Dutch Stewed Cinnamon Pears in Red Wine (Stoofpeertjes)
Traditional Dutch comfort dessert featuring whole pears slowly simmered in spiced red wine with warming cinnamon and cloves. The long, gentle cooking transforms firm pears into tender, wine-infused treats with deep burgundy color and complex flavors. Perfect for cold weather entertaining or as an elegant finish to hearty meals. This authentic stoofpeertjes recipe uses black currant liqueur for extra depth and richness that sets it apart from simpler versions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Peel the pears and leave whole
- 2
Stab the lemon rind with the cloves
- 3
Put the pears, lemon zest, cinnamon sticks and sugar in a large pan and pour in the red wine and liqueur
- 4
Add enough water to just cover the pears
- 5
Bring to the boil and leave the pears to simmer, covered, for 2.5 hours until tender
- 6
Lift the pears carefully out of the pan and serve on a plate with cinnamon ice cream and thick whipped cream
Tips
Choose firm pears that hold their shape during long cooking, such as Bosc or Anjou varieties.
Reserve some cooking liquid to drizzle over pears for extra flavor and glossy presentation.
Make a day ahead as flavors develop and intensify overnight in the refrigerator.
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered up to 4 days. Flavors improve with time.
Make 1-3 days ahead. Reheat gently before serving or serve chilled.
Serve warm or at room temperature with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or custard.
Common Mistakes
Use firm pears to avoid mushy texture after long cooking
Keep heat low during simmering to prevent breaking apart
Don't skip covering with liquid to ensure even cooking
Substitutions
use grape juice with splash of vinegar
FAQ
Can I use different types of pears?
Yes, but choose firm varieties like Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett that hold their shape during long cooking. Avoid very ripe or soft pears.
What if I don't have black currant liqueur?
Substitute with port wine, brandy, or even grape juice with a splash of balsamic vinegar for complexity.
How long do these keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after the first day as the pears absorb more of the spiced wine.