If you’re craving a cozy and fuss-free treat that’s just as lovely for breakfast as it is for dessert, Easy Maple Baked Pears are about to become your new go-to favorite. Imagine perfectly ripe pears, baked until tender and golden, with warm maple-cinnamon flavors and that irresistible touch of caramelization. This recipe strikes the ideal balance between elegance and simplicity, making any day feel a little more special. Whether you serve them solo, topped with crunchy nuts, or nestled beside a scoop of ice cream, Easy Maple Baked Pears will win hearts every time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simplicity is the secret behind the irresistible charm of Easy Maple Baked Pears! Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, bringing out sweetness, warmth, and that beautiful golden finish you’ll crave from the first bite.
- Pears: Choose 4 ripe but firm Bosc or Anjou pears for their sweet flavor and tendency to hold shape while baking.
- Maple Syrup: Use 1/4 cup pure maple syrup—its natural sweetness and subtle complexity make these pears extra special.
- Melted Butter or Coconut Oil: Just 2 tablespoons lend richness and help the pears caramelize delightfully; use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon provides that classic cozy warmth, highlighting the fruit’s natural notes.
- Ground Nutmeg: A mere 1/4 teaspoon adds depth and that bit of autumnal aroma.
- Vanilla Extract: One teaspoon rounds out the flavors and makes your kitchen smell heavenly!
- Optional Toppings: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or granola bring crunch, contrast, and a beautiful finishing touch.
How to Make Easy Maple Baked Pears
Step 1: Prep the Pears
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms, halve and core your pears—there’s no need to peel them. Arrange the halves cut side up in a lightly greased baking dish. Take a moment to admire how beautiful they look already!
Step 2: Whisk the Maple Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the pure maple syrup, melted butter or coconut oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is silky smooth and smells like pure autumn comfort. This magical blend is what will infuse the Easy Maple Baked Pears with warmth and sweetness.
Step 3: Drizzle and Cover
Spoon the fragrant maple mixture evenly over each pear half. Don’t worry if it pools into the bottom of the dish—those juices will bubble up and baste the fruit as it bakes. Cover the dish with foil to keep the pears tender and moist during the first stage of baking.
Step 4: Bake Until Tender
Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This lets the pears become meltingly soft while soaking up all that maple-cinnamon goodness.
Step 5: Uncover and Caramelize
Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. Watch as the pears gently caramelize and the syrup thickens, filling your kitchen with the coziest aroma imaginable.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the Easy Maple Baked Pears cool just slightly before serving—you want them warm and juicy. Top with toasted nuts or granola for that satisfying crunch, or serve with your favorite creamy accompaniment. Pure bliss!
How to Serve Easy Maple Baked Pears
Garnishes
Finish your Easy Maple Baked Pears with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans for rich crunch, or scatter some granola over the top for extra texture and a hint of sweetness. For an extra treat, dust lightly with cinnamon or drizzle an extra splash of maple syrup just before serving.
Side Dishes
These pears pair beautifully with tangy yogurt, luscious whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For brunch, try them on buttered toast or pancakes; as dessert, a dash of vanilla bean ice cream makes them positively decadent.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant look, fan the pear halves on individual plates and spoon caramel sauce from the pan over the top. Arrange them over oatmeal, French toast, or pancakes to impress anyone at your table, or serve in parfait glasses with layers of yogurt and granola for a stunning breakfast parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Easy Maple Baked Pears, let them cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep happily in the refrigerator for up to three days—perfect for making mornings a little sweeter or a simple dessert feel special.
Freezing
Want to prep ahead? Arrange cooled baked pears in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to two months! Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop the pears into a baking dish and warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes. Just be sure not to overheat—they’re best when just warmed and still tender.
FAQs
Can I use any type Dessert
Absolutely! Bosc and Anjou work best for holding their shape during baking, but Bartlett or Comice are delicious too—just keep an eye on them so they don’t get too soft.
What’s the best way to core pears?
Use a small melon baller or a teaspoon to scoop out the seeds and core after halving the pears. If you don’t have either, a paring knife does the trick—just be careful not to cut through the bottom.
Is this recipe suitable for special diets?
Yes! Easy Maple Baked Pears are naturally gluten-free and vegetarian. Choose coconut oil for a dairy-free and vegan version, and use gluten-free granola if you opt for that crunchy topping.
Can I make Easy Maple Baked Pears ahead of time?
Definitely. You can bake them ahead and store covered in the fridge, then simply reheat gently before serving—perfect for holidays or meal prepping.
How can I make this recipe extra indulgent?
For a more decadent treat, top warm pears with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream and toasted nuts, then drizzle with a little extra maple syrup for a swoon-worthy dessert.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried Easy Maple Baked Pears yet, now’s the perfect time to embrace this dreamy and versatile dish. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll serve up something that feels both special and nourishing. Give them a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe any time you want a quick, comforting delight to mark the moment!
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Easy Maple Baked Pears Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Maple Baked Pears are a simple yet elegant dessert that showcases the natural sweetness of pears, enhanced with warm spices and a drizzle of maple syrup. Perfect for a cozy fall evening or a special treat any time of the year.
Ingredients
Pears:
- 4 ripe but firm pears (such as Bosc or Anjou), halved and cored
Maple Syrup Mixture:
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped walnuts, pecans, or granola
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Prepare pears: Arrange the pear halves cut side up in the dish.
- Mix maple syrup: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.
- Coat pears: Spoon the mixture evenly over the pears.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the pears are tender and caramelized.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Top with nuts or granola if desired, and serve warm on their own or with a scoop of yogurt, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- These pears are best served warm and are perfect for breakfast or dessert.
- You can prepare them ahead and reheat just before serving.
- For extra indulgence, drizzle with more maple syrup before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 halves
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
