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    Home » Dessert

    Brandied Pears

    Posted: Oct 2, 2021 · Updated: Jun 30, 2022 by Tonje

    138 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Brandied pears is a fantastic dessert which only requires 4 ingredients. Pears are poached in a sweet brandy sauce, and served with ice cream, whipped cream or custard.

    Close up of pears with brandy sauce and ice cream.
    Jump to:
    • Why you'll love it
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Top tips
    • Serving suggestions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Frequently asked questions
    • You might also like these recipes
    • Recipe
    • Food safety tips

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read more about it in the privacy policy.

    Cooked fruit is such an underappreciated dessert option! I love how easy this dish is to make, and it tastes even better if you're using seasonal, fresh pears.

    Brandied pears sounds more fancy than it is. I love to serve it on special occasions, or holidays like Christmas, and it's really easy to make in a big batch for a crowd.

    Why you'll love it

    • Easy warm dessert recipe
    • A great way to use in-season pears
    • Only 4 ingredients required
    • Gluten free, dairy free, vegan, nut free and suitable for many diets
    • Non-alcoholic option

    Ingredients

    Pears: Fresh pears are perfect for this recipe. Use your favorite pears, like conference pears, or ripe homegrown fruit. You can also use preserved pears.

    Brandy: You can use any brandy or cognac in this recipe. I like to use a cheaper brand, as the cooking process will adjust the flavor regardless.

    Brown sugar: Makes the sauce sweet and sticky. You can also use white granulated sugar, maple syrup or honey instead.

    Water: The added water will make the sauce a little thinner. If you add less water, the sauce will be a thicker glaze.

    The ingredients needed to make this recipe.

    Instructions

    You can find full instructions + ingredient measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of this page

    One: Peel the pears. Slice them in half down the middle, and remove the stems and cores.

    Two: Add water, sugar and brandy to a small pot on the stove top. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, and whisk to dissolve the sugar in the sauce. Add the pears, and allow these to simmer for a few minutes, or until they are soft enough to easily pierce with a fork.

    Step by step images showing how to make this recipe.

    Top tips

    • The longer you cook the sauce, the more alcohol will evaporate. If you cook it for a long period of time, this dish will be alcohol free.
    • You can also use this method to cook brandied apples. A combination of apples and pears would also taste great.
    • Watch the pears, as they cook quickly. If they cook for too long, they might fall apart or become mushy!
    • Prepare the dessert ahead of time by peeling and halving the pears, and store them in the refrigerator. You can also cook the dish ahead of time, and serve the pears chilled.

    Serving suggestions

    The pears can be served warm or cold, with or without the brandy sauce poured over them.

    Serve them with vanilla ice cream, custard, or whipped cream if you like. The cold ice cream is a great accompaniment, as it melts over the warm pears.

    You can also use the pears as a sweet topping for pancakes, waffles or Chocolate Overnight Oats.

    Blanched pears with brandy sauce.

    Variations

    Brandy glazed pears: Omit the water to turn the sauce into a thick glaze. This is a great option if you want to serve the pears over pancakes or oats.

    Non-alcoholic version: You can use non-alcoholic brandy or cognac. This is great if you're cooking for children, or others that want to avoid alcohol.

    Add flavor: You can add cinnamon, gingerbread seasoning, star anise, maple syrup, or vanilla extract for some extra flavor. Add these to taste, a little at a time.

    Equipment

    This recipe does not require any special equipment. All you need is a small pot or saucepan, a whisk, a cutting board and a knife.

    I like to use a vegetable peeler to peel the pears. The easiest way to remove the cores from the fruits is to use a melon baller, but you can also use a spoon.

    Brandied pears with ice cream.

    Storage

    Store any leftover brandied pears in a refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can serve them cold, or reheat them in a microwave or on the stove top if you prefer.

    The pears and sauce store well because they are coated in an alcoholic sauce. While refrigerated, the pears absorb more flavor from the sauce, and become even tastier!

    You can also can these pears using your regular canning methods.

    Frequently asked questions

    What can you do with brandied pears?

    Brandied pears are excellent served as a dessert, or as a sweet topping on French toast, pancakes, waffles or cake.

    Should brandied pears be warm or cold?

    Brandied pears are usually served hot, but you can also serve them cold. You can choose whichever you prefer.

    You might also like these recipes

    • Chickpea Blondies
    • Blueberry and White Chocolate Muffins
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    • Puff Pastry Apple Pie
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    • Air Fryer Roasted Oranges
    • Fall Fruit Salad

    If you make this recipe, make sure to post a photo to Instagram with #hintofhealthy!

    Recipe

    Brandied pears and ice cream on a plate.

    Brandied Pears

    Brandied pears are poached pears cooked in a sweet brandy sauce with brown sugar. This easy 5-minute recipe pairs perfectly with ice cream, whipped cream or custard. It's also amazing served on pancakes or oatmeal.
    No ratings yet
    Created by: Tonje
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American, British
    Servings 4
    Calories 167 kcal

    Equipment

    • Pot
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    Ingredients
     
     

    • 2 pears
    • ⅓ cup water
    • ⅓ cup brandy
    • ⅓ cup brown sugar

    Instructions
     

    • Peel the pears. Slice them in half down the middle, and remove the stems and cores.
      2 pears
    • Add water, sugar and brandy to a small pot on the stove top. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, and whisk to dissolve the sugar in the sauce.
      ⅓ cup water, ⅓ cup brandy, ⅓ cup brown sugar
    • Add the pears, and allow these to simmer for a few minutes, or until they are soft enough to easily pierce with a fork.

    Video

    Notes

    • Store leftover brandy poached pears in a refrigerator for up to 3 days.
    • Serve the pears warm or cold, with a topper like ice cream, whipped cream or custard.
    • Use non-alcoholic brandy if you want to make the dish alcohol free.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 167kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 7mgPotassium: 128mgFiber: 3gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 22IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword brandy, brown sugar, dairy free, easy, pears
    Tried this recipe?Mention @hintofhealthyfood or tag #hintofhealthy!

    Food safety tips

    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended
    • Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

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    Hi, I'm Tonje! I make easy and healthy everyday recipes that your family will love. Browse my recipe collection to discover new favorites, and make sure to let me know what you think!

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