BAKED PEARS WITH HONEY
Baked pears with honey is a simple yet elegant dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of ripe pears, complemented by warm cinnamon and crunchy almonds. The honey glaze caramelises when the pears are baked, giving the fruits a light sweetness, while the cinnamon adds a fragrant warmth. A splash of chopped almonds makes a satisfying crunch that stands out from the soft texture of the baked pear. This dish is easy to prepare, requires few ingredients and is perfect for a light dessert or snack. It is gluten-free, low in calories, and vegan, so that you can exchange honey for maple syrup.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Dessert, Snack
SERVING SIZE
1 serving
CUISINE
Mediterranean, American
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Bake five ingredients or less.
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Fall, Winter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day, Family Gathering, Potluck
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Healthy, Quick & Easy, Low Fat, Vegetarian, Vegan (if using maple syrup), Gluten-Free, Kid Friendly
DISH TYPE
Dessert, Condiment / Spread
INGREDIENTS
There are the following ingredients of baked pears with honey:
- 1 small pear, halved
- 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp chopped almonds
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 120
- Protein:5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugars: 13g
- Fats: 6g
- Fibre: 4g
- Sodium: 1mg
PREPARATION
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Prepare The Pear: Halve the pear and scoop out the core. Place the pear halves on a baking tray cut side up.
- Drizzle With Honey And Cinnamon: Drizzle 1 tsp of honey (or maple syrup) evenly over the pear halves. Sprinkle the cinnamon on top to infuse the pears with warmth and spice.
- Add The Almonds: Sprinkle the chopped almonds over the pears. They will toast as the pears bake, adding a lovely crunch.
- Bake: Place the pears in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the pears are tender and the honey has caramelised.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy the baked pears alone or with a dollop of yoghurt or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
15-20 minutes
TIPS
- Choose Ripe Pears: Use ripe but firm pears for this recipe. Softer pears may bake too quickly and lose their shape.
- Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking tray with parchment paper to prevent the honey from sticking and burning during baking.
- Add A Pinch Of Salt: For a more balanced flavour, sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt over the pears before baking. This will enhance the sweetness and add depth to the dish.
- Toast The Almonds First: For an even crunchier texture, lightly toast the chopped almonds in a pan before sprinkling them on the pears.
VARIATIONS
- Vegan Option: Make this vegan dish with maple syrup instead of honey.
- Nut-Free Version: Replace the chopped almonds with toasted sunflower seeds or omit them entirely if you prefer a nut-free dessert.
- Spiced Version: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon for a more aromatic, spiced flavour.
- Creamy Addition: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, Greek yoghurt, or a dollop of whipped coconut cream for extra richness.
- Add Dried Fruit: Sprinkle a few raisins or dried cranberries on top of the pears before baking for an added sweet and tart contrast.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- In The Fridge: Store any leftover baked pears in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Freezing: Baked pears can be frozen for up to 1 month. To freeze, allow the pears to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.