Description
Delight in this simple yet elegant dessert recipe featuring baked pears drizzled with honey and topped with toasted walnuts. This warm, comforting dish combines the natural sweetness of ripe pears with the rich flavors of honey, butter, and cinnamon, finished with a crunch from walnuts. Perfect for a cozy night or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits
- 3 ripe but firm pears, halved and cored
Sweeteners & Fats
- 3 tablespoons honey (plus extra for drizzling)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided into 6 pieces
Spices & Nuts
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts, lightly toasted
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh mint leaves
- Blueberries
- Pomegranate seeds
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pears evenly.
- Prepare Pears: Slice each pear in half lengthwise and scoop out the cores carefully to create a hollow space for the filling.
- Arrange Pears: Place the pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced for uniform cooking.
- Add Butter, Honey, and Cinnamon: Into each pear hollow, place one piece of the unsalted butter. Drizzle honey generously over the pears and sprinkle with ground cinnamon for a fragrant flavor.
- Add Walnuts: Scatter the chopped, lightly toasted walnuts over the pears and around the baking dish to add texture and a nutty taste.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to start softening the pears and melding flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, until the pears are tender and caramelized on top.
- Serve: Allow the baked pears to cool slightly. Spoon the pan juices over the pears before serving them warm or chilled. Garnish with fresh mint, blueberries, or pomegranate seeds if desired to add freshness and color.
Notes
- Choose pears that are ripe but still firm to ensure they hold their shape during baking.
- Lightly toasting walnuts enhances their flavor and adds extra crunch.
- Covering the pears during the first part of baking helps retain moisture and softness.
- This dish can be served warm or chilled, making it versatile for different occasions.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative and replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
