One of my favorite ways to make poached quince is using my slow cooker, easy, hassle-free, and needs simple ingredients like sugar, vanilla bean, cinnamon stick, clove, quinces, and double cream.

To make Poached Quince in your slow cooker or crockpot, start by preparing a syrup with sugar and water, adding split vanilla bean and spices. Place peeled and cored quinces into the syrup, then cook on low for 10 hours. The slow, gentle cooking brings out the beautiful color and texture of the quince.

Using this method has consistently given me a dessert that not only tastes incredible but also fills the kitchen with a warming spice aroma that’s hard to resist.

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What is the best way to peel quince?

Quince has tough skin, so use a sharp vegetable peeler for best results. Make sure to peel the quince just before cooking to prevent it from turning brown due to exposure to air. Immediate placement in the syrup after peeling also helps maintain its color.

Slow Cooker Poached Quince Ingredients

• 1 cup of caster sugar
• 1 vanilla bean, split, and seeds scraped
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cloves
• 1-star anise
• 3 quinces (180g each)
• Zest of one orange
• 1/2 cup of orange juice
• Double cream, lightly whipped with a hint of vanilla extract, to serve

How To Make Slow Cooker Poached Quince

1. Prepare the sugar solution: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of caster sugar with 1 liter of cold water and place it over low heat.
2. Dissolve the sugar: Stir the mixture gently until the sugar fully dissolves, continuing for about 5 minutes, ensuring no granules are left.
3. Infuse the syrup: Increase the heat to medium, allowing the mixture to reach a boil, then remove from heat immediately.
4. Add spices and orange to the cooker: Pour the hot sugar syrup into a 5.5-liter slow cooker. Add the split and scraped vanilla bean, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, and orange zest to infuse.
5. Prepare the quinces: Peel, quarter, and core the quinces, adding each piece directly into the syrup in the slow cooker. Pour in the orange juice to add a citrusy note.
6. Cook and serve: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 10 hours or on high for 6 hours until the quinces are tender and turn a deep red color. Serve the warm quinces with their syrup and a dollop of vanilla-flavored whipped double cream.

How can I tell if a quince is ripe enough for poaching?

A ripe quince is firm, has a bright yellow skin, and emits a fragrant, fruity aroma. If the quince is very hard and odorless, it might need to ripen for a few more days.

Recipe Tips

• Reduce sweetness: If the poached quince is too sweet for your taste, consider reducing the caster sugar to 3/4 cup instead of one full cup to achieve a more subtle sweetness.
• Intensify spices: Add an extra cinnamon stick and two more cloves at the start to deepen the spice flavors in the poached quince, enhancing the overall aroma and taste of the dessert.
• Test for doneness: To check if the quince is perfectly tender, insert a knife into one of the pieces at the end of cooking; it should slide in easily without any resistance.
• Cool before storing: Ensure the poached quince has cooled to room temperature before refrigerating to prevent it from becoming mushy due to condensation.

Recipe Variations

• Add citrus zest: Incorporate a tablespoon of finely grated orange or lemon zest into the syrup before cooking to add a refreshing citrus note to the dish.
• Include other fruits: Add peeled and cored pears to the slow cooker with the quince for a delightful variation that combines different fruit flavors and textures.
• Use dessert wine: Replace half of the water with a dessert wine such as Port or Muscat for a rich, aromatic flavor ideal for special occasions.
• Experiment with different spices: Try adding a pinch of ground cardamom or a few grains of nutmeg to introduce new spice notes that make the recipe your own.
• Reuse the cooking syrup: After enjoying the poached quince, reduce the remaining syrup and drizzle it over ice cream or stir into yogurt for an extra flavor boost.

What To Serve With Poached Quince

Serve your Poached Quince with mascarpone cheese, honey-drizzled Greek yogurt, or a scoop of caramel ice cream. I personally love adding a crunch, so a side of almond biscotti or walnut praline is fantastic.

You can also pair it with a slice of toasted brioche or a delicate puff pastry twist for a delightful texture contrast.

How To Store Leftover Poached Quince

In The Fridge:

To store leftover poached quince, transfer the quince into an airtight container along with its syrup. I usually recommend consuming the stored quince within 5 days for the best quality.

In The Freezer:

Poached quince does not freeze well due to its high moisture content, which can become grainy and lose its delicate texture when thawed. If I were in your place, I would avoid freezing and instead enjoy the quince while it’s fresh or stored in the fridge.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Lotus Biscoff Fudge
• Slow Cooker Gingered Pears
• Slow Cooker Sticky Date Pudding