5-Star Cardamom Panna Cotta with Pears – Elegant & Easy

Elegant Cardamom Panna Cotta with Poached Pears Recipe | MagicInKitchen.com

Cardamom Panna Cotta with Poached Pears Recipe

Discover a creamy cardamom panna cotta with poached pears recipe. A perfect gourmet dessert for holidays or dinner parties at MagicInKitchen.com.

Introduction

Looking to impress guests with a sophisticated yet surprisingly easy dessert? This Cardamom Panna Cotta with Poached Pears recipe checks all the boxes for elegance, flavor, and seasonal flair. Combining the aromatic warmth of cardamom with the delicate sweetness of wine-poached pears, this dish is both luxurious and approachable. Whether you’re preparing a special holiday dinner or a romantic date night at home, this panna cotta with spiced pears will become your new signature dessert.

Ingredients List

For the Cardamom Panna Cotta:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom (or 6 crushed cardamom pods)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 teaspoons unflavored gelatin powder
• 3 tablespoons cold water

For the Poached Pears:

• 2 firm Bosc or Anjou pears, peeled, halved, and cored
• 1 1/2 cups dry white wine (or apple juice for alcohol-free version)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 whole cloves
• 1 strip of lemon peel

Preparation Instructions

1. Bloom the gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
2. Heat the cream mixture: In a saucepan, combine cream, milk, sugar, cardamom, and vanilla. Warm over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
3. Incorporate gelatin: Remove cream mixture from heat. Stir in bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.
4. Strain and chill: Strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove any cardamom seeds or clumps. Pour into ramekins or dessert glasses. Chill for at least 4 hours or until set.
5. Prepare the poached pears: In a medium saucepan, combine wine (or juice), sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, and lemon peel. Bring to a simmer, then add pear halves. Poach for 20–25 minutes or until pears are tender.
6. Cool and slice: Let the pears cool in the liquid. Once cool, slice thinly or dice for topping.
7. Assemble and serve: Top each panna cotta with slices of poached pear before serving. Optionally drizzle some poaching syrup over the top for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pear panna cotta dessert chilled in elegant glassware, garnished with mint or a small twist of lemon zest. It pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or sparkling water. Ideal for holiday gatherings, upscale dinner parties, or a cozy autumn meal, this cardamom cream dessert can also be made ahead for stress-free entertaining.

FAQ

Q: Can I make this dessert ahead of time? A: Absolutely. The panna cotta needs several hours to set, and the pears can be poached a day in advance.

Q: Can I use ground cardamom instead of pods? A: Yes. While crushed pods offer more complexity, 1.5 teaspoons of ground cardamom works perfectly.

Q: What if I don’t have white wine? A: Apple juice is a great alcohol-free alternative that still complements the pears.

Q: Can I use gelatin sheets instead of powder? A: Yes, substitute 3 gelatin sheets and follow standard blooming instructions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy cardamom panna cotta stands out for its rich, velvety texture and the subtle yet distinct spice from the cardamom, perfectly balanced by the sweet-tart poached pears. It’s a gourmet panna cotta recipe that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or trying your hand at panna cotta with fruit topping for the first time, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

Conclusion & Call-to-Action

Elegant and unforgettable, this cardamom panna cotta with poached pears recipe brings together creamy texture and fragrant spices in one beautiful dish. It’s easy enough for a beginner and impressive enough for a special occasion. Try it this season and let us know your favorite twist in the comments!

For more gourmet treats like this, visit MagicInKitchen.com/desserts/ and explore our curated selection of homemade dessert recipes.