Baked Pears with Maple Syrup and Walnuts
Indulge in these tender baked pears drizzled with maple syrup and topped with crunchy walnuts. This easy, gluten-free dessert is perfect for fall, offering a warm and wholesome treat. Made with simple ingredients like ripe pears, maple syrup, walnuts, and a dash of cinnamon, this recipe brings cozy autumn flavors to your table. Ideal for family dinners or a comforting dessert, it can be easily adapted for dairy-free, vegan, and nut-free diets.
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.