Sweet and Elegant Caramel Dipped Pears

Indulge in the simple elegance of Caramel Dipped Pears, a dessert that combines the juicy sweetness of fresh pears with the rich decadence of homemade caramel. Perfect for holiday dinners, romantic evenings, or a special treat for brunch, these pears are as visually stunning as they are delicious. The combination of fresh fruit, silky caramel, and optional toppings like nuts or sea salt creates a dessert that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Easy to make and impossible to resist, this recipe will become a staple in your dessert repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Elegant and easy: Minimal effort, maximum wow factor
  • Perfect balance: Juicy pears meet rich, silky caramel
  • Customizable toppings: Sea salt, crushed nuts, or chocolate drizzle
  • Versatile dessert: Ideal for brunch, dinner parties, or holiday gatherings
  • Quick to prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes for a stress-free treat

Ingredients

Overhead flat lay of ingredients for caramel-dipped pears

  • 4 ripe pears, halved and cored
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional toppings: crushed pecans, walnuts, or sea salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step-by-step collage showing preparation of caramel-dipped pears

  1. Prepare Pears: Wash, halve, and core the pears. Pat them dry and set aside.
  2. Make Caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water. Stir gently until sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and allow it to cook until it turns a deep amber color.
  3. Add Cream and Butter: Carefully add heavy cream and butter to the caramel (it will bubble vigorously). Stir until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
  4. Dip Pears in Caramel: Holding the pear halves by the stem, dip each pear into the warm caramel until coated. Place on a parchment-lined tray.
  5. Add Toppings (Optional): Sprinkle pears with crushed nuts or sea salt while caramel is still warm.
  6. Cool Slightly: Allow the pears to cool for 5–10 minutes to let the caramel set slightly before serving.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve pears on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

Tips & Variations

  • Vegan option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a plant-based butter substitute.
  • Extra flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the caramel.
  • Chocolate drizzle: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over the pears for a decadent twist.
  • Mini pears: Use small pear varieties for bite-sized desserts at parties.
  • Storage: Best enjoyed immediately, but can be stored in the refrigerator for a few hours; rewarm gently before serving.

Storage & Freezer Instructions

  • Refrigerate dipped pears for up to 4 hours in an airtight container.
  • Avoid freezing, as the caramel may separate and pears may become mushy.
  • Reheat gently in a warm oven for 3–5 minutes if needed.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

Caramel-dipped pears plated with extra drizzle and nuts

  • Pair with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or mascarpone for creamy contrast.
  • Serve with a drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for extra flavor.
  • Ideal alongside hot tea, coffee, or a spiced cider.
  • Garnish with fresh mint or edible flowers for an elegant presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned pears?

Canned pears are softer and may not hold their shape when dipped. Fresh, firm pears are best for this recipe.

How can I prevent caramel from hardening too quickly?

Keep the caramel warm over low heat and dip pears immediately after making the caramel.

Can I make caramel ahead of time?

Yes, but store it in a heatproof container and gently rewarm before dipping pears.

How do I get smooth caramel without crystallization?

Do not stir the sugar once it starts boiling; swirl the pan gently instead. Adding a little water at the start helps dissolve sugar evenly.

Ready to Make It?

These Caramel Dipped Pears are elegant, sweet, and effortlessly delicious. Juicy pears paired with rich, golden caramel create a dessert that’s perfect for holidays, brunch, or any time you want a simple yet sophisticated treat.

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Juicy pears coated in caramel with optional nut topping

Caramel Dipped Pears


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  • Author: Myla
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Elegant caramel dipped pears with optional nuts or sea salt, perfect for festive desserts or brunches.


Ingredients

Scale

4 ripe pears, halved and cored

1 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup water

1/2 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Optional toppings: crushed pecans, walnuts, or sea salt


Instructions

1. Wash, halve, and core pears. Pat dry.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water; stir gently until sugar dissolves. Stop stirring and cook until deep amber.

3. Carefully add heavy cream and butter, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and add vanilla and salt.

4. Holding pear halves by the stem, dip each pear into warm caramel and place on parchment-lined tray.

5. Sprinkle with crushed nuts or sea salt while caramel is warm.

6. Allow pears to cool 5-10 minutes for caramel to set.

7. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

Use firm pears for best results.

Vegan option: use coconut cream and plant-based butter.

Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the caramel for extra flavor.

Mini pears can be used for bite-sized desserts.

Store dipped pears in refrigerator for a few hours; rewarm gently before serving.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Dipped/Baked
  • Cuisine: American-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pear half
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 5mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

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