Take a twist on the iconic Bananas Foster with this Pears Foster—a flambéed dessert that’s every bit as delicious, if not more. Got a Christmas box of pears staring you down, begging not to go to waste? This is your answer. Ripe pears dance with brown sugar, cinnamon, dark rum, and brandy in a sizzling, boozy blaze, then land warm and syrupy over old-fashioned vanilla ice cream. It’s a sweet rescue mission that’ll leave you licking the spoon!”
Pears Foster Recipe
Pears Foster
Equipment
- 12-inch skillet
- spatula
- large spoon
- ice cream scoop
- long match
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter – unsalted
- 4 ripe pears – peeled, halved & cored
- ¼ cup brown sugar – lightly packed
- ¼ tsp cinnamon – ground
- ¼ cup dark rum
- 1 tbsp brandy
- 1 pint old-fashioned vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet over low heat. Add pears; cook over low heat until tender when pierced with a fork, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir brown sugar and cinnamon into the butter. Turning pear halves to brown both sides, about 4-5 minutes more.
- Remove browned pears and set aside in a serving dish, covering to keep warm.
- Turn off the heat, add rum and brandy to skillet; warm over medium heat.
- When hot, ignite with a long wooden match or long lighter tool; continue cooking until flame goes out.
- Arrange two pear halves in each of 4 individual serving bowls; top with ice cream. Drizzle evenly with warm sauce; serve immediately.
Notes
PRIVATE NOTES
Nutrition
More Information
Pears vs. Bananas: Ripe Matters
Bananas Foster leans on green or just-under-ripe bananas—firm enough to hold their shape when cooked, with a tart edge that balances the sweet sauce. Pears Foster flips the script: ripe pears are the star here. Their juicy, tender flesh softens beautifully in the heat, soaking up the brown sugar and booze without turning to mush. Green pears? Skip them—they’re too hard and lack the sweetness this dessert craves. Look for pears that yield slightly to a gentle squeeze, like Bartlett or Anjou, for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth vibe.
Flambé Fun: Safety and Spectacle
Flambéing is the showstopper of Pears Foster—those flames leaping up as the rum and brandy ignite are pure kitchen theater. To do it safely, use a long-handled lighter or match, and keep your face and hair back from the pan. Pour the liquor into a small heatproof cup first, then add it to the hot skillet off the flame—tilt the pan to catch the fire, or light it manually. Keep a lid handy to smother it if needed, and never pour straight from the bottle (that’s a fire hazard waiting to happen). The fun? Watching the blaze dance while the alcohol burns off, leaving behind a rich, boozy essence—it’s a thrill worth mastering.
Warm Meets Cold: The Perfect Pairing
The magic of Pears Foster lies in the contrast—warm, syrupy pears draped in a cinnamon-spiked, boozy sauce, spooned over chilly old-fashioned vanilla ice cream. The pears, softened and caramelized, sink into the cold cream, melting it just enough to mingle with the sauce. Each bite blends sweet heat with icy coolness, the vanilla cutting through the richness like a dream. It’s a textural tango that keeps you coming back for more.
Best Served Small: Date Night Delight
This dessert shines brightest for an intimate crowd—think date night or a cozy group of four max. It’s fun, it’s delicious, and the flambé adds a touch of romance or wow-factor for a small audience. For bigger parties, the logistics—timing the flambé, scooping ice cream, keeping it hot—can get overwhelming. Keep it simple and special; let the flames flicker for a few, and you’ll nail the vibe every time. Larger crews might sink this ship, but a small table? Smooth sailing!
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Bananas Foster
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