Poached Pear Yogurt Bowls: Elegant Meets Everyday
Silky poached pears nestled on creamy yogurt and topped with crunchy granola — this bowl feels gourmet yet is surprisingly simple. It’s light, nourishing, and beautiful enough to serve at brunch.

Poached pears are a classic French dessert, often simmered gently in spiced syrup or wine until tender and fragrant. This recipe takes that elegant element and transforms it into a wholesome breakfast or snack by pairing it with Greek yogurt, granola, and honey.
It’s a dish that strikes the balance between indulgence and health — comforting, refreshing, and visually stunning.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Elegant but Easy: Looks fancy, but only takes 20 minutes.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Versatile: Works with different spices and toppings.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Poach pears ahead and build bowls when ready.
- Instagram-Worthy: Gorgeous presentation every time.
Poached Pear Yogurt Bowls
Ingredients
- Ingredients List
- Pears – 2 ripe but firm Bosc or Bartlett work best.
- Water – 2 cups.
- Honey or maple syrup – 2 tbsp.
- Cinnamon stick – 1.
- Vanilla extract – ½ tsp or vanilla bean.
- Plain or Greek yogurt – 2 cups.
- Granola – ½ cup any variety.
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts fresh berries, or extra drizzle of honey.
Instructions
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare pears: Peel pears, cut in half, and core them gently with a spoon.
- Poach: In a saucepan, add water, honey, cinnamon stick, and vanilla. Bring to a simmer. Add pears and cook for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and fragrant.
- Cool slightly: Remove pears from the liquid and let them cool to warm or room temperature.
- Assemble bowls: Spoon yogurt into bowls, top with poached pear halves, sprinkle with granola, and drizzle with extra honey.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for later.
Pro Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor: Poach pears in apple cider or white wine instead of water.
- Spice it up: Add star anise, cloves, or cardamom pods to the poaching liquid.
- Make it vegan: Use plant-based yogurt and maple syrup.
- Storage: Keep poached pears in an airtight container with their liquid for up to 4 days.
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast: Pair with coffee or chai for a nourishing start.
- Dessert: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream instead of yogurt.
- Brunch: Serve in clear glass bowls for a beautiful presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I poach pears ahead of time?
Yes! Store them in the poaching liquid in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Can I use canned pears?
You can, but fresh poached pears give a much better flavor and texture.
Do I need to peel the pears?
Yes, peeling gives a smooth, silky texture — but you can leave the skins if you prefer rustic style.