As the leaves begin to change and a chill fills the air, the kitchen transforms into a warm haven, inviting us to embrace the flavors of fall. Picture this: you walk in after a bustling day, and the enticing aroma of Sweet Cinnamon Baked Pears wafts through the room, instantly washing away the day’s stresses. This delightful dessert combines the juicy sweetness of ripe pears with a crunchy topping crafted from oats and nuts, enveloped in a comforting cinnamon embrace.
With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dish that feels special enough for any occasion or just a cozy night in. Not only do these baked pears warm your heart, but they’re also a guilt-free indulgence, proving that wholesome desserts can truly shine. Ready in under an hour, this recipe is perfect for those moments when you need something quick yet unforgettable. Let’s dive into this easy treat that captures the essence of comfort and joy.
Why Love These Baked Pears?
Warm, Cozy Flavors: The sweet cinnamon aroma will envelop your kitchen, instantly making it feel like fall.
Guilt-Free Indulgence: Made with wholesome ingredients, this dessert offers a balance of sweetness without the heavy guilt.
Quick Prep: Ready in under an hour, this recipe is perfect for busy days when you crave something special.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Whether for family or friends, everyone will rave about this elegant yet simple treat.
Versatile & Customizable: Feel free to switch up the nuts or spices, making it fit your taste perfectly!
These Baked Pears are not just a dessert; they’re a hug in food form!
Baked Pears Ingredients
• Simple and scrumptious!
For the Pears
- Ripe Pears – Choose firm pears for optimal baking; they provide natural sweetness and texture.
- Melted Butter – Adds richness and helps the topping crisp up; substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
For the Topping
- Cinnamon Sugar – Enhances sweetness and adds spiced flavor; you can make a homemade mix of cinnamon and granulated sugar.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats – These provide structure and crunch to the topping; instant oats can be used, though they will yield a softer texture.
- Finely Chopped Almonds – Adds a nutty crunch; feel free to substitute with walnuts or pecans for a different flavor.
- Brown Sugar – Sweetens the topping and adds moisture; white sugar can be substituted but may slightly change the texture.
- Ground Cinnamon – The essential spice for flavor; consider replacing it with nutmeg for a different aromatic profile.
- Kosher Salt – Balances sweetness for enhanced overall flavor in these delicious baked pears.
How to Make Baked Pears
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking. This temperature is ideal for ensuring the pears cook evenly and the topping gets that perfect golden crunch.
- Prep the Pears: Halve the pears and remove the core. Arrange them cut side up in a baking dish, ensuring they’re nestled closely for optimal baking.
- Make Topping: In a bowl, mix melted butter, oats, chopped almonds, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt. Stir until well combined to create a crumbly topping that will add delightful texture.
- Top Pears: Spoon the oat mixture generously over each pear half, making sure to cover them well. This topping brings crunchy goodness to every bite!
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes, or until the pears are tender when pierced and the topping is beautifully golden brown.
- Serve: Drizzle with ice cream or yogurt for a luscious touch that elevates the whole experience. Your guests will appreciate this creamy addition!
Optional: Drizzle with honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Baked Pears
- Choose Ripe Pears: Select pears that are slightly firm to avoid a mushy outcome; overripe pears can spoil the texture of the dish.
- Keep the Skin On: The skin not only adds flavor but also helps the pears maintain their shape during baking.
- Avoid Overmixing Topping: Mix your topping just until combined to prevent it from becoming too dense; a crumbly texture enhances the crunch in these baked pears.
- Add Variety: Feel free to experiment with spices and nuts to create unique flavors like replacing almonds with pecans or adding ginger for an extra zing.
- Check for Doneness: Pierce the pears with a fork; they should be tender, but not too soft. Adjust baking time as necessary for consistent results.
Make Ahead Options
These Sweet Cinnamon Baked Pears are perfect for meal prep, making them an easy choice for busy home cooks! You can prepare the oat and nut topping up to 3 days in advance. Simply mix everything together and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. The pears can also be halved and cored up to 24 hours ahead; just sprinkle a bit of lemon juice over them to prevent browning. When you’re ready to enjoy this delightful dessert, simply assemble the pear halves in a baking dish, top with your prepped mixture, and bake as instructed. You’ll have a cozy fall treat ready with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Sweet Cinnamon Baked Pears?
