(Note: this post was originally published on December 2, 2022. It has since been updated with a few tweaks.)
Is there anything more festive over the holidays than a beautiful fruit dessert with a tipsy twist? These rum poached pears, while secretly easy, are sure to impress your guests. They're special and celebration-worthy, yet they come together in less than half an hour and all in one pan.
Everything about this easy dessert is perfect for a fall or winter occasion. Pears are a classic seasonal fruit, maple syrup is an iconic holiday flavor, pecans and cranberries are present in many Thanksgiving and Christmas dishes, and spiced rum brings it all together. This recipe contains a dessert and a sauce all in one, so it does double duty without having to dirty an extra pan. I can't wait for you to try these rum poached pears!
Even though they look fancy, these easy rum poached pears are simple and fast to make. You'll start by cutting the pears in half and scooping out the cores with a melon baller. Then you'll poach the pears in a skillet with a delicious cocktail of spiced rum, apple cider, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. The pears cook quickly; they only need 5-10 minutes per side.
The real magic of this recipe is that the poaching liquid for the pears cooks down to become the perfect sauce. During the time the pears are cooking, the sauce is slowly reducing, resulting in a decadent sweet drizzle that has the texture of maple syrup. You end up with a dessert and a sauce, without having to dirty a separate pan. Unlike in some recipes, these vegan poached pears do not use butter in the sauce, keeping them lighter and entirely plant-based.
My biggest tip is to keep an eye on the sauce as it cooks down. If it starts to thicken before the pears are soft, add another splash of apple cider to ensure it doesn't burn. Conversely, if the pears are cooked before the sauce is thick enough, just remove the pears and continue cooking the sauce. The cooking time depends on the ripeness of the pears, so keep an eye on both elements and adjust the timing accordingly.
There are a few ways you can customize this easy holiday dessert. Feel free to garnish the rum poached pears however you like; I've shown cranberries and pecans in these photos, but you could use walnuts, dollops of cranberry sauce, or any other favorite holiday ingredients. You can also serve them with ice cream (vanilla or caramel would be fabulous), whipped cream, or coconut whip.
These vegan rum poached pears work well as a make-ahead holiday dish. You can cook the pears up to two days in advance; just store them in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed container and store the rum sauce separately. If the sauce thickens during storage, thin it out with a small splash of apple cider. When ready to serve, reheat the two components in the microwave, drizzle the sauce over the pears, and add any garnishes you want to use.
Love rum for the holidays? Me too! If you really want to make your event feel festive, try pairing this holiday rum dessert with a rum cocktail. This Chaider (Chai + Cider) Rum Punch is great for a harvest celebration and there are pitcher, mocktail, and low-alcohol variations in the post. If you like eye-catching layered cocktails, then you'll love this Thanksgiving Dark & Stormy or this Cranberry Ginger Rum Punch (the latter has a mocktail variation). For cozy spiced flavors, check out this Chai Tai (a Mai Tai riff with chai) and this Spiced Pomegranate Daiquiri.
Here's what you'll need for these vegan rum poached pears, as well as some thoughts, tips, and possible substitutions. If you make any substitutions, I'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.
Tipsy pears belong at any seasonal celebration, don't you think? These eye-catching holiday rum poached pears feel special, can be dressed up however you like, and are secretly fast and easy to make. They're the perfect ending to a celebratory meal since they're sweet and festive, but are much lighter than the classic Thanksgiving and Christmas desserts.
This festive pear recipe is an especially great option if you'll be hosting guests with alternative diets this season. These pears are vegan and dairy-free because the sauce doesn't rely on butter; they're also gluten-free and grain-free. Most people who follow alternative diets can't eat the usual holiday desserts, but you can still make sure all your guests can indulge in a sweet treat.
I can't wait for you to try this poached pear recipe; I know it's one you'll want to come back to again and again. Cheers and happy holidays!
It makes me so happy to hear from you and see your creations! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this recipe. If you post a photo on Instagram, hashtag #TheRogueBrusselSprout and tag me (@TheRogueBrusselSprout) in the post text so that I'm sure to see it.
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Disclosure: This recipe has been developed through a paid partnership with Koloa Rum. However, all opinions and thoughts are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep The Rogue Brussel Sprout running.
These rum poached pears are an easy, elegant holiday dessert featuring seasonal flavors. You'll want to make this lightened-up vegan treat all season long!
Did you make this recipe? Did you make substitutions? How did you serve it? Any helpful tips? Please share your thoughts, since these insights are really useful to both me and to other readers.
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