Stewed pears are an easy recipe to turn fresh pears into an even sweeter treat. The pears are simmered in a cinnamon sugar sauce that is similar to a simple syrup. It creates a beautiful fragrant glaze to these classic Fall fruits. As it cooks on the stovetop your house will have that sweet-spicy scent of cinnamon and the floral smell that pears have as they cook. It is so wonderful and thankfully it only takes a few minutes to cook so you don't have to wait that long to enjoy it.
These stewed pears are different than when you poach pears. Both are a way of simmering the fruit to cook it. However, for this simple recipe, you cut up the pears and simmer them in a liquid until they are soft. For poaching the purpose is to cook while retaining the basic shape and structure of the food and they are not cooked until soft all the way through.
Ingredients for Stewed Pears
To make this recipe, use your favorite variety of pears. This stewed pears recipe works with either ripe or unripe pears. When making things from scratch you get to control the ingredients so use organic or pears off your tree. Pears that are good for baking would be also ideal for stewing, such as this list of Perfect Pearings.
You will need 4 additional ingredients plus water to make this sweet treat. Pears are paired with cinnamon and sugar. There are no thickeners in these stewed pears. This is a grain-free and gluten-free recipe.
How to Make Stewed Pears
This recipe only takes about 15 minutes including prep and cook time. It could not be any more simple or easy. You also only need a few pieces of kitchen equipment and nothing fancy.
Cut the Pears
Cook the Pears on the Stovetop
Add Pears to the Cinnamon Sugar Syrup
Now it is time to add the pears into the pot. Place them in carefully to not splash the hot sugar liquid. Stir gently and bring to a simmer again. Next, turn the heat down to low and put the lid on the pot. Continue to cook until soft, 5-10 minutes.
How To Know When Stewed Pears are Done
What to Serve with Stewed Pears
You can use it to top breakfast dishes such as pancakes, waffles, or crepes. It is great with granola and yogurt too. You can also use it for desserts on pound cake, as a base for pies or cobbles, or as a topping for ice cream. In addition, you can make pear puree with this same recipe. Simply blend these stewed pears and they can be a lovely treat for babies, toddlers, and everyone. To read more about if giving this homemade pear puree to children, read about SOLID STARTS FOR BABIES.
Try these sweet stewed pears with one of the following recipes.
If you love pears, try my favorite pasta recipe using them. Gorgonzola Pear Pasta is creamy, rich, & crazy good.
Product Recommendations for this Recipe:
The Short Order Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. This helps with the costs of running the blog. Thank you!
Stewed Pears
Ingredients
- 4 pears
- ¼ c water
- 1 Tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Peel and core the pears. Then cut into quarters or thick slices and place in a bowl. Drizzle the lemon juice over them.
- Place the water & sugar into a small pot that has a lid. Turn it on medium heat and simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves, and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the vanilla and cinnamon to the simple syrup mixture. Stir to combine.
- Add the pears into the pot. Bring to a simmer again and then turn the heat down to low and put the lid on the pot. Continue to cook until soft, 5-10 minutes. Soft ripe pears will take 5 minutes. For hard pears that are not ripe, cook for 10 minutes.
- Once done cooking, enjoy. You can use it to top breakfast dishes such as pancakes or yogurt. You can also use it for desserts such as pound cake or ice cream.
- Stewed pears can be stored in an air-tight container for up to a week in the refrigerator. They freeze well too in an air-tight container for up to a month. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Nutrition
Did you make this The Short Order Cook Recipe?
Tag @theshortordercookblog (Instagram & Facebook) or @shortorder_cook (Twitter).
I would love to see your latest creations and kitchen adventures.
Zoanne says
The only fruit my sons will eat are pears. So I am always looking for new pear recipes and now this is a keeper. They ate it fast and before we could try it with something else. I like the idea of it with yogurt so next time I make it.
Maria says
I had some overripe pears and didn't want to waste them. Wasn't sure how to use them and then came across this recipe. I used it the very next day and it can't out delicious! I'm currently trying some over a chocolate muffin. Can't wait to try on ice cream! Simple and delicious!