Vanilla Poached Pears with Chocolate Sauce and Ice

Name: Vanilla Poached Pears with Chocolate Sauce and Ice Cream (a.k.a. "Poire Belle Helene")
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 6 cups water; 3 cups sugar; 2 cinnamon sticks; 1 lemon, zested; 1 vanilla bean; 6 firm pears such as Bosc or Bartlett; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 12 ounces bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped; 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 quart store-bought vanilla-bean ice cream; Wafer cookies, for serving

Servings: persons

1
Combine the water, sugar, cinnamon sticks, and lemon zest in a medium saucepan.
2
Split vanilla bean lengthwise, scrape out the seeds and add both the seeds and the pod to the pan.
3
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved, about 5 minutes.
4
Peel the pears.
5
Reduce the poaching liquid to a simmer and add the pears.
6
Cook until just tender (the tip of a paring knife will go through the flesh of a pear with just a little resistance), about 15 minutes.
7
Remove the pan from the heat and cool the pears in the poaching liquid, until completely cooled, about 45 minutes.
8
Heat the cream in a small saucepan over low heat.
9
Put the chocolate and butter into a medium-size bowl.
10
Pour the cream over the chocolate and stir until smooth and glossy.
11
Serve the pears with a scoop of ice cream, a little pear-poaching syrup and warm chocolate sauce drizzled over the top.
12
Garnish with a wafer cookie and serve.

1665

kcal

Calories

Fat

253

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 11 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 6 cups water, 3 cups sugar, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 lemon, zested, and more.

Yes, Vanilla Poached Pears with Chocolate Sauce and Ice Cream (a.k.a. "Poire Belle Helene") falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Keep frozen in an airtight container for up to 1–2 months. Let it soften for a few minutes before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Vanilla Poached Pears with Chocolate Sauce and Ice Cream (a.k.a. "Poire Belle Helene")

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions