I absolutely love this Easy Baked Pears Recipe because it feels like a little cozy hug on a chilly day. Pears transform beautifully in the oven, becoming tender and sweet, and that warm cinnamon and maple syrup combo? It’s just perfection. This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, making it a great go-to when you want a comforting dessert or even a special breakfast treat without any fuss.
When I first tried baking pears, I was amazed at how easy they were to prepare, yet how elegant they tasted. You’ll find that this Easy Baked Pears Recipe works especially well for after-dinner desserts, brunches, or even a thoughtful snack. Plus, it’s a naturally gluten-free option that feels indulgent while still being wholesome.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish with minimal prep.
- Naturally Sweet: Uses pure maple syrup and ripe pears to add subtle sweetness without refined sugar.
- Versatile Serving: Perfect served warm by itself or topped with yogurt and crunchy granola.
- Healthy & Wholesome: A dessert that feels indulgent but still nourishing—great for guilt-free treats.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Easy Baked Pears Recipe come together to highlight the natural sweetness and texture of the pears. Choosing ripe, juicy pears will make a huge difference in flavor, and the warm spices plus maple syrup create a lovely aromatic finish.
- Pears: Look for ripe but firm pears like Bartlett or Bosc that hold shape during baking.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth—feel free to adjust based on your taste.
- Pure Maple Syrup: Use real maple syrup for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Just a splash to enhance the overall aroma and taste.
- Optional Toppings: Maple almond granola and plain Greek yogurt add crunch and creaminess that I love.
Variations
I love encouraging little customizations with this Easy Baked Pears Recipe because it’s so adaptable. Sometimes I swap out toppings or add a sprinkle of nuts or spices to keep things interesting while still letting the pears shine.
- Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger alongside cinnamon gives the pears a cozy, spiced-up twist I adore in fall.
- Nutty Crunch: Toasted chopped walnuts or pecans sprinkled on top add a delightful texture contrast my family always asks for.
- Dairy-Free Version: Skip the yogurt and swap granola for coconut flakes to keep it vegan and plant-based.
- Drizzled Chocolate: A light drizzle of dark chocolate after baking makes these pears feel extra decadent for special occasions.
How to Make Easy Baked Pears Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pears
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, grab a large baking pan or sheet and lightly coat it with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Then, slice your pears in half and use a melon baller or spoon to carefully scoop out the seeds and core. Arranging the pears cut side up in the pan will help them cook evenly and soak up all those lovely flavors.
Step 2: Add Cinnamon and Maple Syrup
Sprinkle the pears evenly with ground cinnamon — I usually add a little extra because I love that warm kick it brings. In a small bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup and vanilla extract, then drizzle this sweet mixture generously over the pears. This combo helps caramelize the pears beautifully while baking, so don’t be shy about coating them well.
Step 3: Bake Until Tender and Golden
Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the pears feel soft to the touch and the edges look lightly browned and caramelized. If your pears are still firm, just give them a few extra minutes—ovens vary, so it’s worth checking in. Once baked, remove them and let them cool for a moment before serving.
Step 4: Serve Warm with Toppings
I love serving these baked pears warm, topped with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of maple almond granola. The creamy yogurt balances the sweet pears perfectly, and the granola adds a satisfying crunch. But feel free to get creative with your toppings or enjoy them simply on their own!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Baked Pears Recipe
- Choosing Pears: I learned the hard way that only ripe-but-firm pears work best to avoid mushy results.
- Even Drizzle: Make sure the maple syrup evenly coats all pears so sweetness spreads throughout the bake.
- Watch Bake Time: Pears vary, so check for softness starting at 20 minutes—don’t overbake to keep them tender.
- Easy Core Removal: Using a melon baller is a quick trick to hollow the center without damaging the pear halves.
How to Serve Easy Baked Pears Recipe
Garnishes
My favorite garnishes are plain Greek yogurt for richness, maple almond granola for crunch, and sometimes a light drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for extra texture. These add-ons bring layers of flavor and interest without overpowering the natural sweetness of the pears.
Side Dishes
I often pair these easy baked pears with a cup of strong black tea or cinnamon-spiced coffee for a relaxing afternoon snack. For brunch, they complement oatmeal, pancakes, or even a cheese board beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to plate one pear half on a pretty dessert plate, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios. It makes for a simple yet elegant dessert that guests always comment on.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftover baked pears covered in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They keep nicely, and the flavors actually mellow and deepen overnight, making them even tastier the next day.
Freezing
Freezing baked pears is totally doable! I usually freeze them in a single layer on a lined baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready, gently thaw them in the fridge overnight for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the pears into a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through, which helps retain their softness and prevents them from becoming too soggy like a microwave might.
FAQs
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Can I use any type of pear for this Easy Baked Pears Recipe?
You’ll want pears that are ripe but still firm so they hold their shape during baking. Varieties like Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou work well. If your pears are too soft, they might become mushy when baked.
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Can I substitute maple syrup in this recipe?
While maple syrup adds a unique flavor and natural sweetness, you can use honey or agave nectar as alternatives. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will change slightly. Avoid thicker syrups unless you thin them out a bit.
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How do I know when the pears are done baking?
The pears are ready when they are soft to the touch and the edges have lightly browned and caramelized. Start checking after about 20 minutes to prevent overbaking and losing their shape.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
Definitely! The baked pears themselves are vegan. For serving, just skip dairy toppings like Greek yogurt or use a plant-based yogurt alternative, and choose vegan-friendly granola or toppings.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Baked Pears Recipe is truly one of those simple pleasures that feels special every time. I love how effortlessly elegant it looks but how cozy and satisfying it tastes. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert, a healthy snack, or a lovely addition to brunch, you’ll enjoy the sweet, tender pears infused with cinnamon and maple syrup. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple you turn to time and again.
PrintEasy Baked Pears Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy baked pears recipe offers a simple and healthy dessert option featuring juicy pears baked with cinnamon, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract. The pears become tender and caramelized, perfect for serving warm with optional maple almond granola and plain Greek yogurt for added texture and creaminess.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 large pears (or 6 medium pears)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (120ml) pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- maple almond granola
- plain Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a large baking pan or line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Prepare the pears. Cut the pears in half vertically. Using a large or medium cookie scoop, melon baller, or spoon, carefully scoop out the core and seeds from each pear half. Arrange the pear halves, cut side up, on your prepared baking surface. Evenly sprinkle the ground cinnamon over the pears, adding more if desired for extra flavor.
- Make the syrup mixture. In a small bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup and pure vanilla extract until well combined. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the pear halves, ensuring they are all coated.
- Bake the pears. Place the baking pan or sheet in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25 minutes. Bake until the pears are soft when pierced with a fork and the edges are lightly browned and caramelized. If the pears are very firm, you may need to extend the baking time slightly.
- Serve and store. Remove the pears from the oven and serve warm. Top with maple almond granola and plain Greek yogurt if desired for added texture and creaminess. Cover any leftovers and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- If your pears are especially firm, consider baking them a few minutes longer to achieve a tender texture.
- You can customize toppings by adding nuts, honey, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for extra sweetness and crunch.
- This dessert is excellent served warm but can also be enjoyed chilled.
- Use ripe but firm pears for the best baking results; overly soft pears may become mushy.
- For a vegan option, ensure the maple almond granola and yogurt alternatives are plant-based.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pear half with toppings
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 1.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg