Baked Pears are a delightful and simple dessert that brings a warm, comforting flavor to any occasion. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a sweet dish that is both satisfying and healthy. These pears are versatile and can be easily tailored to your taste, making them perfect for busy days when you need a quick yet impressive dessert.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 210
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 50mg
Why Make Baked Pears
Baked Pears are not only a delicious treat but also packed with nutrients. Pears are rich in fiber and antioxidants, making them a healthy choice for a dessert. This recipe is incredibly versatile; you can adjust the fillings based on what you have in your pantry or add your favorite toppings. Perfect for gatherings, they can also easily become a weeknight indulgence.
How to Make Baked Pears Step by Step
Ingredients
4 ripe pears (Bosc or Anjou)
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons dried cranberries
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon honey (plus more for drizzling)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Halve the pears and scoop out a small cavity in the center. In a bowl, mix oats, pecans, cranberries, cinnamon, nutmeg, butter, honey, and vanilla. Spoon the mixture into each pear half and place in a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes. Drizzle with honey before serving warm.
How to Serve Baked Pears
Baked Pears make an excellent dessert on their own, but they can also be paired beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a more wholesome option, serve them alongside Greek yogurt for added protein. You could also incorporate them into salads, adding a sweet touch that complements leafy greens and nuts.
How to Store Baked Pears
To store leftover Baked Pears, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a warm oven for a few minutes until warmed through. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked pears. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer.
Expert Tips for Cooking Baked Pears
- Choose pears that are ripe but still firm to ensure they hold up during baking.
- Feel free to swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds based on your preference.
- For a spicier twist, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger to the filling mixture.
- Drizzle with balsamic reduction for an elegant presentation and added depth of flavor.
- Experiment with different dried fruits like raisins or chopped figs to customize each batch.
Delicious Variations of Baked Pears
For a spicier kick, try adding some finely chopped fresh ginger or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mix. If you’re looking for a herbed version, a sprinkle of fresh thyme can elevate the flavor profile. For a citrus twist, adding zest from an orange or lemon enhances the sweetness of the pears while adding brightness.
Baked Pears are a must-try! With their mouthwatering flavor, ease of preparation, and the opportunity for customization, it’s hard to resist transforming simple pears into a sweet, comforting dessert. Whether for a special occasion or a casual dinner, these Baked Pears are sure to impress.
Baked Pears
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces ripe pears (Bosc or Anjou) Choose pears that are ripe but still firm.
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans Can be swapped for walnuts or almonds.
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries Feel free to experiment with different dried fruits.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon honey Plus more for drizzling before serving.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon For extra spice, consider adding ginger or cayenne.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Halve the pears and scoop out a small cavity in the center.
- In a bowl, mix oats, pecans, cranberries, cinnamon, nutmeg, butter, honey, and vanilla.
- Spoon the mixture into each pear half and place in a baking dish.
Baking
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes.
- Drizzle with honey before serving warm.
