Poached Pears with Cinnamon Greek Yogurt

Silky, warmly spiced pears in their own syrup, served over cool cinnamon Greek yogurt for a high-protein dessert that feels light yet indulgent.

Ingredients

• 2 medium pears (ripe but still firm), peeled, halved, and cored
• 2 cups (480 ml) water
• 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
• 1 cinnamon stick (or 1 tsp ground cinnamon)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional pantry staple)
• 1 1/2 cups (360 g) nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Method

• 1

  Step 1: Start the poaching liquid

  In a small saucepan (about 2–3 quart), combine the water, honey, cinnamon stick, pinch of salt, and vanilla (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

• 2

  Step 2: Poach the pears

  Lower the heat so the liquid is at a very gentle simmer (small bubbles). Add the pears cut-side down in a single layer. Cover with a lid and poach 18–25 minutes, turning once halfway, until a knife slides in with little resistance (soft and tender, not collapsing).

• 3

  Step 3: Reduce to a light syrup

  Transfer pears to a bowl. Increase heat to medium and simmer the poaching liquid uncovered 6–10 minutes until reduced by about half and lightly syrupy (it should coat a spoon). Remove the cinnamon stick.

• 4

  Step 4: Mix the cinnamon yogurt

  In a bowl, stir together Greek yogurt and ground cinnamon until smooth and fluffy.

• 5

  Step 5: Serve

  Spoon cinnamon yogurt into two bowls. Top with warm pears and drizzle with 1–3 tbsp of the warm syrup per serving. Let sit 1 minute so the syrup slightly melts into the yogurt (extra cozy).

Tips

• **Pear ripeness matters:** Choose pears that yield slightly at the stem end; very hard pears take longer, very ripe pears can turn mushy.
• **No cinnamon stick?** Use 1 tsp ground cinnamon in the poaching liquid (it’ll look a bit cloudy—still delicious).
• **Make it extra soft:** After poaching, leave pears in the warm liquid off the heat for 10 minutes to gently soften further.
• **Serving idea:** This is lovely with an extra spoonful of syrup on top for a “dessert sauce” effect without heaviness.

Nutrition (per serving, estimate)