Spiced Pears

This easy spiced pear recipe is a perfect way to add a touch of fall flavor to your breakfast or dessert lineup. Simmering pears in a sweet and spiced syrup brings out their natural sweetness while infusing them with warm notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. These pears are not only delicious on their own but also make a great topping for pancakes, oatmeal or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Plus, it’s all done in about 25 minutes with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand!

Ingredients for Spiced Pears

• Pear halves: Pears provide the juicy base for the dish, soaking up the warm spices beautifully. Fresh pears can be used instead of canned if you prefer a firmer texture; just peel and halve them first.
• Brown sugar: This recipe adds a caramel-like sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the spices. For a deeper flavor, try dark brown sugar or swap it with maple syrup for a different twist.
• Ground nutmeg: This spice offers a warm and slightly nutty flavor that enhances the pear’s natural taste. For a more intense aroma, you can use freshly grated nutmeg.
• Ground cinnamon: Cinnamon is a comforting spice that complements the sweetness of the pears and brown sugar. Feel free to substitute with a cinnamon stick for a more subtle infusion.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the syrup

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In a small saucepan, combine the reserved pear syrup, brown sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to help dissolve the sugar and blend the spices.

Editor’s Tip: If you prefer a thicker syrup, let it boil for an extra two to three minutes until it reduces slightly.

Step 2: Simmer the pears

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Reduce the heat to low and carefully add the pear halves to the saucepan. Simmer the pears in the syrup for about five minutes, turning them gently to coat with the syrup, until they’re heated through and infused with flavor.

Editor’s Tip: For extra flavor, try adding a splash of vanilla extract or cloves to the syrup while it simmers.

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Spiced Pear Recipe Variations

• Serve with yogurt: Top plain or vanilla yogurt with these spiced pears for a cozy, healthy breakfast.
• Bake with granola: Sprinkle granola over the pears and bake until bubbly for a crunchy twist.
• Add to pancakes: Dice the pears and fold them into pancake batter for a spiced pear pancake breakfast treat.

How to Store Spiced Pear Recipe

Store leftover pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Allow them to cool completely before sealing to keep them fresh and flavorful. When ready to enjoy, reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.

Spiced Pear Recipe Tips

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What spices go well with pears?

Pears love warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and even star anise. These spices highlight the pear’s sweetness and add a cozy, comforting vibe to the dish.

How do you prevent pears from browning when cooking?

To keep the pears from browning, try adding a bit of lemon juice to the cooking water or syrup. This helps maintain their bright color and appeal.

What can you do with these pears?

There are so many options! Use the pears as a topping for pancakes, waffles, oatmeal or yogurt. They’re also fantastic warmed over ice cream or baked into your favorite pastries.

Can you use fresh pears instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pears work just fine! Peel, halve and core them before cooking. You might need to cook them a little longer to get the right texture because they tend to be firmer than canned pears.