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.