Quince Dessert Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about simmering quinces in a fragrant bath of vanilla, cinnamon, and cloves, as they slowly transform into a tender, rosy-hued delight. As the syrup thickens, creating a luscious, sweet pool for the quinces to nestle in, I love how a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, along with a sprinkle of pistachios, elevates this simple dessert into an experience of pure autumnal indulgence.

I love making desserts that feature unusual fruits, and quinces are ideal for this. Their natural sourness turns sweet when simmered with sugar, vanilla, and spices like cinnamon and cloves.

A tiny bit of lemon juice boosts the flavor, and nuts give the dish some much-needed crunch. Serve this with whipped cream or ice cream, and you’ll have one of the most delightful desserts you can imagine.

Quince Dessert Recipe Ingredients

• Quinces: High in fiber and vitamin C, they add a unique tartness.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a syrupy texture.
• Lemon juice: Adds acidity, enhancing flavor and preserving color.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and a subtle aromatic richness.
• Cinnamon: Offers a comforting, spicy note, enhancing the dessert’s aroma.

Quince Dessert Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 4 quinces
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 whole cloves
• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
• Chopped pistachios or walnuts, for garnish (optional)

How to Make this Quince Dessert Recipe

1. Core and peel the quinces. Cut each into quarters or wedges.

2. In a big pot, mix the water, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, cinnamon stick, and whole cloves. Swirl to dissolve the sugar.

3. Place the pieces of quince in the pot, ensuring that they are under the surface of the liquid.

4. Using medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a boil. Then turn the heat down to low and let it simmer.

5. Simmer the pot, with the lid on, for around
1.5 to 2 hours. The quinces should be tender enough to easily pierce them with a fork, and they should have turned a lovely rosy color.

6. Take the quinces out of the pot and place them in a serving dish.

7. Raise the temperature and bring the leftover syrup to a boil, letting it bubble away for 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, the syrup should concentrate, partially thicken, and become more viscous.

8. Eliminate the cinnamon stick and cloves from the syrup and then pour the reduced syrup over the quinces.

9. Allow the quince dessert to cool to room temperature, or if you prefer, chill it in the refrigerator until it’s cool.

10. Present the quince dessert with one of the following accompaniments—\n\n * A dollop of whipped cream\n * A scoop of vanilla ice cream\n\nand if it pleases you, garnish it with chopped pistachios or walnuts.

Quince Dessert Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Peeler
2. Knife
3. Cutting board
4. Large pot with lid
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Mixing spoon or spatula
8. Fork (for testing tenderness)
9. Serving dish
10. Stove
11. Small strainer or slotted spoon (for removing spices)

FAQ

• Q: What can I use if I can’t find fresh quinces?If fresh quinces are not available, you can use canned quinces; however, reduce the sugar in the recipe because canned quinces are usually sweetened.
• Q: Can this recipe be made ahead of time?A: Yes, dessert can be made a day in advance. Quince can be stored in the refrigerator and gently reheated before serving.
• Q: Is it necessary to peel quinces before cooking?A: Yes, you must peel quinces prior to cooking. Their skin is tough and somewhat bitter.
• Q: Can I substitute the spices in this recipe?A: Spices can be adjusted to suit your taste. You might use cardamom pods or star anise instead of the cinnamon stick and cloves.
• Q: How do I know when the quinces are fully cooked?When they are pierced with a fork and have turned a deeper pinkish hue, quinces are done. They are tender at that point.
• Q: What’s the best way to serve this dessert?A: The quince dessert can be served warm or at room temperature with hyper-dense whipped cream that can hold its shape, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a smattering of roughly chopped nuts. The dessert is not terribly sweet; I think the quince has more flavor than most of the fruit that’s cooked and served for dessert.
• Q: Can this recipe be made without sugar?A: While sugar balances the quince’s tartness, you can utilize a sugar substitute for a lower-sugar option, keeping in mind that this might slightly alter the final flavor and texture.

Quince Dessert Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Sugar in granulated form: Replace it, in equal measure, with honey or maple syrup, natural sweeteners that will work just as well.
Vanilla extract: For a different flavor profile, try using almond extract or a splash of rum.
Cinnamon stick: Substitute 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Cloves that are whole: If you lack whole cloves, use a very small amount of ground cloves.
Try Greek yogurt or coconut cream for a lighter option than whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Pro Tips

1. Choose Ripe Quinces: Make sure to select ripe quinces for the best flavor and texture. They should be yellow with a pleasant fragrance, indicating their readiness.