Discover the sweet and crunchy harmony of Baked Pears with Honey & Walnuts, a simple dessert perfect for cozy evenings and special moments alike. This comforting dish combines the natural juiciness of ripe pears with the rich sweetness of honey and the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will warm your heart and delight your taste buds every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Elegance: This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, yet it feels fancy enough to impress guests or celebrate a quiet night in.
Healthier Sweet Treat: Using natural sweetness from pears and honey makes it a wholesome alternative to heavy desserts.
Seasonal Perfection: Pears shine in cooler months, making this dessert perfect for autumn and winter cozy vibes.
Versatile Flavors: The combination of honey and walnuts complements many dietary preferences and pairs well with various add-ons.
Comfort Food Vibes: Warm, tender baked fruit is the ultimate feel-good dish to enjoy after a long day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, from highlighting the natural sweetness of the pears to adding crunch and a luscious coating with honey. These simple yet essential elements come together to create a harmonious dessert that’s easy on the palate and the pantry.

Ripe Pears: Choose firm but juicy pears like Bosc or Anjou for the best baking results.
Raw Honey: Adds natural sweetness and a floral aroma that caramelizes beautifully during baking.
Walnuts: Toasted walnuts bring a crunchy texture and earthy flavor contrast to soften pears.
Cinnamon: A dash enriches the flavor profile with warm spice, enhancing the dessert’s coziness.
Lemon Juice: Prevents pears from browning and adds a bright, fresh note to balance sweetness.
Butter or Coconut Oil: A small amount helps the pears roast evenly and adds richness to the dish.

Variations for Baked Pears with Honey & Walnuts

Want to switch things up? This recipe is incredibly adaptable to different tastes, dietary needs, or the ingredients you have on hand. Feel free to experiment and make this dessert your own with these variations.

Nut Alternatives: Substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or pistachios for different crunch and flavors.
Add Spices: Sprinkle cardamom or nutmeg alongside cinnamon to create exotic spice blends.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut oil or vegan butter to keep the dish completely plant-based.
Cheese Pairing: Add a dollop of mascarpone or ricotta on top for creamy contrast.
Drizzle Extras: Finish with pure maple syrup or a sprinkle of vanilla sugar for an alternative sweetness.

Why Baked Pears with Honey & Walnuts Delight

How to Make Baked Pears with Honey & Walnuts

Step 1: Prep the Pears

Start by washing pears thoroughly then slice them in half lengthwise. Remove the core and seeds using a small spoon or melon baller, leaving the pear halves intact to hold the filling.

Step 2: Toast the Walnuts

Lightly toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally until fragrant and golden. This step intensifies their nuttiness and adds a deeper crunch.

Step 3: Assemble the Filling

Mix toasted walnuts with honey and a pinch of cinnamon. This sweet and nutty mixture will fill the hollowed pear centers beautifully.

Step 4: Prepare Pears for Baking

Place the pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish. Drizzle lemon juice over them to prevent browning and brush the surface lightly with melted butter or coconut oil for a golden finish.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Fill the pear cavities with the walnut and honey mixture. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until pears are tender and the topping bubbly and caramelized.

Pro Tips for Making Baked Pears with Honey & Walnuts

Choose Firm Pears: Avoid overly ripe pears that become mushy when baked; firmness helps maintain shape.
Even Toasting: Toast walnuts evenly but watch closely—they can burn quickly.
Honey Swap: Use thick, raw honey for better caramelization and rich flavor.
Watch Baking Time: Adjust baking slightly depending on your pear variety’s ripeness.
Spoon Extra Honey: Drizzle a bit more honey on warm pears before serving for glossy, sweet perfection.

How to Serve Baked Pears with Honey & Walnuts

Garnishes

Sprinkle some fresh rosemary or mint leaves for a pop of color and aroma. A little powdered cinnamon or a dollop of Greek yogurt adds beautiful visual appeal and balancing taste.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, crème fraîche, or even a creamy custard. It also complements hearty winter meals for a cozy finish.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the baked pears in individual ramekins or elegant dessert bowls. Adding a decorative drizzle of honey around the plate or sprinkling chopped walnuts over the top creates an inviting presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover baked pears in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The texture softens over time but the flavors deepen nicely.

Freezing

Baked pears can freeze well. Wrap each half tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, or store in a freezer-safe container. For best quality, consume within 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat the pears gently in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave on a low setting to avoid overcooking and preserve texture.

FAQs

Can I use canned pears instead of fresh pears?

While canned pears are softer and lack the fresh texture, you can use them in a pinch, though the baking time and final texture will differ significantly.

Is it possible to make this dessert vegan?

Absolutely! Simply replace butter with coconut oil or any plant-based margarine and ensure the honey is substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar.

How do I prevent the pears from turning brown before baking?

Sprinkle or brush lemon juice on the pear halves right after cutting to stop enzymatic browning and keep them looking fresh.

Can this recipe be doubled for a larger group?

Yes, just increase ingredient quantities proportionally and use a larger baking dish, making sure to space pears apart for even cooking.

What is the best way to select pears for baking?

Look for pears that are slightly firm but yield a little under gentle pressure, indicating they will soften when baked without turning mushy.

Final Thoughts

Baked Pears with Honey & Walnuts is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Easy to prepare, packed with comforting flavors, and naturally sweet, it’s a dessert you’ll want to come back to again and again. Whether you keep it simple or try one of the delicious variations, this dish promises a delightful experience every time. Give it a try and watch how this humble pairing turns into an irresistible treat!

Baked Pears with Honey & Walnuts

Author: Lina
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Baked Pears with Honey & Walnuts is a simple, elegant dessert that combines ripe pears’ natural juiciness with the rich sweetness of honey and the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts. Ideal for cozy autumn and winter evenings, this healthy, comforting treat features warm spices and a tender texture that delights the senses.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

4 ripe pears (Bosc or Anjou recommended)
¼ cup raw honey
½ cup walnuts, toasted
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons butter or coconut oil, melted

Instructions

Prep the Pears: Wash the pears thoroughly, then slice each pear in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon or melon baller to remove the core and seeds carefully, keeping the pear halves intact to hold the filling.
Toast the Walnuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the walnuts for 3-5 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally until fragrant and golden brown to enhance their nuttiness and crunch.
Assemble the Filling: In a bowl, combine the toasted walnuts with raw honey and a pinch of ground cinnamon, mixing to create a sweet, nutty filling.
Prepare Pears for Baking: Arrange the pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish. Drizzle lemon juice evenly over the pears to prevent browning, then brush the surface lightly with melted butter or coconut oil for a golden finish.
Fill and Bake: Spoon the walnut and honey mixture into the hollowed centers of each pear half. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the topping is bubbly and caramelized.

Notes

Choose pears that are firm but ripe enough to soften without becoming mushy during baking.
Toast walnuts evenly and watch carefully to prevent burning.
Use thick, raw honey for best caramelization and flavor.
Adjust baking time based on pear ripeness and variety.
For extra sweetness and gloss, drizzle warm pears with additional honey before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American