Mulled Wine Poached Pears with Vanilla Mascarpone

Mulled Wine Poached Pears with Vanilla Mascarpone

This dessert is elegance in a bowl: tender pears, jewel-like in colour after bathing in spiced mulled wine, paired with cool, creamy mascarpone. It’s lighter than most Christmas desserts but just as festive, offering a fragrant end to a rich meal.

Ingredients (serves 6)

  • 6 firm pears, peeled
  • 750ml red wine
  • 150g caster sugar
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4 cloves
  • 1 star anise
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 250g mascarpone
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp icing sugar

Method

  • Place wine, sugar, spices, and orange zest in a pan. Bring to a simmer.
  • Add pears and poach gently for 25–30 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and deep red.
  • Remove pears, strain and reduce liquid until syrupy.
  • Beat mascarpone with vanilla and icing sugar until smooth.
  • Serve pears drizzled with mulled wine syrup and a dollop of mascarpone.

Serving Tip: Garnish with orange zest and crushed pistachios or a shard of dark chocolate.

Make Ahead: Poach pears the day before; chill in their syrup and warm gently before serving.

Get our FREE Christmas recipe eBook to elevate your Christmas dishes this year - Click here

Back to blog