Tulsi Masala Chai Spiced Baked Pears

Baked pears poached in Tulsi Masala Chai offer a simple dessert that feels much more special than the effort required. The chai-infused syrup caramelises around the fruit, which pairs beautifully with coconut yoghurt.

Ingredients

• 3 Tulsi Masala Chai tea bags
• 2 cups just-boiled water
• ¼ cup coconut sugar or maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 firm pears, halved and cored
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Optional: 3–4 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
• Coconut yoghurt to serve

Step-by-step method

1. Preheat oven to 180°C and place pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish.
2. Steep tea bags in boiled water for 8–10 minutes, then remove and stir in coconut sugar and vanilla.
3. Pour the chai mixture over the pears, add cinnamon stick and cardamom if using.
4. Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes, then uncover and bake a further 15–20 minutes, basting occasionally, until pears are tender and syrupy.

Why this tea?

Tulsi Masala Chai brings warming spices and Tulsi together, adding depth to the baking syrup while keeping the dessert relatively light. The spiced tea reduces in the oven, coating the pears in a glossy, aromatic glaze.

Variations & FAQs

• Swap pears for apples or quinces depending on the season and cooking time.
• Serve with a crumble of toasted nuts and seeds if you want extra crunch instead of yoghurt.