Stewed Pears with Cinnamon & Vanilla Recipe

If you love simple desserts that feel cozy and comforting, you’re going to adore this Stewed Pears with Cinnamon & Vanilla Recipe. It’s one of those little treats that feels warm like a hug in a bowl — perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you want something sweet but light. I absolutely love how this turns out with juicy pears gently infused with fragrant cinnamon and that subtle hint of vanilla. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my tips to make sure your stewed pears come out perfectly every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

To make your stewed pears sing, you’ll want fresh, ripe pears that are just soft enough to break down but not mushy. Brown sugar works beautifully here, lending a rich warmth that granulated sugar can’t quite match. Using real vanilla bean is my secret for that deep aroma—trust me, it’s worth it.

• Pears: Choose ripe but firm pears like Bosc or Anjou, so they hold their shape after stewing.
• Water: The stewing liquid base—use enough so pears are almost submerged but not swimming.
• Brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and balances the tartness of the pears.
• Cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon: Cinnamon brings that cozy spice—whole sticks infuse gently, but ground works if that’s what you have.
• Vanilla bean: Split and scraped for maximum flavor, but you can substitute vanilla extract if necessary.
• Lemon juice: A quick toss on sliced pears to keep them from browning and brighten the flavor.

Variations

I love how flexible this Stewed Pears with Cinnamon & Vanilla Recipe is—you can easily customize it to fit your taste or occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Over time, I found a few adjustments that make it even more exciting.

• Spiced Up: Adding star anise or a pinch of nutmeg gives the pears a lovely, holiday-like aroma—I tried this last Christmas, and wow, my guests couldn’t get enough.
• Sweetener Swap: You can replace brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness that’s less processed.
• Alcohol Twist: A splash of rum or brandy stirred in at the end adds a grown-up touch, perfect for serving after dinner.
• Fruit Mix: Combine pears with apples or quinces for a more complex flavor and texture combo that’s fantastic in fall.

How to Make Stewed Pears with Cinnamon & Vanilla Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pears and Flavors

Start by splitting the vanilla bean lengthwise and scraping out those little seeds—you’ll want to mix those beauties right into the pot for maximum flavor. While you’re at it, peel and core your pears, then cut into quarters or bite-sized chunks. Toss them with a squeeze of lemon juice as soon as they’re cut to stop them from browning on you. This is a quick trick I learned that makes a big difference!

Step 2: Create the Stewing Liquid

Combine water, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, and the vanilla beans (both seeds and pod) in a medium saucepan. Gently warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until all the sugar dissolves completely. This is where the magic begins—the aroma at this stage is incredible and will fill your kitchen with warmth.

Step 3: Stew the Pears

Drop your prepared pears into the simmering liquid, making sure they’re mostly covered—if not, add a splash more water. Then lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Stew the pears anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes depending on how ripe they are. When I stewed mine, they took about 10 minutes to get perfectly tender but still hold their shape. The key is to test by gently piercing with a knife; if it slides in easily, they’re done.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once your pears are tender and flavored through, carefully scoop them out with a slotted spoon and serve immediately—or let them cool and refrigerate if you prefer them chilled. The stewing liquid doubles as a delicious syrup, so drizzle some over for that extra punch of cinnamon and vanilla goodness.

How to Serve Stewed Pears with Cinnamon & Vanilla Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a handful of toasted chopped walnuts or pecans on top for crunch and a contrast of textures. A little dollop of mascarpone or whipped cream takes this dessert up another notch—plus, the creaminess pairs perfectly with the tender pears. Sometimes, I also add a few fresh mint leaves for that pop of color and fresh aroma.

Side Dishes

This stewed pear dish complements breakfast plates beautifully—think fluffy pancakes, warm oatmeal, or a simple bowl of vanilla yogurt. For dinner, I love serving it alongside roast pork or chicken, making it a wonderful, lightly sweet side that balances savory mains.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve stewed pears in pretty glass jars layered with granola and yogurt for a breakfast parfait with serious wow factor. Or try spooning the pears over vanilla panna cotta or ice cream for an elegant dessert that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to pull off.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover stewed pears and their delicious syrup in an airtight container in the fridge. They usually keep beautifully for up to 3-4 days, making them a great make-ahead dessert or topping.

Freezing

If I ever have extra, I freeze the pears in portion-sized containers. They thaw well and still retain their lovely texture—perfect to have ready for smoothies or warm oatmeal toppings anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the pears on the stovetop over low heat just until heated through. Micros work too, but stovetop reheating helps preserve the tender texture without making them mushy or watery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Stewed Pears with Cinnamon & Vanilla Recipe is one I keep returning to time and time again because it’s just so comforting and reliably delicious. It’s an effortless dessert that feels special and is endlessly adaptable to what you have on hand. When I first made it, I thought it was going to be too simple, but it blew me away. You’ll enjoy how the pears soak up the warm spices and that dreamy vanilla flavor gets infused so deeply with next to no hands-on time. Give it a try for your next cozy night in—you might just find your new favorite easy dessert.

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