Holiday Pears With Creme Chantilly
A elegant dessert featuring tender poached pears served with fresh raspberries and topped with fluffy Creme Chantilly, perfect for festive occasions or sophisticated gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine water, sugar, lemon juice, and ground mace in a shallow 2-quart casserole, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Peel the pears, leaving the stems intact.
- Place the pears in the sugar mixture; spoon the mixture over the pears.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 50 minutes, or until the pears are tender but still hold their shape.
- Carefully remove the pears from the sugar mixture.
- Discard the sugar mixture and return the pears to the casserole.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding a cinnamon stick or a vanilla bean to the sugar mixture while baking the pears. If pears are not in season, you can substitute with ripe apples or peaches for a different twist. Make sure to select firm fruits to maintain their shape during baking. Serve with a dollop of Creme Chantilly for an elegant presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the holiday pears warm or at room temperature, drizzled with the raspberry sauce made from the thawed raspberries. They make a delightful dessert on their own or can be paired with vanilla ice cream. For an extra festive touch, consider serving alongside a glass of Ruby Red Punch for a beautiful holiday table.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover baked pears can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. You can also serve them cold with Creme Chantilly for a refreshing dessert option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Pears With Creme Chantilly contains roughly 240 calories, with 4g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value) and iron (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh raspberries instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh raspberries if you prefer. However, they may require a bit of sweetening as frozen raspberries are often sweeter due to their processing. Fresh berries can be gently cooked with a little sugar to create a sauce similar to the thawed raspberries.
What type of pears are best for baking?
Bosc and Anjou pears are ideal for baking because they hold their shape well and have a great flavor. Avoid overly ripe pears, as they may become mushy during the baking process. Look for firm, unblemished pears for the best results.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Certainly! To make this recipe vegan, simply replace the sugar with a vegan-friendly alternative, and ensure that the Creme Chantilly is made with coconut cream or a plant-based whipped topping. This way, you can enjoy a delicious dessert that fits a vegan diet.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).