Description
The best stewed pears are made with maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar. They're the perfect way to add fall flavor to your breakfasts and desserts. Best of all, this recipe is ready in only 15 minutes. Try these stewed pears on pancakes, waffles, yogurt, or ice cream!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2-2 lbs ripe pears (3-4 pears)*
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 large or 2 smaller cinnamon sticks
- 1/2 of a vanilla bean pod, seeds scraped out (or 1/2 tablespoon of vanilla bean paste or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
Instructions
- Split the vanilla bean in half lengthwise with a sharp knife and scrape the seeds out with the back of the knife. Peel, core and dice the pears into 1/2" pieces.
- Add the water, maple syrup, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon sticks, and vanilla bean seeds or vanilla bean paste to a small saucepan and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low, then stir in the pears and cover. Simmer for about 6-8 minutes over low heat, stirring once.
- Remove the lid and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the pears are fork tender.
Notes
*You can really use just about any variety of pear in this compote, so we don't specify a certain type in the recipe. I personally prefer Bartlett or Red Anjou pears, which tend to be sweeter, softer and juicier than other popular varieties. Slightly unripe or ripe pears will work well in this recipe, so don't worry if they aren't the perfect ripeness. Just be sure not to use pears that are overripe, as they'll become very mushy when cooked.
If you can't find whole cinnamon sticks, feel free to use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon instead.
The less ripe your pears are, the longer they will take to cook. If you can pierce the pears easily with a fork, they're done.
Storage: Store in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3-4 months. You can also freeze smaller portions in an ice cube tray to reheat for single-serving uses on pancakes, oatmeal, etc. For best results, defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 ounces
- Calories: 72
- Sugar: 13.7 g
- Sodium: 2.7 mg
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 19.1 g
- Fiber: 2.8 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
