If you are looking for a dessert that feels cozy, elegant, and surprisingly simple to prepare, the Cinnamon Maple Baked Pears Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This delightful dish balances the natural sweetness and subtle tartness of ripe pears with the warm, inviting flavors of cinnamon and maple syrup, all enhanced by a touch of nutmeg and the crunch of toasted nuts. Whether you need a comforting treat for a quiet night in or a charming finale for a dinner party, this recipe brings together wholesome ingredients and irresistible aromas to create a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to making the Cinnamon Maple Baked Pears Recipe shine. Each element is simple yet essential, weaving together taste, texture, and color that make this dessert just so special.
- Ripe pears: Choose firm yet ripe pears for the perfect balance of sweetness and texture that holds up to baking.
- Pure maple syrup: Adds a natural, rich sweetness that complements the fruit’s flavor beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings warm spice notes that make the pears irresistibly aromatic.
- Ground nutmeg: Provides a subtle earthiness that deepens the overall flavor profile.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans: Adds satisfying crunch and a toasty note to contrast the soft pears.
- Unsalted butter: Small dots of butter melt into the pears, enriching their softness and adding a silky finish.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the sweetness with a fragrant and mellow complement.
- Optional whipped cream or vanilla ice cream: Perfect for serving, these add a cool, creamy touch to your warm baked pears.
How to Make Cinnamon Maple Baked Pears Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your pears cook evenly and develop that perfect tender texture we all crave in baked fruit desserts.
Step 2: Arrange the Pears
Place the halved and cored pears cut side up in a baking dish. This allows the maple-cinnamon syrup to pool in the hollowed centers, ensuring every bite is full of goodness.
Step 3: Mix the Flavorful Syrup
In a small bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until the mixture is smooth and aromatic. This sweet-spiced blend will become the heart of your dish.
Step 4: Drizzle and Sprinkle
Drizzle the maple syrup mixture evenly over the pear halves, making sure to spoon some into the centers. Then, sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans generously on top for that wonderful crunch and flavor contrast.
Step 5: Butter and Vanilla Touch
Scatter small pieces of unsalted butter on each pear half to add richness as it melts. Follow this by gently pouring vanilla extract over the pears to infuse a beautifully mellow aroma.
Step 6: Bake Covered
Cover the dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture and help the pears cook until tender. Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, testing with a fork for softness.
Step 7: Caramelize the Tops
Remove the foil to let the pear tops caramelize slightly under the oven’s heat. Bake for an extra 5 minutes until those edges look golden and slightly crisp, bringing an irresistible depth to the dish.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the pears to cool just a few minutes so they’re warm but not too hot. They are now ready to be enjoyed, whether on their own or dressed with your favorite creamy toppings.
How to Serve Cinnamon Maple Baked Pears Recipe
Garnishes
Top these baked pears with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to contrast the warm spices with luscious creaminess and coolness for an elevated dessert experience.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside lightly spiced granola or a crisp biscuit for texture variety, or add a small bowl of Greek yogurt to bring a tangy balance that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve each pear half in its own small baking dish or shallow bowl, drizzle with the pan juices, and sprinkle with extra toasted nuts and a fresh herb—like a little mint or thyme leaf—for a pop of color and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Cinnamon Maple Baked Pears in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen, making them even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
While fresh baked pears are best enjoyed right away, you can freeze leftovers in a suitable container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat your baked pears gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave on low power for a minute or two until warm (but not overcooked). This helps retain their tender texture and flavorful glaze.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pear for this recipe?
Absolutely! Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou pears all work wonderfully, just make sure they are ripe but firm enough to hold their shape while baking.
What if I don’t have pure maple syrup?
You can substitute with honey or agave syrup, but pure maple syrup offers the most authentic flavor that complements the cinnamon and nutmeg perfectly.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil, and use a vegan-friendly garnish like coconut whipped cream.
How do I know when the pears are done baking?
The pears should be tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. Over-baking can make them too mushy, so start checking after 25 minutes.
Is it necessary to cover the dish while baking?
Covering helps the pears cook evenly and prevents them from drying out. Removing the cover near the end creates a caramelized top, adding extra flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about the Cinnamon Maple Baked Pears Recipe that never fails to brighten up a day or impress guests with minimal effort. It’s a dessert bursting with warmth, natural sweetness, and texture that’s incredibly satisfying. I encourage you to give it a try and enjoy a deliciously cozy treat that feels like it was made just for you.
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Cinnamon Maple Baked Pears Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 35m
- Total Time: 0h 50m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Cinnamon Maple Baked Pears are a warm, comforting dessert perfect for fall or any cozy occasion. Ripe pears are halved and baked with a luscious drizzle of maple syrup, fragrant cinnamon and nutmeg, crunchy nuts, and a touch of butter and vanilla for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth treat. Serve them warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 4 ripe pears, halved and cored
Maple Syrup Mixture
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- Optional: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for gentle baking.
- Prepare Pears: Place the pear halves cut side up in a baking dish, arranging them evenly to cook uniformly.
- Mix Syrup and Spices: In a small bowl, mix the maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined to create the flavorful syrup.
- Drizzle Pears: Evenly drizzle the maple syrup mixture over the pears, ensuring each half is well coated with the spiced sweetness.
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans over the pears to add texture and a nutty flavor.
- Dot with Butter: Place small pieces of unsalted butter on top of each pear half to enrich the flavor and help with caramelization.
- Add Vanilla: Drizzle the vanilla extract over the pears to enhance the overall sweetness and aroma.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to promote even cooking and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pears are tender and pierced easily with a fork.
- Caramelize Topping: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to allow the tops to caramelize slightly, creating a golden finish.
- Cool Slightly: Let the baked pears cool for a few minutes to settle flavors and ensure safe serving temperature.
- Serve: Serve the pears warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special dessert.
Notes
- Choose ripe but firm pears for the best texture after baking.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds based on preference.
- For a vegan version, replace butter with coconut oil and omit whipped cream or use vegan alternatives.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and gently reheated.
- Adjust the amount of maple syrup based on the sweetness of your pears.
