Sauteed Pears with Rich Chocolate Ganache: An Effortlessly Elegant & SEO-Friendly Dessert

Indulge in a truly impressive yet stunningly simple dessert: Sauteed Pears with a luscious chocolate ganache sauce. This exquisite fruit dessert requires only five core ingredients and can be prepared quickly, even on the grill for an added smoky dimension. Discover how this delightful treat elevates the natural sweetness of pears into a sophisticated culinary experience that’s perfect for any occasion. (Skip to the full recipe below.)

We extend our sincere gratitude to California Pears for sponsoring this post, allowing us to share this delightful pear recipe and highlight one of our absolute favorite summer fruits. Their commitment to quality and sustainability makes their pears a truly exceptional choice for this and many other recipes.

A Taste of Childhood: The Magic of Fresh Pears

There are few memories as vivid and cherished as those tied to the simple pleasures of childhood summers. For me, one of the happiest recollections involves biting into a perfectly ripe, juicy pear. The sweet nectar would drip down my chin and onto my wrists, a delightful sticky mess that was a badge of pure, unadulterated joy. I can almost feel the sun beating down, filtering the world into a hazy, shimmering hologram, and the cool grass between my filthy flip-flopped toes. My bare knees, often stained green from countless adventures, would sting ever so slightly, a testament to a day well spent. In the distance, the rhythmic chirping of grasshoppers created a never-ending summer soundtrack, occasionally punctuated by the lazy moo of a cow.

Oh, to be seven again! Back then, summer stretched ahead of us like an endless canvas, and my sisters and I lived outdoors from dawn till dusk. Our days were filled with grand adventures: climbing the highest trees, rolling carefree in the tall, waving grass, and racing through sun-drenched meadows. When the inevitable pangs of hunger threatened to interrupt our escapades, we’d pause just long enough to grab a piece of fruit that our mom would hand out as we ran by. Our small farm near Chilliwack, B.C., was a treasure trove of nature’s bounty. In addition to crisp apples, we had a couple of prolific plum trees, a sturdy walnut tree, and, most importantly, my favorite: a magnificent pear tree. This particular tree consistently produced the most luscious, juicy, golden fruits, each one a bite of pure sunshine. In late summer, my mother would meticulously dry bushels of these aromatic pear halves, laying them out on screens set atop sawhorses. There, under the warm sun, they would slowly transform from ivory-colored, juicy ovals into chewy, golden-brown, leathery ears of sun-kissed fruit. The intense sweetness of a tree-ripened pear, distilled into just a few concentrated, delightful bites, was truly unforgettable.

The Quest for the Perfect Pear: Why California Bartletts Shine

Here in northern Alberta, our climate is far less forgiving for growing fruit. We can only cultivate a few prairie-hardy varieties of pears, which, truth be told, sporadically produce fruits that are often more akin to small, firm rocks than the tender, sweet pears of my childhood. While they can be simmered for hours to make a decent juice, the experience of biting into a truly beautiful, ripe pear with honeyed nectar dripping down our chins remains a distant dream – one that requires us to look southward for gratification.

Thankfully, for those of us north of the border, the sweet, buttery Bartlett pears from California are just coming into season, offering a delicious solution. These exceptional pears are typically available for several precious weeks in July and August, conveniently arriving just before the Canadian pear season begins in late August and September. California pears play a crucial role in extending our North American pear season, allowing us to enjoy these delightful fruits earlier and for a longer duration. What I particularly admire about California pears is that they are grown on approximately 60 small family farms, many of which are leaders in adopting sustainable practices. They prioritize integrated pest control, judicious fertilizer reduction, and overall environmental stewardship. This dedication ensures that when you choose California pears, you are not only getting a superior fruit but also one that has been grown as naturally and responsibly as possible, making them an excellent choice for any conscious consumer.

Selecting and Ripening Your California Bartletts

When you’re ready to enjoy these golden gems, look for California Bartletts in the produce section of your local supermarkets. I often find these luscious beauties in the organic section of my grocery store, a testament to their high quality. It’s important to remember that pears are one of the few fruits that don’t actually ripen on the tree. Instead, they are hand-picked when they are still immature and require time off the tree for their sugars to fully develop and their texture to soften. So, don’t be alarmed if you find them green; that’s exactly how they should be purchased! To ripen them perfectly, simply place them in a bowl on your kitchen counter and allow them four to six days to transform into a beautiful golden hue. A perfectly ripe Bartlett pear should still feel relatively firm, but it will yield slightly when pressed gently at the stem end. Once they achieve this golden, ripe stage, it’s best to refrigerate them to preserve their peak ripeness. They should be enjoyed within 3 to 5 days to experience their optimal flavor and texture.

