Prepare to transform your ordinary dessert experience into an extraordinary culinary journey with these Simple Cinnamon Poached Pears with Maple Syrup Mascarpone Filling. Imagine a dessert so sophisticated yet surprisingly easy to create, it will make you feel like a professional pastry chef in your own kitchen. This Italian-inspired delicacy combines the delicate sweetness of perfectly poached pears with a rich, creamy mascarpone filling that will melt in your mouth and leave your guests absolutely speechless.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ripe pears
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the pears by washing them thoroughly and carefully peeling the skin, keeping the stem intact. Slice a small portion from the bottom of each pear so they can stand upright in the pot.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine maple syrup, water, and the whole cinnamon stick. Stir the mixture and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Carefully place the peeled pears into the simmering liquid, ensuring they are standing upright and mostly covered by the poaching liquid.
- Reduce heat to low and poach the pears for approximately 15-18 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking. The pears should become tender but not mushy.
- While pears are poaching, prepare the mascarpone filling by mixing mascarpone cheese with vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Once pears are tender, remove them from the poaching liquid and let them cool slightly on a plate for 5 minutes.
- Carefully core the pears from the bottom, creating a cavity for the mascarpone filling. Use a small spoon or apple corer for precision.
- Fill each pear's cavity with the vanilla mascarpone mixture, ensuring a generous and even fill.
- Drizzle the remaining poaching liquid over the pears as a glaze before serving. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, presenting each pear on an individual dessert plate.
Tips
- • Choose ripe but firm pears for the best texture and flavor • Keep the stem intact during peeling for an elegant presentation • Use a gentle simmer to prevent pears from becoming mushy • Turn pears occasionally during poaching for even cooking • Test pear tenderness by inserting a thin knife - it should slide in smoothly • Let pears cool slightly before filling to prevent mascarpone from melting • For an extra touch, lightly toast some chopped nuts as a garnish • If you don't have an apple corer, use a small sharp knife to create the filling cavity • Serve immediately after filling for the best taste and presentation • Refrigerate any leftovers and consume within 1-2 days
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 426kcal
Carbohydrates: 82g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 25mg
