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Caramelized pear slices with sauce in a white plate.

How to Make Caramelized Pears

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 182kcal
Author: Shinee
Caramelized pears infused with warm aromatic cardamom is easy and impressive fall dessert, perfect for dinner parties as well as a weeknight treat!
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Ingredients

  • 2-3 pears Note 1
  • 10 green cardamom pods Note 2
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar light or dark
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Quarter the pears and remove the cores. Cut into slices or 1/2-inch cubes.
  • In a medium skillet, toast the cardamom pods over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, cool until safe to handle, then peel and grind the seeds in a mortar and pestle.
  • In the skillet, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Sprinkle in ground cardamom and cook until sugar is melted.
  • Add chopped pears and cook for 2 minutes. Once the juices start to release, increase the heat to medium high and continue to cook, stirring frequently, for about 8 minutes.
  • Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Cook for another minute. Then remove from heat and cool slightly.

Notes

Note 1: I like to use Bartlett pears. It's best if the pears are slightly firm and not super ripe and soft. 
Note 2: Cardamom loses its potency really quick, and that's why I recommend purchasing cardamom pods and toast/peel/grind them right before using. 10 cardamom pods = 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom.
Storing Tip: Refrigerate leftover caramelized pears in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Nutrition

Calories: 182kcal
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 6g
Sugar: 26g
Sodium: 6mg