Baked Pears Recipe

I love creating warm and cozy desserts, and this baked pear recipe with honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg perfectly captures the essence of autumn. The combination of tender pears, crunchy walnuts, and sweet cranberries, finished with a touch of butter and honey, makes for a delightful treat that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

In my kitchen, I adore crafting cozy, heartwarming meals like these same baked pears. The blend of ripe, resilient pears with the sweet nectar of honey and the warm spice of cinnamon is delicious.

Adding to that, the taste, chopped walnuts and dried cranberries bring the dish a delightful crunch and an unexpected boost of nutrition. It is one of those sweet, seemingly decadent treats that is, in fact, quite wholesome.

Baked Pears Recipe Ingredients

• Pears: Naturally sweet, high in fiber, and rich in vitamin C.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and is a good source of antioxidants.
• Ground Cinnamon: Provides warmth, flavor, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Walnuts: Rich in healthy fats, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Dried Cranberries: Add tartness and are a good source of dietary fiber.

Baked Pears Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 ripe, yet firm pears
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup of dried cranberries
• 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup of granola or oats (optional)

How to Make this Baked Pears Recipe

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to start cooking.

2. Cut the pears in half from top to bottom and use a spoon or melon baller to remove the core from each half, making a small cavity. For some extra tips, see:

– Make sure to cut the pears in half lengthwise.
– Use a spoon to scrape out the core if a melon baller isn’t handy.
– Grease the insides of the cavities with butter.

3. Prepare the baking dish with the pear halves cut side facing up.

4. Drizzle 1 tablespoon honey over the pears, making sure each half is covered.

5. In a tiny bowl, blend together the powdered cinnamon and powdered nutmeg. Evenly distribute the blend over the pears.

6. In a separate bowl, blend the walnuts with the dried cranberries. If you like, you can now add the granola or oats to this mixture.

7. Stuff the walnut, cranberry, and optional granola mixture into each half of the pear.

8. Each pear should receive a small dot of unsalted butter.

9. Spoon the remaining tablespoon of honey over the stuffed pears.

10. Bake in a preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the pears are tender. Serve warm.

Baked Pears Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Knife
3. Spoon or melon baller
4. Baking dish
5. Measuring spoons
6. Small bowl
7. Separate bowl
8. Oven mitts

FAQ

• Can I use other fruits instead of pears?Absolutely, apples are a fantastic substitute and pair nicely with the same stuffing and spices.
• Is there a substitute for honey?Vegan options include maple syrup or agave nectar if you have any reservations about consuming honey.
• What if I want a nut-free version?The walnuts can be omitted, or you can substitute them with seeds, such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
• How do I know if the pears are ripe yet firm?Pears should yield slightly to gentle pressure but should not feel soft. This guarantees that they will keep their shape during baking.
• What should I serve baked pears with?On their own, they are quite tasty, but adding yogurt, ice cream, or whipped cream only takes them to the next level. These would serve as great accompaniments for any finger dessert.
• Can I prepare this recipe in advance?Serving baked pears fresh is best, but it is possible to make the filling beforehand and store it in the refrigerator.
• Is the granola or oats necessary?Optional and can be left out, they are; though, they add a nice crunch to the dish.

Baked Pears Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For the honey: Replace with maple syrup or agave nectar.
Try using pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice instead of ground cinnamon for a different flavor profile.
For the walnuts: Substitute with pecans or almonds.
To substitute in for the dried cranberries: Use raisins or finely chopped dried apricots.
For butter that has no salt: Try using coconut oil or a butter substitute that doesn’t contain dairy.

Pro Tips

1. Choose the Right Pears For this recipe, use pears that are ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape during baking. Varieties such as Bosc or Anjou work well due to their texture and flavor.

2. Enhance the Flavor Consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of ground ginger to the cinnamon and nutmeg mixture for an extra layer of flavor.

3. Boost the Crunch Lightly toast the walnuts before mixing them with the cranberries and optional granola. This will enhance their flavor and add a delightful crunch to your dish.

4. Experiment with Sweeteners If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, try using maple syrup or agave nectar in place of honey. Each offers a unique sweetness that can complement the spices and fruit.

5. Add a Savory Twist For a slightly savory element, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the pears before baking. This will balance the sweetness and deepen the flavors of the dish.