Easy poached pears with dark chocolate sauce and hazelnut crumble.
" data-orig-size="4000,6000" data-image-title="Spiced poached pears with chocolate sauce" data-image-caption="" height="1140" eos="" width="760" aperture="aperture" />This post is sponsored by Bash. Recipe, images and copy are my own.
Today, I’m sharing an elegant and irresistible winter dessert that’s rich, warming, and just a little indulgent. Poached pears are often overlooked but they’re surprisingly simple to prepare and absolutely stunning when plated with a luscious chocolate sauce and a crunchy, nutty crumb. This is the kind of dessert that feels special enough for guests, yet easy enough to throw together on a cosy weeknight.
Cinnamon poached pears recipes with dark chocolate sauce and hazelnut crumble topping.
" data-orig-size="4000,6000" />
Cinnamon poached pears recipes with dark chocolate sauce and hazelnut crumble topping.
" data-orig-size="3737,5431" data-image-title="Spiced poached pears with chocolate sauce" data-image-caption="" aperture="aperture" />I poached the pears in a spiced sugar syrup, and the combination of warming spices, velvety dark chocolate and toasted crumb create a sensational contrast of flavours and textures. The cool part? Most of it can be made ahead. The crumb can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container, and the sauce – though it comes together in just two minutes in the microwave – can also be made ahead and gently reheated when you’re ready to serve.
Easy poached pears with dark chocolate sauce and hazelnut crumble.
" data-orig-size="4000,6000" data-image-title="Spiced poached pears with chocolate sauce" data-image-caption="" />
Easy poached pears with dark chocolate sauce and hazelnut crumble.
" data-orig-size="3913,5803" data-image-title="Spiced poached pears with chocolate sauce" data-image-caption="" aperture="aperture" />To plate, serve the whole pear in a pool of chocolate sauce and finish with a sprinkle of toasted crumb. It’s a showstopper of a dessert, and easily recreated without too much effort.
So whether you decide to serve this to friends or treat yourself, I promise you’ll fall in love with these decadent poached pears. If you make them, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram, I absolutely love seeing your creations!
Cinnamon poached pears recipes with dark chocolate sauce and hazelnut crumble topping.
" data-orig-size="3801,5701" data-image-title="Spiced poached pears with chocolate sauce" data-image-caption="" aperture="aperture" />
Cook’s tips:
- Choose your pot carefully. It should be big enough for the pears but small enough that they are mostly covered with the cooking liquid.
- Simmering time depends on the size of your pears and how ripe they are. Keep an eye on them and use a sharp knife to test if they’re tender.
- The hazelnut crumble is also delicious on yogurt, ice cream and pancakes.
- Have fun with the plating! You could add a few edible flowers or a scoop of mascarpone to the plate.
POACHED PEARS WITH CHOCOLATE SAUCE AND HAZELNUT CRUMB
- Servings: 4
Hazelnut crumb
- 50 g whole blanched hazelnuts
- 40 g cake flour
- 30 g light brown sugar
- 25 g butter
Poached pears
- 1 liter (4 cups) freshly boiled water
- 150 g white sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 star anise
- 4 pears, peeled
To serve
- 1 quantity microwave hot fudge sauce
1.) Preheat the oven to 180ºC and line a small baking tray with baking paper.
2.) Arrange the hazelnuts on the tray and roast for 6-7 minutes until golden and fragrant. Keep the oven on and set the nuts aside to cool slightly.
3.) Mix the flour and sugar in a bowl. Roughly chop the hazelnuts and add to the bowl. Add the butter and use your fingertips to rub into the dry ingredients to form a crumble. Spread the crumble in an even layer on the same tray and bake for 4 minutes. Mix the crumble and bake for another 4 minutes until golden. Set aside while you prepare the pears and sauce.
4.) To prepare the pears place the water and sugar in a pot. Stir over a low heat to dissolve the sugar. Add the cinnamon and star anise and bring to a simmer. Add the pears and allow to simmer for 30 – 45 minutes until softened. Use a sharp knife to check them after 30 minutes and simmer longer if needed.
5.) While the pears are poaching prepare the hot fudge sauce.
6.) Drain the pears and discard the cooking liquid. Place each pear on a plate, drizzle with chocolate sauce and sprinkle with hazelnut crumb. Serve immediately.
