I absolutely love this Easy Baked Pears Recipe because it’s one of those simple desserts that feels indulgent without any fuss. You can whip it up in about half an hour, and it’s perfect for cooler evenings when you want something warm, cozy, and naturally sweet. The pears come out tender and caramelized, with just the right hint of cinnamon and maple syrup to make every bite feel special.
When I first tried baking pears this way, I was amazed at how little effort it took to transform a humble fruit into something so comforting. You’ll find that this recipe is super forgiving and customizable, which is great if you want to play with flavors or add your favorite toppings. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dessert or a surprise treat for guests, this Easy Baked Pears Recipe always delivers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples to make a dessert that feels gourmet.
- Fast and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for when you want dessert without the wait.
- Naturally Sweet & Healthy: The pears and maple syrup bring natural sweetness without processed sugar.
- Versatile and Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or adjust spices to suit your taste easily.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Easy Baked Pears Recipe works together to enhance the natural sweetness and softness of the pears. When shopping, look for ripe yet firm pears to get that perfect baked texture without mushiness.
- Pears: Choose large, ripe pears that are still firm; Bartlett or Bosc pears work beautifully here because they hold their shape well when baked.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice to complement the sweetness—feel free to increase the amount if you love cinnamon as much as I do.
- Pure maple syrup: This is the star sweetener here, lending a deep natural sweetness and caramel-like flavor.
- Pure vanilla extract: Adds a gentle aromatic depth that rounds out the flavors wonderfully.
- Optional toppings – maple almond granola & plain Greek yogurt: These give texture contrast and a creamy element to balance the warm, soft pears.
Variations
I like to make this Easy Baked Pears Recipe my own by tweaking the spices or the toppings, so feel free to get creative. Everyone’s palate is a little different, and the pears are forgiving, so you can make subtle or bold changes with confidence.
- Add Warm Spices: I’ve tried adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger alongside cinnamon, and it brings a lovely depth to the flavor profile.
- Swap Sweeteners: If you don’t have maple syrup, honey or agave works well too, just expect a slight flavor shift.
- Make it Vegan: Skip the yogurt topping or use a plant-based alternative like coconut yogurt for a vegan-friendly option.
- Mix Up Toppings: Toasted nuts or a sprinkle of shredded coconut add a nice crunch and contrast with the soft baked pears.
How to Make Easy Baked Pears Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Tray and Pears
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a baking pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Then, carefully cut your pears in half and scoop out the cores with a melon baller or small spoon—this makes sure no tough seeds get in the way and creates a nice hollow to hold the syrup.
Step 2: Add Cinnamon and Drizzle with Syrup
Arrange the halved pears cut-side up in your prepared pan, sprinkle evenly with ground cinnamon—this is where the warm spice gently kisses the tender fruit. Whisk together the maple syrup and vanilla extract, then drizzle it all over the pears. The syrup soaks in and gives a beautiful glaze as it bakes.
Step 3: Bake Until Tender and Caramelized
Bake uncovered for around 25 minutes, or until the pears are tender when pierced with a fork and the edges start to brown lightly. If your pears are on the firmer side, add a few extra minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out—juices bubbling around the fruit is a good sign you’re on track!
Step 4: Serve Warm with Your Favorite Toppings
Remove from the oven and serve immediately while they’re still warm. I love topping them with a sprinkle of maple almond granola for crunch and a scoop of plain Greek yogurt for creaminess—it’s a flavor combo that my family goes crazy for.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Baked Pears Recipe
- Pick Ripe but Firm Pears: Too soft pears can turn mushy; look for pear varieties like Bosc for the best texture after baking.
- Check Early for Doneness: Poke a pear half with a fork at 20 minutes to avoid overbaking and drying them out.
- Use Fresh Vanilla Extract: It really elevates the flavor, making the pears taste richer and more aromatic.
- Serve Warm: These pears are best enjoyed straight from the oven, so plan your toppings and plating before baking.
