These warm, tender baked pears get golden and soft in the oven, with maple syrup pooling around the edges and vanilla filling the kitchen with the sweetest smell. I first made them on a chilly October afternoon when I needed something cozy but didn't want to fuss with a complicated dessert, and they've been my go-to ever since.
They're incredibly simple to throw together, and if you're looking for more easy fruit desserts, you might love this Homemade Ginger Pear Galette Recipe or these Easy Coconut Macaroons for something just as comforting.
Why This Simple Baked Pears Dessert Works So Well
Baked pears are one of those recipes that feel fancy but take almost no effort. You halve the pears, drizzle them with maple and vanilla, and let the oven do the work. They come out caramelized around the edges, soft in the middle, and naturally sweet without being heavy. It's a healthy baked pears recipe that feels indulgent but won't weigh you down after dinner.
I love how flexible they are, too. You can serve them warm for dessert, add them to your breakfast bowls, or even pack them for a sweet snack. The maple pear dessert flavor is comforting and familiar, but it never gets boring.
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Baked Pears Ingredients
Just a handful of simple ingredients come together to make this easy pear dessert shine.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For ingtedient Quantites
- Pears: Choose medium-ripe pears that are firm but not rock-hard. Anjou, Bartlett, or Bosc varieties work beautifully for baking because they hold their shape and develop a lovely tender texture.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a touch of spice that complements the natural sweetness of the pears. You can adjust the amount based on your preference.
- Pure maple syrup: Provides natural sweetness and helps the pears caramelize as they bake. The maple flavor pairs perfectly with vanilla and cinnamon.
- Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds a subtle richness to the syrup mixture.
- Optional toppings: Maple almond granola adds a satisfying crunch, while plain Greek yogurt brings a creamy, tangy contrast that balances the sweetness.
How to Make Baked Pears
Here's how to bake pears until they're soft, golden, and absolutely delicious.
Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a large baking pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This keeps the pears from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Prepare the pears: Cut each pear in half lengthwise and use a cookie scoop, melon baller, or spoon to scoop out the seeds and core. Arrange them cut side up in your prepared pan, leaving a little space between each one. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon evenly over the top, adjusting to taste if you want more warmth.
Make the maple syrup mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup and vanilla extract until combined. Drizzle this mixture evenly over each pear half, making sure they all get a good coating.
Bake until tender: Bake uncovered for about 25 minutes, or until the pears are soft and lightly browned around the edges. If your pears are on the firmer side, give them a few extra minutes. You'll know they're done when a fork slides in easily and the syrup has thickened slightly.
Serve warm: Remove from the oven and let them cool for just a minute or two. If you're adding toppings, now's the time. A sprinkle of granola and a dollop of Greek yogurt turn these into a complete treat.
Substitutions and Variations
Different sweeteners: Swap the maple syrup for honey if that's what you have on hand. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious. You could also try agave nectar for a milder sweetness.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom along with the cinnamon for a more complex flavor. A tiny bit of clove also works if you love warm spices.
Nutty toppings: Instead of granola, try chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for crunch. Toast them lightly first for even better flavor.
Dairy-free option: Use coconut yogurt or almond yogurt instead of Greek yogurt. You can also drizzle these with a little coconut cream for richness.
Add fruit: Toss in some fresh cranberries or a handful of raisins before baking for extra bursts of flavor.
Equipment For Baked Pears
- Baking sheet: A large baking sheet works perfectly for arranging the pear halves. If you have a baking pan, that's great too.
- Silicone baking mat or parchment paper: This makes cleanup a breeze and prevents the pears from sticking to the pan.
- Cookie scoop: A large or medium cookie scoop is the easiest way to core out the seeds from the pear halves. A melon baller or regular spoon works just as well.
- Glass mixing bowl: For whisking together the maple syrup and vanilla extract.
- Whisk: Helps blend the syrup mixture smoothly.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Storage: Store leftover baked pears in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They're best enjoyed warm, so reheat them gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Reheating: To reheat, place the pears in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for 30 to 45 seconds, though the oven gives you a better texture.
