If you’re looking for a dessert that feels both luxurious and incredibly easy to whip up, this Simple Baked Pears Recipe is just what you need. Imagine tender pears caramelized to perfection, infused with warm cinnamon and a touch of honey, all topped with crunchy nuts that add the perfect contrast. It’s a delightfully wholesome treat that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, making it a favorite for cozy nights or when you want to impress guests without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are beautifully straightforward, yet each one plays a key role in turning humble pears into a dessert that sings with warmth, sweetness, and texture. From the mellow creaminess of butter to the aromatic cinnamon that gently spices things up, every component enhances the final dish.
- Pears (4 medium, Bosc or Anjou, peeled, cored, and halved): The star of the show, pears provide tender sweetness and soften beautifully when baked.
- Brown Sugar (1/4 cup): Adds caramel notes and helps create a lovely glaze on the pears as they bake.
- Honey or Maple Syrup (1-2 tablespoons, optional): Offers an extra layer of natural sweetness and a slight floral touch.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Introduces a warm spice that complements the fruit’s juicy flavor perfectly.
- Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Enriches the pears with creamy silkiness and aids browning.
- Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (1/4 cup): Adds crunch and a toasty flavor contrast to the tender fruit.
How to Make Simple Baked Pears Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) — this ensures the pears cook evenly and develop a beautifully soft texture. While the oven warms, peel, core, and halve your pears, getting them ready for the luscious spice and sugar bath.
Step 2: Mix the Sugar and Spice
In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. This simple mixture is what transforms the pears, infusing them with a fantastic balance of caramel sweetness and spice that will make your taste buds sing.
Step 3: Coat and Arrange the Pears
Take each pear half and coat it thoroughly with the sugar mixture. Then, arrange them cut-side up in your baking dish with a bit of space between so the heat can circulate beautifully and cook them evenly.
Step 4: Add Nuts and Drizzle Honey
Sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans over the pears for that irresistible textural contrast. If you like, drizzle honey or maple syrup on top to elevate the natural sweetness and add a glossy finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to lock in moisture, and bake for 25-30 minutes until the pears become fork-tender. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes to let the tops brown and caramelize just right.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the pears to cool for a few minutes before serving so they hold their shape but are wonderfully warm. These baked pears shine on their own or with a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for an added indulgence.
How to Serve Simple Baked Pears Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of freshly chopped mint or a dusting of powdered sugar to brighten the look and add an extra fresh note. A spoonful of whipped cream or a dollop of vanilla yogurt also pairs perfectly, making each bite even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
These baked pears are fabulous served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt for contrast. Pair them with a light salad or a slice of pound cake for a more substantial dessert experience that still feels refreshing and light.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the pears in rustic individual ramekins or on a wooden board surrounded by scattered nuts and cinnamon sticks for a charming, homey vibe. For a dinner party, plate them elegantly with microgreens or edible flowers to delight your guests visually and flavor-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover baked pears in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this treat as a quick dessert or snack later on.
Freezing
You can freeze the pears in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a resealable freezer bag. Frozen baked pears will last for 1-2 months and thaw nicely in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm the pears gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave them on low power until heated through. This will revive their soft texture and juicy sweetness without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pears?
Absolutely! While Bosc or Anjou pears are ideal because they hold their shape well when baked, other varieties like Bartlett can work, but they may become softer and more delicate.
Is it necessary to peel the pears?
Peeling is recommended for this recipe to achieve the softest texture and prevent any lacquered or tough skin after baking, but if you prefer the rustic touch and extra fiber, you can leave the skins on.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply swap out the unsalted butter for a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine, and use maple syrup instead of honey to keep it vegan-friendly.
How sweet will the pears be?
The sweetness is balanced by the natural tartness of the pears and the warm cinnamon spice, but you can adjust the amount of brown sugar or drizzle more honey if you prefer a sweeter dessert.
What can I serve with Simple Baked Pears Recipe to make it more festive?
Top with whipped cream spiced with a hint of vanilla, sprinkle crushed ginger snaps over the top, or serve alongside a glass of dessert wine to elevate the experience for special occasions.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Baked Pears Recipe is one of those feel-good desserts that combines ease with elegance effortlessly. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or hosting friends and family, these baked pears bring warmth, comfort, and a touch of sweetness that’s unforgettable. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how something so simple can taste so wonderfully special.
Print
Simple Baked Pears Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe features simple baked pears that are tender and caramelized with a delicious blend of brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter, topped with crunchy nuts and optionally drizzled with honey or maple syrup. Perfect as a warm, comforting dessert or a sweet side, these baked pears deliver a naturally sweet and flavorful treat with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Pears
- 4 medium pears (Bosc or Anjou, peeled, cored, and halved)
Sugar and Sweeteners
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
Flavorings and Toppings
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pears.
- Prepare Pears: Peel, halve, and core each pear to get them ready for coating and baking.
- Mix Sugar Blend: In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted unsalted butter thoroughly.
- Coat Pears: Coat the pear halves evenly with the brown sugar and butter mixture to ensure a sweet, flavorful crust as they bake.
- Arrange Pears: Place the coated pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish, arranging them so they bake evenly.
- Add Nuts and Drizzle: Sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans evenly over the pears, then drizzle honey or maple syrup over them if using for extra sweetness.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and bake the pears for 25-30 minutes until they are fork-tender.
- Uncover and Brown: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to allow the pear tops to brown and caramelize beautifully.
- Cool and Serve: Let the baked pears cool for a few minutes before serving them warm, ideally with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent finish.
Notes
- You can substitute the nuts with almonds or omit them for a nut-free version.
- Use honey or maple syrup according to your taste preference or dietary needs.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a richer dessert experience.
- Choose ripe but firm pears to avoid overly mushy baked fruit.
- Caramel sauce pairings complement the brown sugar sweetness perfectly.