How to Serve Easy Baked Pears Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top the warm baked pears with crunchy maple almond granola and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt. The granola adds a delightful crunch, while the creaminess of the yogurt balances the sweetness and spices perfectly. You can also add chopped toasted nuts or a drizzle of extra maple syrup if you want to get a little fancy.
Side Dishes
This Easy Baked Pears Recipe pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert vibe or alongside your morning oatmeal for a naturally sweet addition. For a brunch spread, consider serving with warm spiced coffee or chai tea to complement the pear’s warm, cozy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served baked pears halved and arranged on a rustic wooden board with a sprinkling of edible flowers and fresh mint leaves for a beautiful, elegant look. You can also lightly dust the pears with powdered sugar or cinnamon just before serving for a festive touch. If you want to impress guests, plate each pear half with a small scoop of your favorite ice cream or whipped cream on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover baked pears in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep well for up to 5 days. Just pop them back in the fridge promptly after serving to keep the texture and flavor fresh. Before reheating, let them come to room temperature slightly to avoid condensation making them soggy.
Freezing
While I haven’t frozen baked pears often, you can freeze them for longer storage—just place cooled pears in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. The texture might soften more after freezing, so they’re best used for smoothies or baked into other desserts rather than eating fresh.
Reheating
I typically reheat leftovers in a warm oven (about 300°F) for 5-10 minutes to gently warm them through without drying them out. You can also microwave them for 30-60 seconds if you’re in a hurry, but I find the oven preserves the texture better. Adding a small splash of water or maple syrup before reheating helps keep the pears moist.
FAQs
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Can I use any type of pear for this recipe?
Absolutely! However, firmer varieties like Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett are best because they hold their shape well during baking. Softer pears might become mushy, so look for pears that are ripe but still firm.
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Can I make this Easy Baked Pears Recipe vegan?
Yes! The recipe itself is vegan-friendly as long as you use pure maple syrup and skip the Greek yogurt topping or substitute it with plant-based yogurt. The flavors remain delicious and satisfying.
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How do I know when the pears are done baking?
The pears should be tender but not falling apart. You can test this by gently poking the thickest part with a fork or skewer—if it pierces easily, they’re ready. Edges should be lightly browned and caramelized.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the pears and syrup ahead but for best taste and texture, bake just before serving. If you bake in advance, reheat them gently in the oven to bring back their warmth and softness.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Baked Pears Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to desserts for when I want something warm, wholesome, and effortless. I love sharing it with friends because it feels special but doesn’t require any complicated steps or fancy ingredients. Give it a try—you might just find yourself baking pears more often than you’d expect, just like me!
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
Easy Baked Pears is a simple and delicious dessert recipe featuring halved pears baked with a drizzle of maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla. The warm pears become tender and lightly caramelized, perfect served with crunchy maple almond granola and creamy Greek yogurt for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 4 large pears (or 6 medium pears)
Seasoning & Sweetener
- 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 and Prepare the Pan: 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 to prevent sticking, then set aside.
- Halve and Core the Pears: Cut the pears in half. Using a cookie scoop, melon baller, or spoon, carefully core out the seeds from each pear half. Arrange the pears cut side up on the prepared pan or baking sheet. Sprinkle the pears evenly with ground cinnamon; add more cinnamon if desired for extra flavor.
- Mix and Drizzle the Syrup: In a small bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup and vanilla extract until well combined. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the arranged pears, allowing the flavors to soak in during baking.
- Bake the Pears: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25 minutes, or until the pears are soft and have lightly browned edges. If the pears are very firm, you can extend the baking time slightly to reach desired tenderness.
- Serve Warm: Remove the pears from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with optional toppings like maple almond granola and plain Greek yogurt for added texture and creaminess.
- Store Leftovers: Store any leftover baked pears covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making for a convenient, healthy snack or dessert reminder.
Notes
- Choose ripe but firm pears for best baking results; Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou work well.
- You can adjust the amount of cinnamon and maple syrup to taste.
- Substitute maple syrup with honey if preferred, but flavor will change slightly.
- The optional granola adds crunch while Greek yogurt adds creaminess to balance the dish.
- For a dairy-free option, serve with coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pear half
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg