This slow cooker pomegranate poached pears is a vegan and gluten free treat that is refined sugar free! Perfect for healthy entertaining this holiday season!
The holidays are coming and I know I’m always looking for healthy dessert recipes that will satisfy a wide range of palates and dietary restrictions. These Slow Cooker Pomegranate Poached Pears are one of my favourites for the winter months because they’re vegan, gluten free, refined sugar free and always impress. There is nothing more exciting then coming home to the smell of fragrant baking spices in the house- especially knowing that I’ll get to tuck into something sweet after supper.
How to Make Slow Cooker Pomegranate Poached Pears
Now, as you look at the ingredients in my slow cooker pomegranate poached pears, you’ll notice I don’t use any white or brown sugar here- my sweetener of choice is the super trendy ingredient- pomegranate molasses. Oh yes, yum. This stuff is literally just pomegranate juice boiled down to a satisfying syrup that’s sticky, sweet, tangy and really fruity. If you go to Israel or anywhere in the Middle East, you’ll see it used everywhere in both sweet and savoury preparations. Honestly, I’m obsessed with the stuff and have been busting it out all over town. Usually you can find it in the “International” section of your grocery store, but if not, just substitute honey or brown sugar.
I also like using petite forelle pears in this slow cooker pomegranate poached pears recipe because they look super elegant in a little dessert dish for a dinner party and are a much more manageable size for most folks after dinner. The result is a low sugar, nutrient dense dessert that let us enjoy the holidays without the sugar-fueled bloat.
Tell me friends:
What’s your go-to healthy recipe to stay on track this holiday season?
Have you tried making delicious slow cooker pomegranate poached pears?
Let me know your thoughts!
Slow Cooker Pomegranate Poached Pears
Ingredients
Poached Pears
- 8 forelle pears
- 2 1/2 cups pomegranate juice
- 1 1/2 cups late harvest Riesling
- 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Rind from half an orange
- 1 inch piece of ginger peeled and sliced
- Vanilla bean split (seeds and pod)
Garnish
- 1 cup pomegranate arils
- 1/2 cup pistachios
- 4 cups Coconut Yogurt for serving
- Orange twists for garnish
Instructions
- Peel pears and remove the core with a melon baller. Transfer to the slowcooker with the juice, wine, molasses, cinnamon stick, orange, ginger, and vanilla bean. Cook on low for 3-4 hours.
- Before serving, reduce the poaching liquid over high heat on the stove until thick and syrupy, about 8- 10 minutes.
- Serve on a bed of yogurt with a drizzle of sauce, almonds and pomegranate seeds.
Nutrition
Updated on October 23rd, 2020
Abbey Sharp is a Registered Dietitian (RD), regulated by the Ontario College of Dietitians. She is a mom, YouTuber, Blogger, award winning cookbook author, media coach specializing in food and nutrition influencers, and a frequent contributor to national publications like Healthline and on national broadcast TV shows.
Sara says
Looks Delish!
Dale says
Sounds Yummy!
Abbey Sharp says
so glad you like