Baked Pears Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s the perfect blend of cozy and sweet, making it the ultimate autumn treat that feels like a warm hug. Plus, the toppings are customizable, so I can go all out with crunchy pecans or keep it simple with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making it versatile enough for any mood or occasion!

I adore crafting straightforward but sophisticated sweets, and my recipe for baked pears is a perfect dessert for fall evenings. It is quite simple to prepare; in fact, it is so easy that I wonder if it should even be called a recipe.

Yet the result is elegant, with ripe, warm pears emerging from the oven all but singing with their delightful natural sweetness.

Ingredients

Pears are rich in fiber, which helps digestion, and they provide natural sweetness.

Butter (unsalted): Lends richness and a creamy consistency to the baked pears.

Honey or maple syrup: Sweeteners that are natural and enhance flavor without using refined sugars.

The extract of vanilla: imparts sweet aroma, elevating the flavor profile across the board.

Cinnamon: Yields warmth and a slight spiciness to the dish.

Walnuts or pecans, when chopped, deliver healthful fats, protein, and a satisfying crunch.

Cranberries or Raisins, Dried: They provide a chewy texture and an explosion of sweet-tart flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

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• 4 ripe pears, halved and cored
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
• 1/4 cup granola (optional, for topping)
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving (optional)

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Instructions

1. The oven should be heated ahead of time to 375°F (190°C).

2. Place the pear halves in a baking dish, cut side showing.

3. Combine the melted butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg in a small bowl. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

4. Evenly drizzle the butter and spice mix over the pears.

5. Should you choose to use them, chopped walnuts or pecans and dried cranberries or raisins can be sprinkled over the pears.

6. The baking dish should be covered with aluminum foil to stop the pears from drying out.

7. Place in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the pears are tender and caramelized.

8. Continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, removing the foil in step one, to allow the tops to brown a little.

9. Remove the pears from the oven and allow them to cool a bit.

10. The warm baked pears are served with a light dusting of granola, a generous helping of vanilla ice cream, and—if you prefer—a simple dollop of whipped cream.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking dish
3. Small bowl
4. Whisk
5. Aluminum foil
6. Spoon for drizzling
7. Knife (for halving and coring pears)
8. Measuring spoons
9. Measuring cup

FAQ

• Q: Can I use pears that are not fully ripe?A: It is preferable to utilize mature pears for this dish, as they will emerge from the oven soft and sugary. If you have only unripe pears on hand, you might want to consider prolonging the recipe’s baking duration.
• Q: What type of pears work best?Bosc and Anjou pears are excellent options since they maintain their form superbly throughout the baking process.
• Q: Can I substitute the butter with a non-dairy option?Yes, you can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute for a non-dairy version.
• Q: Do I have to use nuts and dried fruits?A: No, these are not required. You can leave them out or substitute them with toppings of your choice.
• Q: How do I make this recipe gluten-free?A: Use gluten-free granola or skip it so that the recipe can be called gluten-free.
• Q: Can I make this ahead of time?Q: Can you prepare the pears in advance of the dinner party, or are they like the soufflé in that they cannot be made ahead of time?

  A: Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate the pears a few hours in advance. Bake them just before serving for best results.

• Q: What are some serving suggestions?B: These baked pears are a delight to serve warm with vanilla ice cream or top with whipped cream.

Substitutions and Variations

You can use agave nectar or brown sugar in place of honey or maple syrup.
Substituting ground cardamom or allspice for ground cinnamon is an option.
You can use ground ginger instead of ground nutmeg, or if you prefer, you can use nothing at all.
If you have a nut allergy, you can eliminate the nuts from this recipe or replace them with chopped almonds.
Chopped dried apricots or dates can be substituted for chopped dried apricots or dates.

Pro Tips

1. Choose pears that are ripe but firm to ensure they hold their shape during baking. Bosc or Anjou pears work particularly well for this recipe.

2. For added flavor complexity, try infusing the melted butter with a pinch of sea salt before mixing it with the other ingredients.

3. If you want a richer flavor, brown the butter slightly by heating it until it turns a nutty golden color before mixing it with the honey or maple syrup.

4. To enhance the nutty flavor, lightly toast the chopped walnuts or pecans in a dry pan before using them as a topping.

5. For a deeper caramelization, sprinkle a little brown sugar over the pears before placing them in the oven. This will give them a rich, sweet crust as they bake.