Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 ripe pears
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pears
Start by prepping the pears. Peel them and cut them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon or a melon baller to remove the seeds and the fibrous core. Place the pear halves on a clean plate and set them aside.
Step 2: Heat the Butter
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Allow it to melt completely and coat the bottom of the skillet evenly.
Step 3: Add the Sugar
Once the butter has melted, sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the melted butter. Stir gently to combine the butter and sugar into a smooth mixture. Continue cooking over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture starts to bubble slightly.
Step 4: Caramelize the Pears
Carefully place the prepared pear halves into the skillet, cut side down. Allow them to cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes or until the cut side has caramelized and turned golden brown. Using a spatula, carefully flip the pears over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is caramelized as well.
Step 5: Add Flavor
Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to the skillet. Stir gently to ensure the pears are evenly coated in the caramel mixture. Cook for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serving Suggestions
Caramelized pears can be enjoyed on their own as a delightful dessert or used as a topping for various sweet treats. For a classic combination, serve them warm alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The contrast of the cold, creamy ice cream with the warm caramelized pears is simply heavenly. You can also drizzle some caramel sauce or sprinkle a handful of chopped nuts over the pears for an extra touch of indulgence.
Caramelized pears are a versatile and elegant dessert option that will impress your guests or simply satisfy your own sweet tooth. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a mouthwatering dish that combines the natural sweetness of pears with the rich flavors of caramel. So go ahead and give this recipe a try – we promise you won’t be disappointed!