If you’ve ever been in search of a garnish that’s both elegant and easy to make, these candied pear slices are the perfect choice. These thin, caramelized pear slices make a beautiful addition to desserts or cheese platters, and they’re surprisingly easy to make.
I made a Kabocha Squash Swiss Roll with Apple-Pear Jam and Kinako Cream for Thanksgiving dinner, and used the candied pear slices as a garnish. I got so many compliments on them! They really elevated the dessert and added a touch of sophistication, transforming it from a simple treat into a showstopper.
Let me know if you try this recipe and how you plan to use your candied pear slices! Would love to hear your ideas in the comments below. 😊
Tips for Perfect Candied Pear Slices
- Choose the right pears: Ripe but firm pears are ideal for this recipe. Overripe pears may become too soft and mushy during baking, so go for those that still have a bit of bite.
- Slice evenly: The key to even cooking and crisping is cutting your pear slices uniformly. Using a mandoline slicer ensures consistent thickness, which helps the slices bake evenly.
- Add flavor: While the basic recipe is simple, feel free to experiment with flavorings! A dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a drizzle of honey can give your candied pear slices a unique twist.
Creative Ways to Use Candied Pear Slices
- Elegant Cake Garnish: Candied pear slices make the perfect garnish for cakes, especially spiced cakes, cheesecakes, or tarts. The crispy texture pairs beautifully with moist cake, adding a lovely contrast in both texture and flavor.
- Cheese Platters: Add a touch of sweetness to your cheese board with these candied pear slices. They pair wonderfully with soft cheeses like Brie, goat cheese, or blue cheese.
- Fall Salads: Toss these candied pear slices into a fresh salad with arugula, walnuts, and crumbled goat cheese. The sweetness of the pears complements the earthy, tangy flavors of the salad ingredients.
- Sweet Snacks: Eat them as a light snack or treat, especially when paired with a cup of hot tea or coffee. They’re a healthier alternative to candy, but still satisfy that sweet tooth!
- Ice Cream Topping: For a unique twist, add these candied pear slices to vanilla ice cream or gelato. They add a crunchy, caramelized contrast to the creamy dessert.
- Breakfast or Oatmeal Topping: Add a few candied pear slices to your morning oatmeal, yogurt, or pancakes for an elegant breakfast with a sweet, satisfying crunch.
Candied Pear Slices
These Candied Pear Slices are a sweet and crunchy, perfect for adding a delicate, caramelized touch to desserts or enjoying on their own. Thinly sliced pears are coated in sugar and baked until golden and crisp, creating an elegant garnish for cakes, pastries, or cheese platters.
Equipment
- baking sheet
- silicone baking mat or parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1 Bosc or Anjou Pear
- cane or granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300F. Prepare a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
- Using a mandoline slicer, carefully slice the pear into thin, even pieces.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of sugar onto a plate and place a slice of pear on top. Sprinkle more sugar over the pear slice and gently press the sugar into the fruit to help it adhere. Carefully transfer the coated pear slice to a baking sheet and repeat the process with the remaining pear slices until all are coated.
- Bake the pears for approximately 12 minutes, or until they appear dehydrated and begin to take on a golden color. Keep a close eye on the pears during the last half of the baking time, as they can easily burn once they start to dehydrate.
- Allow the candied pear crisps to cool completely. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between each crisp to prevent them from sticking together until you are ready to use them.
