How to Make Stained Glass Candied Pears – Stunning Edible Cake Decorations

Candied pears are one of the most breathtaking—and completely edible—decorations you can add to cakes, cupcakes, or gingerbread houses. With their jewel-like translucence, these stained glass candied pears don’t just look beautiful; they taste delicious, too. Imagine a shimmering window in a gingerbread house, delicate leaves next to fondant flowers, or a colorful halo around an elegant cheesecake—these pears can do it all.

The Inspiration Behind My Stained Glass Candied Pears

I first discovered candied pears on the Instagram account @tortikannuchka, where they were painted in soft, velvety tones and arranged around a cake like edible art. Unfortunately, their technique wasn’t shared online, so I went on a mission to create my own version—ideally one that could be made much faster than the 12-hour (or even multi-day!) methods I kept finding.

After many test batches, I cracked the code: a method that takes less than an hour and produces pears that glow like stained glass windows. The result? Thin, colorful, and elegant slices that transform any bake into a show-stopping centerpiece.

My Great American Baking Show Connection

The first time I used these pears on a cake was for my audition for The Great American Baking Show. I created a Pear and Carrot Spice Cake that was judged as being perfectly spiced and beautifully decorated. I wasn’t cast that season, but I tried again—and made it onto the show the following year. Naturally, my stained glass pears had to make an appearance!

On the show, I created a three-tier cheesecake tower that received glowing feedback from the judges. Sherry Yard called my cheesecakes “elevated above any other she had seen or eaten,” while Paul Hollywood described my creation as “stunning and delicious” and said it “belonged in a museum with any other work of art.” Let’s just say there was a happy dance involved.

Here is a photo of my Pear and Ginger Cheesecake Tower with Lemon Ganache and a middle tier of Bananas Foster, proving they’re just as perfect for competition-worthy bakes as they are for a holiday gingerbread house.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Stained Glass Candied Pears

You’ll Need:

• Firm pears (Bartlett or Bosc work best)
• Simple syrup (sugar + water)
• Gel food coloring
• Food-safe paintbrush
• Baking sheet and parchment paper

Instructions:

1. Make Simple Syrup – Combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan, heating until sugar dissolves.
2. Slice the Pears – Cut pears into thin slices (about ⅛ inch). A mandolin gives even slices, but I prefer using a sharp knife for control.
3. Simmer Until Semi-Translucent – Gently cook slices in simple syrup until they begin to turn see-through.
4. Paint the Pears – Mix gel food coloring with a little simple syrup and paint onto each slice with a food-only paint brush.
5. Bake at 300°F for 20 Minutes – Place slices on parchment-lined baking sheets.
6. Glaze and Flip – Brush clear simple syrup on one side, flip, brush the other side, then bake 10 more minutes.
7. Repeat the Glazing Step Twice – This deepens the color and creates the glossy stained glass look.
8. Optional Finishing Touches – While still warm, shape the slices if desired, and paint the edges with edible gold for extra elegance.

Choosing the Best Pears for Candying

Firm pears are key—they should hold their shape during cooking. I often use Bartlett pears for their mild flavor and color, but Bosc pears work beautifully too, especially for more structured slices.

Coloring Tips for Stained Glass Effect

For vibrant, multi-colored pears, stick to painting with gel food coloring after simmering. Green and blue together make an especially striking combination. If you prefer a solid color, add the gel coloring directly to the simmering syrup so the slices absorb the hue evenly.

Creative Ways to Use Candied Pears

• Cake Borders – Surround a cheesecake or layer cake for a glowing, elegant finish.
• Cupcake Toppers – Nestle a single slice into buttercream for an edible showpiece.
• Gingerbread Windows – Use translucent slices for a magical, light-catching effect.
• Fondant Leaves – Paint slices green and place them beside sugar flowers.

For full cake coverage, plan ahead: you’ll need about 5–6 usable slices per pear. Covering an entire cheesecake might require around 6 pears.

Whether you’re competing on a baking show or simply want to wow your friends and family, stained glass candied pears are a quick, beautiful, and fully edible way to elevate your baking. With this method, you can create them in under an hour—no days of drying required!

Candied Pears That Look Like Stained Glass | Edible Decoration for Cakes

Candied Pears are a beautiful and completely edible decoration for cakes, cupcakes, or any other creative baking project. These stained glass candied pears would make a beautiful window in a gingerbread house!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

• Bartlett or Bosc Pears the number depends on your project
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• Gel Food Coloring

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 300°F/152°C.
• Mix 480 mL water and 400 grams of granulated sugar in a saucepan. Thinly slice at least 3 pears all the way across so that you have a cross-section of an entire pear.
• When the sugar is dissolved in the water on the stove, stir and add the pears to the simple syrup. Simmer for 6 – 8 minutes or until you can almost see through the pears. Remove from simple syrup with tongs and lay flat on parchment paper or silpat lined baking sheet.
• Mix about 2 tablespoons of simple syrup in a small cup with 2 drops of gel coloring of your choice. Prepare one bowl for each color you wish to use.
• Using a small clean paintbrush, lightly paint each pear slice as desired. Mottle colors a bit on each slice if using more than one color. Dap with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Flip slices over and paint on the other side. Dap again with paper towel.
• Bake the pears for 20 minutes, paint on some clear simple syrup, turn the slices over, and paint the other side. Bake another 10 minutes and then repeat. Thicker slices will take longer. I generally do one 20 minute bake and three 10 minute bakes, coating in between with simple syrup.
• Remove from the oven and shape immediately if you do not want flat slices. Paint the edges with gold luster dust, if desired.

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