Baked Pears with Maple Syrup and Walnuts
A Rustic Fall Treat
When the crisp air of fall starts to settle in, there’s no better way to embrace the season than with a cozy and comforting dessert. These Baked Pears with Maple Syrup and Walnuts are the perfect sweet treat that captures the essence of autumn. Warm, tender pears drizzled with pure maple syrup and topped with crunchy walnuts create a dish that feels both rustic and elegant. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a healthy dessert to enjoy by the fireplace, this recipe is sure to impress with its simplicity and depth of flavor.
Not only is this dessert easy to make, but it also brings a wholesome touch to your table. Pears are naturally sweet, so you don’t need much added sugar, making this a lighter option compared to other baked goods. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, and with a few simple adjustments, it can easily fit vegan or nut-free diets. This dish is versatile, customizable, and filled with seasonal goodness that will leave you wanting more after every bite.
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Allergen-Friendly Alternatives for Baked Pears with Maple Syrup and Walnuts Mushrooms
If you or your guests have dietary restrictions, don’t worry—this delicious recipe can easily be adapted to suit different needs. Here are some simple substitutions and adjustments you can make to create an allergen-friendly version of these baked pears:
Dairy-Free Option:
Instead of using butter to create the rich maple-walnut topping, swap it with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Both options will give the topping a beautiful richness without compromising on flavor. Coconut oil adds a subtle tropical flavor that complements the sweetness of the pears and maple syrup.Nut-Free Option:
If you’re avoiding nuts, try replacing the walnuts with seeds like pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or sunflower seeds. These seeds provide the same satisfying crunch without the allergens. For a flavor twist, lightly toast the seeds before adding them to the recipe to enhance their nutty taste.Vegan Version:
For a vegan-friendly version, make sure to use a plant-based butter substitute or coconut oil. This ensures the dish remains dairy-free while keeping the indulgent taste. Maple syrup is naturally vegan, so no need to worry about substitutions there!Gluten-Free Assurance:
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but if you’re serving guests with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, always double-check the labels on any added ingredients, such as the vanilla extract, to ensure they’re certified gluten-free.Sugar-Free or Low-Sugar Alternative:
While maple syrup is a natural sweetener, some people prefer a sugar-free option. In this case, you can substitute the maple syrup with a sugar-free syrup made with monk fruit or erythritol. This keeps the recipe diabetic-friendly while still maintaining the sweetness and caramelized texture.
These allergen-friendly alternatives make it easy for everyone to enjoy this wholesome fall dessert, whether they have specific dietary restrictions or are simply looking for a lighter option. With just a few tweaks, you can create a delicious version of this dish that caters to a variety of needs, without losing the cozy, comforting flavors of the original.
Customize Your Baked Pears: Creative Twists and Variations
Nut-Free Version: If you or your guests have a nut allergy, you can easily substitute the walnuts with seeds like pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. These will still give you a delightful crunch without the worry of allergens.
Vegan-Friendly: To make this dish vegan, simply swap out the butter for coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. You can also serve the baked pears with dairy-free yogurt or coconut-based whipped cream to keep it entirely plant-based.
Spiced Pears: For those who love bold flavors, try adding extra spices such as cardamom, ground ginger, or even a pinch of cloves to the maple syrup mixture. This will add an extra layer of warmth and complexity to the dish.
Pear & Apple Combo: Combine both pears and apples for a mixed baked fruit dish. Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, and follow the same steps for a balanced flavor that blends the sweet and tart qualities of both fruits.
Low-Sugar Option: While maple syrup adds a lovely natural sweetness, you can reduce the amount to 1-2 tablespoons or swap it with a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit syrup to lower the sugar content while still keeping the pears delicious.
Cranberry Walnut Filling: Add a handful of dried cranberries to the walnut mixture for a tart, festive twist, perfect for holiday gatherings. The bright, chewy cranberries pair beautifully with the soft, baked pears and add a pop of color.
Baked Pears with Granola: For a more substantial and hearty version, top the pears with a handful of granola before baking. The granola adds a lovely texture and pairs well with the syrupy pears for a dessert that could also double as a breakfast.
Citrus Zest: Elevate the flavors by adding a sprinkle of orange or lemon zest over the pears before baking. The citrus zest cuts through the sweetness, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich maple syrup and walnuts.
These variations allow you to get creative and adapt the recipe to suit different occasions, dietary preferences, or simply to try something new. Whether you go nut-free, vegan, or spice it up with extra flavors, there’s a version of this recipe for everyone to enjoy!
Baked Pears with Maple Syrup and Walnuts
Equipment
- 1 Baking dish (large enough to hold all the pear halves)
- 1 Melon baller or spoon (for coring the pears)
- 1 Small mixing bowl (to prepare the maple syrup and walnut mixture)
- Measuring spoons (for measuring spices, vanilla, and syrup)
- 1 Basting brush or spoon (to drizzle the maple syrup mixture over the pears)
- 1 Aluminum foil (for covering the dish while baking)
- 1 Oven (preheated to the required temperature)
- 1 Knife (for halving the pears)
- 1 Cutting board (for preparing the pears)
Ingredients
- 4 ripe but firm pears (such as Bosc or Anjou)
- ¼ Cup Pure maple syrup
- ½ Cup Chopped walnuts
- 2 tbsp Melted butter (or coconut oil for a dairy-free option)
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp Ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- A pinch of sea salt
- Optional toppings: Greek yogurt, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to allow it to reach the perfect temperature for baking the pears to golden perfection.
- Prepare the pears: Wash the pears thoroughly and slice them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out the core, leaving a small cavity for the filling. You can peel the pears if you prefer a smoother texture, but leaving the skins on adds extra fiber and a lovely rustic appearance.
- Create the filling: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter (or coconut oil), maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir in the chopped walnuts until well coated. The mixture should have a beautiful, fragrant aroma from the spices and vanilla.
- Fill the pears: Place the pear halves in a baking dish, cut side up. Spoon the walnut and maple syrup mixture into the hollowed-out center of each pear half, allowing the filling to slightly overflow onto the fruit.
- Bake the pears: Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the pears are tender and the walnuts are golden and caramelized. The pears should be soft but not mushy.
- Serve: Allow the pears to cool slightly before serving. Drizzle any remaining syrup from the baking dish over the pears. For an extra touch of indulgence, serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
You can prepare the Baked Pears with Maple Syrup and Walnuts ahead of time by assembling the pears and the maple-walnut filling, then refrigerating them for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, simply pop them into the oven. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave for about 1 minute until heated through.
A Sweet and Simple Delight
Baked Pears with Maple Syrup and Walnuts is a dessert that blends simplicity with sophistication, making it a standout dish for any occasion. The tender pears, paired with the rich, nutty crunch of walnuts and the natural sweetness of maple syrup, offer a warm and satisfying treat that feels indulgent but remains light. This recipe is not only perfect for autumn but can be enjoyed year-round as a wholesome dessert or even a special breakfast option. The best part is how easily adaptable it is to various dietary needs, ensuring everyone can savor this delicious dish.
I encourage you to give this recipe a try and make it your own by experimenting with the tips and variations. Whether you serve it as a dessert for a family dinner or a healthy snack, these baked pears are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you—feel free to share your experience in the comments below! And don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more clean-eating recipes, cooking tips, and meal inspiration. Happy baking!