Easy Baked Pears Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Baked Pears are a simple yet elegant dessert that brings out the natural sweetness of ripe pears through gentle baking. With just a few ingredients, these warm and tender pears become infused with cinnamon, honey, and vanilla, making them perfect for a cozy fall treat or a light and healthy dessert option.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ripe but firm pears
honey or maple syrup
vanilla extract
ground cinnamon
butter
chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans, optional)
plain Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream (for serving, optional)

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.

Cut the pears in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and core using a spoon or melon baller.

Arrange the pear halves cut side up in the baking dish.

In a small bowl, mix together honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon.

Drizzle the mixture over the pears and place a small piece of butter into the hollowed-out center of each pear.

Sprinkle chopped nuts over the top if using.

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pears are tender when pierced with a fork.

Uncover and bake an additional 5-10 minutes to lightly caramelize the tops.

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Serve warm, optionally topped with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 40-50 minutes

Variations

Use cardamom or nutmeg for a different spice profile.
Add dried cranberries or raisins to the baking dish for extra sweetness.
Swap honey for agave or brown sugar.
Stuff the pear centers with oats and nuts for a more filling dessert.

storage/reheating

Store baked pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes.
Avoid freezing as the texture of the pears may become mushy.

FAQs

What type of pears work best?

Bosc or Anjou pears are ideal because they hold their shape well when baked.

Can I peel the pears?

Yes, but leaving the skin on helps the pears hold their shape and adds fiber.

Is this dessert healthy?

Yes, especially if served with Greek yogurt and using a light hand with the sweetener.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, baked pears can be made a day in advance and reheated before serving.

What if I don’t have nuts?

You can skip them or use granola as a crunchy topping instead.

Can I use canned pears?

Fresh pears are best, but if using canned, reduce the baking time and skip the added sweetener.

Can I add alcohol?

A splash of white wine or bourbon in the baking dish adds a rich depth of flavor.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger baking dish to fit all the pears evenly.

Are baked pears kid-friendly?

Absolutely, they’re naturally sweet and soft—perfect for kids.

Can I serve them cold?

Yes, they’re delicious chilled too, especially in warm weather.

Conclusion

Easy Baked Pears are a naturally sweet, warm dessert that’s both healthy and comforting. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, they’re a perfect go-to when you want something satisfying without a lot of fuss. Dress them up with toppings or keep them simple—either way, they’re a beautiful way to end any meal.

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