Pears Thornhill
A delightful dessert featuring poached pears filled with vanilla and chocolate yogurt, topped with whipped cream and chocolate for a rich, fruity treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel, core, and halve the pears.
- In a pot, bring water and sugar to a simmer.
- Add the pears and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add vanilla extract to the syrup.
- Cool the pears in the syrup.
- Drain the pears and fill the center of 6 halves with chocolate yogurt and the others with vanilla yogurt.
- Top with whipped cream and chocolate.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, use ripe but firm pears. If you don’t have vanilla extract, a splash of almond extract can be a delightful substitute. Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the syrup for extra warmth. To enhance the dessert, serve it with a drizzle of caramel sauce or chocolate syrup for a richer taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the yogurt-filled pears chilled for a refreshing dessert. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making it a delightful complement to this dish. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a light salad like Party Dream Salad to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The yogurt-filled halves can be slightly softened at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. If you prefer them warm, briefly microwave them for 10-15 seconds, but be cautious not to melt the yogurt.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pears Thornhill contains roughly 560 calories, with 4g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. It also contributes 5g 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 yogurt instead of frozen for this recipe?
Using fresh yogurt will change the texture, as it won’t hold its shape like frozen yogurt. However, you can chill fresh yogurt and serve it on the side as a topping instead. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness of the pears accordingly.
What type of pears are best for this recipe?
Bartlett or Bosc pears are ideal due to their sweetness and firmness. They hold up well during cooking and lend a wonderful flavor to the dish. Avoid overly soft pears, as they may become mushy when simmered.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pears and syrup in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble the yogurt filling and whipped cream just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
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).