Benefits and Advantages of Baked Pears
Baked pears offer a delightful combination of simplicity and health benefits that make this recipe especially appealing. The ease of preparation is a major advantage; with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can create a delicious dessert. Pears are naturally rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, promoting healthful eating habits.
Compared to many other desserts, this recipe is naturally low in calories and can be easily adapted for vegan or gluten-free diets, making it accessible for various dietary preferences. The baking process intensifies the pears’ natural sweetness, reducing the need for added sugars and supporting a balanced diet.
Baked pears provide a wholesome and versatile alternative to processed sweets, suitable for any occasion.
Whether served warm or cold, baked pears can be customized with toppings like granola, nuts, or yogurt, making them a perfect dessert choice to suit different tastes and gatherings. Learn more about their nutritional benefits in this detailed guide on the health benefits of pears.
Jump to:
Essential Ingredients for Baked Pears
This recipe features carefully chosen ingredients that work together to create a flavorful and nutritious baked pear dessert. The ingredients also allow for flexibility to suit dietary needs such as veganism and gluten-free diets.
Key Ingredients
- 4 medium or large firm pears (Bosc, Anjou, Seckel, Bartlett, or Comice)
- 1/4 cup (50g) light brown sugar or 1/2 cup (120ml) pure maple syrup (maple syrup may be substituted with honey)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Juice of half a fresh lemon
- 2 to 4 tablespoons (28 to 56g) unsalted butter, cut into 1/4-inch cubes (vegan alternatives: coconut oil or vegan margarine)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla paste or pure vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: granola, 1/4 cup (25g) crushed walnuts, plain or Greek yogurt, vanilla ice cream
Nutritional and Dietary Benefits
| Ingredient | Health Benefit / Role |
|---|---|
| Pears | Rich in dietary fiber and antioxidants that support digestion and heart health |
| Cinnamon | Anti-inflammatory and adds natural warm spice without extra sugar |
| Maple syrup / Honey | Natural sweeteners with lower processing levels and vegan-friendly option (maple syrup) |
| Walnuts | Provide healthy fats, protein, and crunch to balance texture |
| Lemon juice | Prevents browning and adds fresh citrus flavor |
| Butter / Vegan alternatives | Add moisture and richness; coconut oil or vegan margarine are good dairy-free options |
To ensure the best experience, verify that any additional toppings like granola are certified gluten-free if needed. For more tips on selecting and storing pears for your recipe, visit How to Choose and Store Pears.
Print
Simple Baked Pears with Maple, Walnuts, and Honey Recipe
🍐 Indulge in the simplicity of baked pears with a delightful hint of maple and honey sweetness.
🥄 Perfect for serving as a warm, comforting dessert with just the right amount of crunch and creaminess.
- Total Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
4 medium or large firm pears suitable for baking (such as Bosc, Anjou, Seckel, Bartlett, or Comice)
1/4 cup (50g) light brown sugar or 1/2 cup (120ml) pure maple syrup (maple syrup can be substituted with honey if preferred)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, adjust to taste)
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Juice of half a fresh lemon
2 to 4 tablespoons (28 to 56g) unsalted butter, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
1/8 teaspoon salt (optional, enhances flavor)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla paste or pure vanilla extract
Optional toppings: granola, 1/4 cup (25g) crushed walnuts, plain or Greek yogurt, vanilla ice cream
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) or 400°F (204°C) depending on desired caramelization. Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Peel and core pears if using firmer varieties like Bosc; for softer varieties, leave the skin on. Cut pears in half lengthwise, remove seeds, and optionally trim the base to help them sit flat.
3. Arrange pear halves cut side up in the baking dish. Drizzle with lemon juice.
4. Combine brown sugar with cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and sprinkle over pears or drizzle with maple syrup mixed with vanilla extract.
5. Dot with butter cubes and sprinkle with crushed walnuts, if using.
6. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes for softer pears. For firmer pears, bake up to 1 hour 30 minutes, turning halfway and basting with caramel juices.
7. Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then serve warm with optional toppings like ice cream or yogurt.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
😉 Baked pears can be served warm or cold for different experiences.
🧊 Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4-5 days and reheat before serving.
🔥 Add a splash of water to caramelized pans after baking to ease cleaning.
- Prep Time: 5 to 10 minutes
- None: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pear half
- Calories: 159 to 206 kcal
- Sugar: 12 to 31 g
- Sodium: 3.9 to 79 mg
- Fat: 0.3 to 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g (approximate, varies by butter usage)
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 to 41 g
- Fiber: 3 to 6 g
- Protein: 0.7 to 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