As the delightful aroma of warm baked pears fills your home, you’ll want to enhance the experience with a few perfect pairings.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic match that adds a creamy, cool contrast to the warm, spiced pears and elevates the dish.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, this topping brings sweetness and airy texture, making each bite even more indulgent.
- Greek Yogurt: For a tangy, healthy twist, top your baked pears with sweetened Greek yogurt, adding creaminess and a protein boost.
- Oatmeal Cookies: The chewy texture and comforting flavors of oatmeal cookies complement the baked pears beautifully, enhancing the whole dessert experience.
Consider serving your baked pears alongside a cozy cup of chai tea. The spiced notes in the tea will resonate harmoniously with the cinnamon, creating a delightful flavor fusion.
- Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai will amplify the warming essence of the baked pears, creating a comforting beverage pairing.
- Nutty Granola: A sprinkle of crunchy granola on top can add an exciting texture, elevating the buttery essence of the pears and topping.
- Roasted Nuts: A side of lightly salted roasted nuts can bring a savory contrast, balancing the dessert’s sweetness and offering a delightful crunch with every bite.
- Warm Honey Drizzle: A drizzle of honey not only enhances sweetness but adds an aromatic touch that enhances the flavor of every spoonful.
How to Store and Freeze Baked Pears
Fridge: Store leftover baked pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and moist.
Freezer: If you have extra baked pears, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until warmed through. This will help maintain the texture and flavor of your delicious baked pears.
Enjoying Leftovers: Feel free to drizzle reheated pears with a bit of honey or add a scoop of ice cream to elevate your dessert experience!
Baked Pears Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to customize these sweet treats to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
- Nut-Free: Replace nuts with sunflower seeds or omit entirely for a delightful crunch without allergens.
- Vegan: Use coconut oil instead of butter and replace brown sugar with maple syrup for a plant-based twist.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of ginger for an unexpected kick that warms the palate.
- Dried Fruit Delight: Stir in some chopped dried cranberries or apricots to the oat mixture for added sweetness and texture.
- Oat-Free Option: Substitute oats with crushed graham crackers or a gluten-free crumb blend for a beautiful, crunchy topping.
- Cocoa Twist: Mix in a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the topping for a chocolatey contrast that pairs beautifully with sweet pears.
- Citrus Zing: Grate some lemon or orange zest into the pear halves before topping them to uplift the flavor profile.
- Baked Pears for Breakfast: Serve topped with yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a wholesome start to your day!
Sweet Cinnamon Baked Pears Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe pears for baking?
Absolutely! Look for pears that are firm to the touch but slightly yielding when pressed. You want them to be ripe but not overripe, as overripe pears can turn mushy when baked. Varieties like Anjou and Bosc are fantastic choices for baking due to their sweetness and texture.
What is the best way to store leftover baked pears?
Very good question! Store any leftover baked pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to reheat them gently in the oven to restore that warm, comforting texture before serving!
Can I freeze baked pears?
Yes, you can! To freeze, place the cooled baked pears in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the pears to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until warmed through.
What if the topping becomes too dense?
If your topping ends up being too dense, it might be due to overmixing. Mix the topping just until the ingredients are combined for a light, crumbly texture. You can also try adding a little more melted butter or checking to see if you’re using old oats that have absorbed moisture.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Absolutely! If you’re cooking for someone with nut allergies, you can replace the chopped almonds with sunflower seeds or omit them altogether. For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil instead of butter. Always check for any specific allergies your guests might have before serving these delightful baked pears.
How do I known when the baked pears are done?
Great question! The pears are done when they are tender; you can easily pierce them with a fork but they shouldn’t fall apart. Bake them for about 50 minutes at 350°F, checking occasionally. Keep an eye on the topping to ensure it becomes golden brown without burning!
Baked Pears with Cinnamon Crunch for a Cozy Fall Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Halve the pears and remove the core. Arrange cut side up in a baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, oats, chopped almonds, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt until well combined.
- Spoon the oat mixture generously over each pear half.
- Bake for 50 minutes, or until pears are tender and topping is golden brown.
- Serve with a drizzle of ice cream or yogurt.