These baked pears only require 5 ingredients and are perfectly caramelized, infused with honey and vanilla, and finished with a crunchy chopped walnuts topping.
I’ve had my fair share of Baked Apples, but it wasn’t until recently that I decided to give baked pears a try. And let me tell you, if you’re a fan of quick and easy fruity desserts, this recipe is for you! These baked pears deliver all the cozy flavors of fall without any fuss. I’m always pleased by how simple they are to whip up, and how they are always a crowd-pleaser! This recipe is easy to double or triple for a party!
Made with only 5 ingredients, these baked pears are delicately caramelized and infused with a touch of honey and the warmth of vanilla. Topping it all off is a crunch from chopped walnuts. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, baked pears are a fall staple dessert!
Are you looking for more sweet ways to kick off the fall season? Enjoy this take on the classic French dessert, Tarte Tatin, with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream!
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Best Pears For Baking
Bosc pears are the best for baking! They hold their shape and have the best dense, yet tender texture when cooked. Anjou pears would be a good second choice. They bake a little softener than Bosc but still maintain their shape well. Regardless of the variety of pears you use, it’s best to use ones that are just ripe, and not too mushy.
Ingredients
- Bosc pears – Bosc pears are the star of the show! They are sweet, juicy, and wonderfully tender when cooked. My favorite part is how their natural sweetness intensifies when baked, creating the best dessert. Sub with Anjou pears if preferred.
- Salted butter – salted butter adds a subtle salty-rich contrast to the natural sweetness of the pear.
- Honey – honey caramelizes beautifully when baked, adding a rich, golden color and creates a delicious syrupy sauce.
- Vanilla extract – vanilla extract adds depth and warmth.
- Walnuts – chopped walnuts are the perfect crunchy contrast as a garnish! Sprinkle on top of the pears after they come out of the oven and you have the most beautiful baked pear treat.
How To Make Baked Pears
Learn how to make baked pears! Full instructions in the recipe card; this is an outline!
- Cut.
Preheat the oven to 375℉. Cut pears in half lengthwise. Note that the stem will be attached to one half of the pear.
- Prepare.
Using your knife, trim the little brown knob at the bottom of the pear. Using a teaspoon, hollow out the core.
- Mix.
Mix together the melted butter, honey and vanilla.
- Spoon.
Spoon half of the mixture on the pear halves. Mixture should be in the divot and outside.
- Bake.
Bake for 30 minutes.
- Warm.
Warm the leftover butter mixture for 10 seconds in the microwave and then spoon all over the baked pears.
- Serve.
Sprinkle the walnuts over the top. Serve as-is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Expert Tips
- Choose ripe pears that are still firm. If you use pears that are overly-ripe and slightly mushy, they will become even softer in the oven and begin to fall apart. A just-ripe pear will hold its shape well and soften perfectly in the oven.
- Use larger pears. Try to avoid using small pears as they shrink a bit while baking in the oven. The goal is to enjoy more than just two bites of this delicious dessert…HA!
- Skip peeling the pears. The peel provides some structure and helps the flesh of the pear retain moisture.
- Do not discard the juice after baking. While baking, the pears will release delectable juice. Do not discard this! This juice is so flavorful and can be spooned over top of the pears prior to serving or even be used as a drizzle for ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The pears will be tender when pierced with a fork and will be light brown on the edges.
No, do not peel the pears before baking them! The skin helps keep the pear juicy and intact while baking.
Customize these baked pears and make them your own! Swap out the chopped walnuts for pecans or mix up the sweetener and replace honey with brown sugar or maple syrup. Are you looking to elevate this dessert even further? Sprinkle coconut flakes, granola, or even a dash of apple pie spice as a finishing touch to take it to the next level.
Serving Suggestions
These baked pears are wonderful enjoyed as-is or with one of these tasty pairings:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped Cream
- Caramel or butterscotch sauce
- Greek yogurt
- Cheddar cheese slices to cut the sweetness
Storing Leftovers
- Store: after fully cooled, store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Reheat: reheat them gently in the microwave in 10 second increments or enjoy them chilled.
More Fruit Dessert Recipes You’ll Love!
Baked Pears With Honey Butter
Ingredients
- 2 just-ripe Bosc pears
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375℉. Cut pears in half lengthwise. The stem will be attached to one half of the pear. Use your knife to remove the little brown knob at the bottom of the pear. Now grab a teaspoon. You should see the silhouette of the core of the pear. Hollow out the core; you shouldn’t need to go too deep.
- Mix together the melted butter, honey and vanilla. Spoon half of the mixture all over the pear halves (in the divot and outside).
- Roast for 30 minutes.
- Microwave leftover butter mixture for 10 seconds and spoon all over the baked pears. Sprinkle with walnuts. Serve as-is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
