Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack or something delicious to serve as a dessert, these Slow Cooker Poached Pears are sure to become a seasonal favorite. This method of preparing poached pears involves using a crock pot, allowing for a hands-off and effortless cooking process.

Desserts made in the slow cooker are some of my favorite, especially Slow Cooker Peach Cobbler and Slow Cooker Warm Berry Compote.

What are poached pears?

Poaching pears is a dessert dish where pears are gently simmered in a sweet and flavorful liquid until they become tender and infused with the surrounding flavors. The poaching liquid typically consists of water, sugar, and various warm spices, such as cinnamon, cloves, or vanilla, which impart a rich and aromatic taste to the pears.

Delicious poached pears can be served warm or chilled, often with a drizzle of the reduced poaching liquid as a sauce. They are a versatile dessert and can be enjoyed on their own or paired with other accompaniments like ice cream, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of nuts. I like to make a batch for my family to enjoy over a relaxing weekend and to share with guests who are visiting. If you love this poached pears recipe, you will love my Slow Cooker Baked Apples recipe.

Recipe Ingredients

• Pears: You’ll only need about 6 fresh pears, which offer a firm texture and sweet taste, perfect for absorbing the slow-cooked flavors. I prefer to use Bosc pears.
• Apple Juice: Sweet and fruity apple juice provides a natural liquid base to enhance the poaching liquid’s taste. You can also use apple cider.
• Maple Syrup: Adds a nice sweetness to the crockpot cooked pears.
• Brown Sugar: A deeply flavored sugar that contributes a caramel-like sweetness to the poaching liquid.
• Ground Cloves: These will add a hint of spice and complexity to the tasty dessert.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds a classic and comforting spice to this delicious pear recipe.
• Cinnamon Sticks: Whole cinnamon sticks enhance the warm and aromatic flavors throughout the slow cooking process.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step One – In a small bowl whisk together the apple juice, maple syrup, cloves, cinnamon and brown sugar.

Step Two – Add the pears to the slow cooker on their sides.

Step Three – Pour over the juice mixture and add the cinnamon sticks.

Step Four – Cook on LOW for 4 hours, turning the pears at the half way point so they cook evenly. If your pears are over ripe you won’t have to cook as long. Serve poached pears warm and enjoy!

How to Serve

• Serve poached pears whole or cut in half with the seeds removed with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Drizzle over the sauce from the slow cooker for extra flavor.
• If you want to add a bit of a crunch to the pear dessert, sprinkle some chopped nuts, such as toasted almonds or walnuts.
• You can also layer slices or chunks of slow cooker poached pears with vanilla yogurt or Greek yogurt in individual parfait glasses. Drizzle some of the reduced poaching liquid over each layer. Top the parfait with a sprinkle of granola for added crunch and a touch of honey for extra sweetness.

Recipe FAQs