Make-ahead: While these are best baked fresh, you can absolutely make them in advance. Just store them in the fridge and reheat when you're ready to serve. The flavors actually deepen a bit after sitting overnight.
Freezing: I don't usually freeze these since they're so quick to make fresh, but you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before enjoying.
Serving Suggestions
For breakfast: Serve the baked pears over a bowl of oatmeal or alongside some scrambled eggs and toast. The sweetness pairs nicely with savory breakfast foods.
As dessert: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a simple, elegant dessert. A drizzle of caramel sauce takes them over the top.
With yogurt bowls: Chop the baked pears into chunks and layer them in a parfait glass with Greek yogurt, granola, and a drizzle of honey.
Alongside other treats: These pair beautifully with other fall desserts like Salted Caramel Turtle Brownies or a slice of Mille Feuille if you're feeling fancy.
Expert Tips
Choose the right pears: Medium-ripe pears work best. Too firm and they won't soften enough; too ripe and they'll turn mushy. Anjou, Bartlett, and Bosc are all excellent choices.
Don't skip the parchment paper: It really does make cleanup easier, and it keeps the pears from sticking as the syrup caramelizes.
Adjust baking time based on ripeness: If your Baked Pears are very firm, add 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time. If they're already soft, check them a few minutes early to avoid overcooking.
Drizzle evenly: Make sure each pear half gets a good coating of the maple syrup mixture. This helps them caramelize and keeps them from drying out.
Serve warm: These are at their absolute best when served warm from the oven. The texture is softer, and the flavors are more pronounced.
What You'll Love About This Baked Pears
Minimal ingredients. Just four main ingredients, and you're done. No long shopping list, no fancy pantry items. It's the kind of recipe you can make with what you already have.
Quick and easy. From start to finish, these cinnamon Baked Pears take about 30 minutes. Most of that is hands-off baking time, so you can clean up the kitchen or start on something else.
Naturally sweet. The pears caramelize as they bake, and the maple syrup adds just enough sweetness without being cloying. It's a healthy baked pears option that doesn't feel like you're missing out.
Versatile serving options. Top them with granola and yogurt for breakfast, serve them warm with vanilla ice cream for dessert, or enjoy them plain as a light snack. They work for any time of day.
Perfect for fall and winter. There's something about warm, baked fruit that feels so cozy. These are the kind of pear desserts you want on a chilly evening when you need something comforting.
FAQ
How do you cook pears in the oven?
Cut the pears in half, remove the cores, arrange them cut side up in a baking pan, and drizzle with a sweetener like maple syrup or honey. Bake at 375°F for about 25 minutes until soft and lightly browned. The oven brings out their natural sweetness and creates a tender, caramelized texture.
What is the best cooking method for pears?
Baking is one of the best methods for pears because it concentrates their flavor and gives them a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Roasting or poaching also works well, but baking is the easiest and requires minimal effort. Just pop them in the oven and let the heat do the work.
What can I make with Baked Pears easily?
You can make baked pears with maple syrup, poached pears in wine or juice, pear crisps, pear sauce, or even add sliced pears to salads and sandwiches. For something really simple, slice them and serve with cheese or spread them with almond butter for a quick snack.
Should pears be peeled before baking?
No, you don't need to peel pears before baking. The skin softens as they cook and adds a bit of texture and fiber. Plus, it saves time and keeps the pears from falling apart. If you prefer them without skin, you can peel them, but it's not necessary.
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Baked Pears
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking pan (or line with parchment paper or a silicone mat).
- Cut the pears in half. Use a spoon, melon baller, or cookie scoop to remove the seeds. Arrange the pear halves cut-side up in the prepared pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon evenly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup and vanilla extract. Pour the mixture over the pears.
- Bake the pears uncovered for 25 minutes, or until soft and lightly browned on the edges. If the pears are firm, they may require additional time. Once done, remove from the oven.
- Serve the pears warm, topped with granola and yogurt if desired.
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