BAKED PEAR WITH WALNUTS
This Baked Pear with Walnuts is a warm, comforting dessert perfect for a light treat that’s packed with flavour. The natural sweetness of the pear is enhanced by a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon, creating a deliciously fragrant and satisfying dish. Chopped walnuts add a crunchy texture and a boost of healthy fats while the baking process softens the pear to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth consistency. Ideal for fall or winter, this simple recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort. With each bite, you’ll enjoy a delightful blend of warmth and sweetness, making it a perfect option for a quick, healthy dessert.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Dessert
SERVING SIZE
1 serving
CUISINE
American
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Bake, Quick & Easy
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Fall, Winter, Thanksgiving, Anytime
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Healthy, Low-Fat, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
DISH TYPE
Dessert
INGREDIENTS
There are the following ingredients for Baked Pear with Walnuts:
- 1 small pear, halved
- 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1 tbsp walnuts, chopped
- ½ tsp cinnamon
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 5g
- Fibre: 4g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 0mg
PREPARATION
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures even baking and a warm, tender result for the pear.
- Prepare Pear: Cut the pear in half and remove the seeds with a spoon. Place the cut side of the pear halves in a small oven-safe baking dish.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle each pear half with honey, then sprinkle evenly with cinnamon and chopped walnuts. The honey will caramelise slightly as it bakes, adding a rich, natural sweetness.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pear is soft and the walnuts are lightly toasted. Check for tenderness by poking the pear with a fork; it should slide in easily.
- Cool And Enjoy: Let the pear cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm as a dessert, snack, or even a light breakfast.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
15-20 minutes
TIPS
- Choose Ripe Pears: Ripe but firm pears work best, as they’ll soften nicely in the oven without becoming mushy. Bartlett or Anjou pears are ideal for baking.
- Stabilise The Pear: If your pear halves wobble, slice a tiny bit off the rounded side so they sit flat in the baking dish.
- Enhance Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dessert, drizzle a little extra honey after baking. You can also add a sprinkle of brown sugar before baking for added caramelisation.
VARIATIONS
- Add Raisins Or Cranberries: Sprinkle 1 tsp of raisins or dried cranberries on top for extra sweetness and texture.
- Oat Crumble Topping: Mix ½ tbsp oats with the walnuts for a crumbly, nutty topping.
- Spiced Flavour: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger for an extra layer of autumn-inspired warmth.
- Cheesy Topping: Add a few crumbles of soft goat cheese after baking for a sweet-savoury twist.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Fridge: Store any leftover baked pear in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before enjoying.
- Freezer: Freezing is not recommended as the pear texture can change significantly once thawed.