These baked pears are incredibly simple to prepare, require only a few pantry staples, and deliver a beautiful presentation with minimal effort. They’re light, flavorful, and can be customized with toppings like nuts, dried fruit, or yogurt. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free or vegan.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ripe but firm pears (such as Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett)
Honey or maple syrup
Cinnamon
Butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free option)
Lemon juice
Vanilla extract (optional)
Chopped nuts (optional topping)
Greek yogurt, whipped cream, or ice cream (for serving, optional)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Halve the pears lengthwise and scoop out the core and seeds using a spoon or melon baller.
Arrange the pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish.
Drizzle with honey or maple syrup, and squeeze a bit of lemon juice over each half.
Sprinkle with cinnamon and add a small piece of butter to each pear’s center.
Optionally, add a splash of vanilla extract and scatter chopped nuts on top.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the pears are tender and slightly golden.
Serve warm, optionally topped with yogurt, cream, or ice cream.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 (1 pear half per person). Prep time is about 10 minutes, and baking time is 30–35 minutes, making the total time around 40–45 minutes.
Variations
Vegan: Use maple syrup and coconut oil instead of honey and butter.
Nutty crunch: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for texture.
Spiced: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg, cloves, or ginger for more warmth.
Stuffed pears: Fill the centers with a mixture of oats, brown sugar, and chopped nuts.
Chocolate drizzle: Top baked pears with melted dark chocolate for a decadent touch.
Savory twist: Omit sweeteners and instead season with olive oil, rosemary, and a pinch of sea salt. Serve alongside roasted meats.
Apple combo: Add sliced apples to the baking dish for a fruit medley.
Cranberry topping: Sprinkle dried cranberries before baking for a tart contrast.
Yogurt bowl: Chill the pears and slice over Greek yogurt with granola for breakfast.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover baked pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and warm in 30-second intervals until heated through, or reheat in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 10–15 minutes.
FAQs
What kind of pears are best for baking?
Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett pears work well because they hold their shape when baked and have a naturally sweet flavor.
Should the pears be ripe?
Use pears that are ripe but still firm. Overripe pears can become mushy during baking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the pears a day in advance and reheat before serving.
Is it okay to leave the skin on?
Yes, the skin softens during baking and adds texture. You can peel them if preferred.
Can I bake whole pears?
It’s better to halve them so they cook evenly and can be flavored more directly, but whole pears can be baked if cored and cooked longer.
What’s a good topping for baked pears?
Try yogurt, whipped cream, ice cream, chopped nuts, granola, or a drizzle of chocolate.
How do I know when the pears are done?
They should be fork-tender but still hold their shape, with slightly golden edges.
Can I freeze baked pears?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture may become watery or grainy when thawed.
Are baked pears healthy?
Yes, especially when sweetened naturally and served with wholesome toppings like yogurt or nuts.
Can I use apples instead?
Yes, you can substitute apples using the same method, though they may require a few extra minutes of baking time.
Conclusion
Easy Baked Pears are a simple yet elegant dessert that brings out the natural sweetness of fruit with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving them at a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, these warm, spiced pears make a comforting and wholesome treat. Customizable and naturally delicious, they’re sure to become a favorite go-to dessert.
Easy Baked Pears are a warm, tender dessert made by roasting ripe pears with honey, cinnamon, and butter. This cozy treat is naturally sweet and incredibly simple to prepare, perfect for both weeknights and special occasions.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:35 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
2 ripe but firm pears (such as Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett), halved and cored
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp butter or coconut oil
1 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
2 tbsp chopped nuts (optional)
Greek yogurt, whipped cream, or ice cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Halve the pears lengthwise and scoop out the cores using a spoon or melon baller.
Place the pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish.
Drizzle with honey or maple syrup and squeeze lemon juice over each half.
Sprinkle cinnamon over the pears and place a small piece of butter into the hollow of each pear.
Add vanilla extract and chopped nuts, if using.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, until pears are tender and lightly golden.
Serve warm with your choice of yogurt, whipped cream, or ice cream.
Notes
Use firm-ripe pears so they hold their shape while baking.Swap honey for maple syrup to make it vegan.Add extra warm spices like nutmeg or ginger for a more spiced flavor.Top with chocolate, granola, or dried cranberries for variation.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently before serving.
