy sauce! For the flambé, safety first! Make sure you’re using a long lighter or match and stand back a bit. If you’re not comfortable with the flambé, you can totally skip it, or even warm the rum separately and stir it into the sauce right at the end for flavor without the fire. Presentation-wise, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side is always a winner!

Frequently Asked Questions about Poached Pears with Apricot Sauce

Got questions about making these delightful Poached Pears with Apricot Sauce? I’ve got answers!

Q1. Can I use different kinds of pears for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Bosc pears are my go-to because they hold their shape so nicely, you can definitely use other varieties like Anjou or even Bartlett pears. Just be a little extra careful with the cooking time – softer pears will poach faster and might get mushy if you leave them in too long. The goal is tender, not falling apart!

Q2. What if I don’t want to flambé the rum?
No problem at all! The flambé adds a lovely aroma and a touch of drama, but the flavor is still fantastic without it. You can simply warm the rum gently in a small saucepan (don’t boil it!) and stir it into the apricot sauce right at the end, or even skip it altogether. The pears and apricot sauce are delicious on their own!

Q3. How can I make the apricot sauce thicker or thinner?
Achieving the perfect sauce consistency for your Poached Pears with Apricot Sauce is easy. If your sauce is too thin after adding the cornstarch slurry, just let it simmer for a few more minutes, stirring constantly, to allow it to reduce further. If it’s too thick, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of extra water or even a little more apricot preserves until it reaches your desired consistency.

Q4. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can poach the pears and make the apricot sauce a day in advance. Let them cool completely, then store the pears in the poaching liquid and the sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Gently reheat the pears in the sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. Just remember to do the flambé right before serving for the best effect!

Serving Suggestions for Poached Pears with Apricot Sauce

These gorgeous Poached Pears with Apricot Sauce are fantastic all on their own, especially with that little bit of fiery flair! But if you want to take them to the next level, there are a few simple things that pair beautifully. A small dollop of rich Greek yogurt or a swirl of freshly whipped cream adds a lovely creamy contrast to the tender pears and sweet sauce. For a bit of crunch, a sprinkle of toasted slivered almonds or chopped pistachios is just divine. And if you’re feeling extra decadent, a tiny scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream melting alongside is pure bliss. It’s all about complementing those lovely pear and apricot flavors!

Storing and Reheating Your Poached Pears with Apricot Sauce

Got some delicious Poached Pears with Apricot Sauce left over? Lucky you! They store beautifully and are just as tasty the next day. Here’s how to keep them perfect:

Storage Method:	Store the cooled pears submerged in their apricot sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you made extra sauce, keep it separate.
Storage Time:	They’ll stay lovely for up to 3 days.
Reheating:	Gently reheat the pears and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them in a microwave-safe dish, checking and stirring every minute. Avoid boiling them. If the sauce seems too thick after chilling, just stir in a tablespoon of water or a splash more apricot preserves while reheating. For the best flavor, do the flambé right before serving if you saved some rum!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Poached Pears with Apricot Sauce

While every kitchen is a little different, and brands can vary, here’s a general idea of what you’re looking at for one serving of these delightful Poached Pears with Apricot Sauce. Keep in mind this is an estimate, and your exact numbers might be a bit different depending on the specific ingredients you use, especially the type of apricot preserves!

Serving Size	1 serving
Calories	182
Sugar	31g
Sodium	13mg
Fat	0g
Saturated Fat	0g
Unsaturated Fat	0g
Trans Fat	0g
Carbohydrates	42g
Fiber	2g
Protein	0g
Cholesterol	0mg

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