Roasted Pears
Tender, juicy pears roasted to perfection with warm cinnamon and sweet maple syrup. This simple yet elegant dish creates a beautiful caramelized glaze, making it a perfect dessert or a luxurious addition to breakfast yogurt, ready in under 40 minutes.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Preheat Oven and Prepare Pears
- b.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- c.Wash and dry the pears. Cut each pear in half lengthwise from stem to base.
- d.Using a melon baller or a small spoon, carefully scoop out the core and seeds from each half, creating a small well.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Arrange Pears in Baking Dish
- b.Place the pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish just large enough to hold them in a single layer without overcrowding.
- c.This ensures they roast evenly instead of steaming.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare and Apply Glaze
- b.In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- c.Carefully spoon this mixture over the pear halves, allowing it to pool in the cored-out centers and drizzle down the sides.
- d.Pour the 2 tablespoons of water into the bottom of the baking dish around the pears. This creates steam and prevents the syrup from burning.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Roast Until Tender and Caramelized
- b.Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes.
- c.About halfway through (around the 12-minute mark), carefully remove the dish and baste the pears by spooning the pan juices over them. This helps create a beautiful glaze.
- d.The pears are done when they are tender enough to be easily pierced with the tip of a knife and the edges are lightly browned and caramelized.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Remove the pears from the oven and let them cool slightly in the dish for a few minutes.
- c.Serve warm, drizzled with any remaining pan juices and garnished with toasted walnuts.
- d.For an extra treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or mascarpone cheese.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Choose ripe but firm pears like Bosc or Anjou. They hold their shape well during roasting, unlike softer varieties which can become mushy.
- 2A melon baller is the perfect tool for neatly scooping out the cores without damaging the pear flesh.
- 3Don't overcrowd the baking dish. Giving the pears space allows the hot air to circulate, ensuring they roast rather than steam.
- 4Basting the pears halfway through is key to developing a rich, glossy, and caramelized finish.
- 5For extra flavor, add a star anise, a few whole cloves, or a strip of lemon peel to the baking dish before roasting.
- 6Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They are delicious cold or gently reheated in a microwave or oven.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan-Friendly
Substitute the unsalted butter with an equal amount of melted coconut oil or a high-quality vegan butter for a delicious plant-based version.
Spice TwistSpice Twist
Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger or cardamom to the maple syrup mixture for a different layer of warm spice.
Nut Free GarnishNut-Free Garnish
If you have a nut allergy, garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or a sprinkle of granola for a similar crunchy texture.
Different SweetenerDifferent Sweetener
Replace the maple syrup with honey (if not vegan) or brown sugar for a slightly different flavor profile. If using brown sugar, mix it with the melted butter until it dissolves.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Pears are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is crucial for digestive health. Fiber helps promote regular bowel movements, supports a healthy gut microbiome, and can aid in weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness.
Source of Healthy Fats
The walnuts used as a garnish are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fat that is beneficial for heart health. These healthy fats can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and support brain function.
Provides Antioxidants
Both pears and cinnamon contain powerful antioxidants. These compounds help protect your body's cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to chronic diseases and aging.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of these Roasted Pears (two halves) contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the size of the pears and the exact ingredients used.