Naturally sweet and warmly spiced, this easy baked pears recipe is the perfect cozy treat. Ready in under an hour, it’s a healthy and elegant option for breakfast, dessert, or even a midday snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal ingredients and prep time
- Naturally sweet—no refined sugar needed
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and spices
- Suitable for breakfast or dessert
- Perfect use for ripe pears
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 ripe but firm pears (Bosc, Bartlett, or Anjou)
- 2–4 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash and halve pears lengthwise. Scoop out cores and a bit of the center using a spoon or melon baller.
- Arrange pears cut side up in a baking dish. Trim the bottoms slightly if needed so they sit flat.
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup. Sprinkle with cinnamon and add vanilla extract if using.
- Optional: Fill the centers with chopped nuts.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until pears are tender and edges are golden.
- Let cool slightly and serve warm. Great with yogurt, ice cream, or granola.
Servings and timing
- Yield: Serves 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25–30 minutes
- Total time: 35–40 minutes
Variations
- Maple-vanilla twist: Use maple syrup and a splash of vanilla for deeper flavor.
- Butter-baked pears: Add a dab of butter on each half for a richer result.
- Cheese pairing: After baking, top with a small piece of gorgonzola or goat cheese and a final drizzle of honey.
- Spiced version: Add nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom for an autumn-inspired dish.
storage/reheating
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 300°F or microwave briefly until warm.
- Not ideal for freezing due to texture changes.
FAQs
What kind of pears work best?
Bosc, Bartlett, and Anjou pears are great choices because they hold their shape during baking.
Do I need to peel the pears?
No, the peel softens during baking and helps hold the shape, plus it adds nutrients.
Can I use brown sugar instead of honey?
Yes, brown sugar works well for a caramelized finish.
How do I know when the pears are done?
They should be tender when pierced with a fork and lightly golden around the edges.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely—just use maple syrup instead of honey.
Are these baked pears healthy?
Yes, especially if you skip the sugar and keep toppings simple. They’re naturally sweet and fiber-rich.
What toppings go well with baked pears?
Try Greek yogurt, vanilla ice cream, granola, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Can I prep the pears in advance?
Yes, you can prep and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking.
How can I prevent the pears from browning before baking?
Brush with a little lemon juice if prepping ahead to slow browning.
Do I need to add water or juice to the baking dish?
Not necessary, but you can add a splash of water, apple juice, or wine for extra moisture and flavor.
Conclusion
Easy baked pears are a wholesome and delicious way to enjoy seasonal fruit. With simple ingredients and endless variations, this recipe offers comfort and elegance in every bite. Serve them warm and fragrant to impress guests—or treat yourself to something naturally sweet and satisfying.
Print
Easy Baked Pears Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Simple and delicious baked pears, lightly sweetened and spiced, perfect for a healthy dessert or snack.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe pears, halved and cored
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: chopped nuts or raisins for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place pear halves in a baking dish, cut side up.
- In a small bowl, mix honey (or maple syrup), cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.
- Drizzle the mixture evenly over the pear halves.
- Optional: sprinkle chopped nuts or raisins on top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until pears are tender and caramelized.
- Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or yogurt.
Notes
- Choose ripe but firm pears for best texture.
- Try different spices like cardamom or ginger for variation.
- Use brown sugar instead of honey for a deeper caramel flavor.
- Great for meal prep — store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pear half
- Calories: 100 kcal
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
