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
Units
Scale
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