Pears: A Powerhouse of Nutrition and Flavor

Beyond their delightful taste and versatility in the kitchen, California pears offer a remarkable array of health benefits. I’m particularly fond of the fact that they are packed with beneficial antioxidants, which help protect your body’s cells from damage. Moreover, pears are an excellent source of dietary fiber, contributing significantly to digestive health and promoting a feeling of fullness. A single medium pear can contain an impressive 6 grams of fiber, a mix of both soluble and insoluble types, making them one of the top 10 fruits for fiber content. This powerful combination of fiber aids in regulating blood sugar levels and can help lower cholesterol. Pears are also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, which is vital for immune function, potassium, crucial for maintaining healthy blood pressure, and folic acid, important for cell growth and development. Considering all these benefits, perhaps it’s time we updated the old adage to, “A pear a day keeps the doctor away!” And for those mindful of calorie intake, you’ll be pleased to know that one pear contains only about 100 calories, making them an ideal, healthy, and satisfying summer snack.

Or, as we’re about to explore, the ideal decadent dessert!

From Pears Hélène to Pan-Seared Perfection

My passion for cooking began in childhood, where I found immense joy in experimenting with recipes for my family. My mother owned only one cookbook – an old, well-loved edition of the Fanny Farmer Cookbook – and it was from its pages that I frequently prepared the “Pears Hélène” recipe. This classic dessert traditionally features poached pears with a chocolate sauce made from cocoa powder. My childhood version, however, was simplified; I would make it using mom’s canned pears, and even then, I felt incredibly sophisticated and elegant crafting this “fancy schmancy” dessert (the nuts and whipped cream weren’t even part of that early interpretation!).

The original Pears Hélène, or Poires Belle Hélène, was a creation of the legendary French chef Auguste Escoffier in 1864, named in honor of Jacques Offenbach’s operetta, La Belle Hélène. While Escoffier’s recipe calls for delicately poached pears, I’ve discovered a truly superior method that enhances the natural sweetness and texture of the fruit: sautéing. There’s something undeniably captivating about the rich flavor that develops when pears are browned in butter. This simple technique not only infuses the pears with a wonderful depth of flavor but also offers a much quicker and simpler alternative to the traditional poaching method, making this elegant dessert accessible to everyone.

Sauteed pears with chocolate sauce are a perennial crowd-pleaser, never failing to elicit delighted “oohs” and “ahhs” from guests. The warm, aromatic, buttery pears provide the perfect canvas for a rich, dark chocolate ganache sauce. This interplay of warm fruit and luscious chocolate is further elevated by the delightful crunch from toasted nuts, creating a harmonious trio of textures and truly delectable flavors that will leave a lasting impression.

I still absolutely love making this incredibly easy dessert today. With a simple, two-ingredient chocolate ganache sauce, you can have this on the table in virtually no time at all. This dish offers fantastic flexibility; you can prepare the ganache and toast the nuts ahead of time, then simply zip into the kitchen to sauté the pears quickly while your guests are enjoying coffee after dinner. For an even more relaxed approach, especially during barbecue season, you can even grill the pears on the barbecue if it’s already heated up for your main meal! The subtle smokiness from the grill adds another layer of complexity to the sweet pears.

This is truly simple elegance on a plate – a dessert that tastes gourmet but requires minimal effort. For even more inspiring information and delicious pear recipes, be sure to visit www.calpear.com. You can also explore additional pear recipe links provided at the end of this post for more ways to incorporate these delightful fruits into your culinary repertoire.

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Kitchen Frau Notes: While California Bartlett pears are absolutely ideal for this recipe due to their sweet and juicy nature, this versatile dessert also shines when made with other California-grown pear varieties such as Bosc, Anjou, or Red pears. All offer fantastic flavor and texture profiles when sautéed.

This recipe is designed to yield a bit more chocolate sauce than you might need for just four servings of pears. This is intentional, as it can be challenging to make a very small batch of ganache without the risk of burning it (unless you opt for the microwave method, in which case you can easily halve the sauce ingredients). This quantity of ganache will generously cover up to 8 pear halves. However, we’re confident you won’t have any trouble finding delicious ways to use up any extra sauce! Simply refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to two weeks. It’s incredibly versatile: spread it on toast for a decadent breakfast, warm it slightly and serve it over ice cream or cake, drizzle it over porridge or pancakes, or stir some into warm milk for a luxurious hot chocolate or into your latte to transform it into a café mocha. The chocolate ganache sauce also freezes beautifully, so you can always save it for another sweet craving.

To make ahead: For effortless entertaining, toast the pecans a day or two in advance. The chocolate ganache sauce can also be prepared ahead of time; simply rewarm it gently over low heat or in the microwave for a few seconds, stirring until pourable, just before serving. The pears themselves are best sautéed right before serving, perhaps while you’re clearing away the main course dishes, to ensure they are warm and tender.

A quick squirt of real whipped cream from a can is a perfectly acceptable “cheat” if you don’t wish to whip up a small amount from scratch. (Your secret is safe with us!)

Sauteed Pears with Chocolate Sauce Recipe

Gluten-free; for a dairy-free option, please see notes below.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (30g) pecans (or hazelnuts for a delightful twist)
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream (whipping cream), for a rich ganache
• ½ cup (80g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or your favorite dark chocolate, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons salted butter, for caramelizing the pears
• 2 large pears, firm but perfectly ripe (California Bartlett pears are highly recommended for their sweetness and texture)
• Whipped cream for serving, optional, but adds a luxurious touch

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pecans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread the pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they become wonderfully fragrant and turn a beautiful golden color. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove from the oven, allow them to cool completely, and then coarsely chop them. Set aside. (This step can easily be done ahead of time to save precious minutes when serving.)

2. Make the Chocolate Ganache Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into a small saucepan. Heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it just begins to simmer around the edges – you’ll see small bubbles forming. Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat and add the chocolate chips (or chopped dark chocolate). Stir constantly with a whisk or spatula until the chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Continue to stir occasionally as the ganache cools; it might appear slightly grainy at first, but it will become beautifully thick and smooth as it comes to room temperature. Allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving so it can thicken to a perfect pouring consistency. If it rests too long and becomes too thick, simply reheat it for a few seconds over very low heat or in the microwave and stir, and it will become pourable again.

*Microwave Option for Ganache: Alternatively, combine the cream and chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the cream is hot and the chocolate is melted. Remove from the microwave and continue stirring until completely smooth.

3. Sauté the Pears: Begin by peeling the pears. Carefully cut each pear in half lengthwise. Using a melon baller or a small paring knife, remove the cores and the tough ends, but leave the elegant stems intact for presentation. Melt the salted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is bubbling and fragrant, place the pear halves into the skillet, cut-side down. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, allowing the cut surfaces to become beautifully golden-brown and caramelized. Once caramelized, turn the pear halves over, reduce the heat to low, and cover the skillet with a lid or an overturned plate. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, or until the other sides are also lightly caramelized and the pears are tender when pierced with a fork.

*Grilling Option for Pears: Peel and halve the pears as described above. If the pears are particularly juicy, gently pat them dry with a paper towel. Brush all sides of each pear half generously with melted butter. Place the pear halves, cut-side down, directly onto the grill grates over medium heat. Keep the barbecue lid open and grill for about 5 minutes, until you achieve nice, distinct grill marks. Then, turn the pears over, reduce the grill heat to low, close the barbecue lid, and continue grilling for another 5 minutes, or until the pears are tender.

4. Assemble and Serve: Place one sautéed pear half, cut-side down, onto each individual serving plate. Drizzle approximately one tablespoon of the warm chocolate ganache sauce over the pear, allowing some of the pear to show through. If desired, add a dollop of fresh whipped cream next to the pear. Finish by sprinkling generously with the chopped toasted pecans. Serve warm immediately to enjoy the contrast of temperatures and textures.

*Dairy-Free Option: To make this dessert dairy-free, simply sauté the pears in a bit of coconut oil or olive oil instead of butter. For the ganache, substitute the heavy whipping cream with full-fat canned coconut milk. (Remember to shake or stir the canned coconut milk thoroughly before using to fully incorporate the cream that often separates to the top.)

Serves 4, but remember, this recipe yields enough sauce and nuts to serve up to 8 people. If you’re serving more, simply increase the amount of pears you use. Generally, use ½ of a large pear per serving, or two halves per person if your pears are smaller. Any leftover chocolate sauce and nuts are fantastic for other purposes (refer to the notes above for creative ideas!).

Guten Appetit!

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Ginger Pear Tarts

Confetti Crepes with Chocolate Lentil Cream and Fresh Pears

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Spiced Pear Cranberry Sauce

Bacon Bundles – Pear & Bacon Appetizers