Golden Caramelized Pear Burrata

This golden caramelized pear and burrata towers recipe blends silky creamy cheese with warm spiced pears for an elegant yet simple dessert or appetizer. The poached pears develop a delicate sweetness with hints of vanilla and cinnamon, perfectly balanced by the luscious burrata and mascarpone mixture. It’s a dish that always wows guests without requiring complicated steps.

I first made this dish for a dinner party when pears were in season, and it quickly became the star of the evening. Now it’s my go-to when I want a dessert that feels special but doesn’t keep me in the kitchen all day.

Ingredients

• Firm pears such as Corella or Beurre Bosc: they hold their shape well during poaching
• Water and brown sugar: create a gently sweet poaching liquid
• Cinnamon stick and split vanilla bean: infuse warm aromatic flavors into the pears
• Lemon zest strip: adds brightness and balances the sweetness
• Maple syrup: brings a rich, natural sweetness for the caramel glaze
• Unsalted butter: lends a silky finish to the caramel
• Wattleseed (optional): for a subtle Australian nutty note
• Burrata balls: creamy, fresh Italian cheese that forms the base of the cheese mixture
• Mascarpone: adds richness and smoothness to the cheese blend
• Honey: lightly sweetens the cheese mixture without overpowering
• Pomegranate seeds: provide a juicy, tart contrast and a burst of color
• Chopped macadamias: add a satisfying crunch and buttery flavor
• Fresh thyme sprigs: aromatic herbal note and garnish

Instructions

Scoop and Slice Pears:

Peel the pears carefully and core them from the bottom to keep the stems intact; this helps the pieces hold together when stacking. Then slice each pear horizontally into three equal rings.

Prepare the Poaching Liquid:

In a saucepan, combine the water, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, split vanilla bean, and lemon zest strip. Bring to a gentle simmer to let the flavors meld.

Poach Pear Slices:

Add the pear rings into the poaching liquid and cook gently for about 15 minutes until the pears are tender but still hold their shape. Remove them carefully and let cool to room temperature.

Make the Caramel Glaze:

In a separate pan, simmer the maple syrup and unsalted butter over medium heat until the mixture thickens slightly into a caramel glaze. If using wattleseed, stir it in now to infuse a subtle, nutty aroma.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

In a bowl, combine torn burrata, mascarpone, and honey. Stir gently until you have a smooth, creamy blend that will be easy to dollop between pear slices.

Assemble the Towers:

Start with the bottom pear slice, add a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture, place the middle pear slice on top, add more cheese mixture, then finish with the pear top.

Finish and Serve:

Drizzle the warm caramel glaze lovingly over each tower. Sprinkle pomegranate seeds, chopped macadamias, and fresh thyme leaves on and around the towers. Serve the dish slightly warm or at room temperature to allow all the flavors to bloom beautifully.

Burrata is my favorite ingredient in this recipe. Its creamy texture feels indulgent but fresh, and it pairs magically with the warmth of caramel and the slight crunch of nuts. I still remember the first time I served this dish at a family gathering; it became an instant favorite, sparking requests for the recipe by everyone at the table.

Storage Tips

Store any assembled towers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to two days but are best enjoyed fresh for maximum creaminess. Keep the caramel glaze separate if you want to avoid it softening the pears and nuts.

Ingredient Substitutions

Pears can be swapped with firm apples for a different but equally delicious flavor. If you cannot find burrata, a creamy fresh mozzarella combined with a little ricotta can mimic the texture reasonably well. Walnuts or almonds can replace macadamias if preferred.

Serving Suggestions

These towers pair beautifully with a crisp white wine or a lightly sparkling rosé. For a brunch option, try serving alongside toasted nut bread to soak up the glaze and cheese. Garnish extra thyme for a fresh herbal aroma.

This recipe combines elegant flavors with simple techniques for an impressive dish that’s quick to prepare and sure to delight.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What type of pears work best for this dish?

Firm pears like Corella or Beurre Bosc hold their shape well when poached, providing the right texture for layering.

→ Can wattleseed be omitted?

Yes, wattleseed adds a subtle nutty note but is optional and can be skipped without impacting the main flavors.

→ How is the caramelized sauce prepared?

Maple syrup and butter are gently simmered until thickened, offering a rich, sweet glaze that complements the pears.

→ What is the best way to assemble the towers?

Layer pear slices alternated with creamy burrata-mascarpone mixture, then drizzle with warm caramel and garnish with pomegranate and nuts.

→ Can this be served chilled or should it be warm?

It can be served slightly warm or at room temperature to best enjoy the flavors’ full expression.