Imagine transforming ordinary pears into a decadent, restaurant-worthy dessert with just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort. These Whole Baked Pears with Honey are about to become your secret weapon in the kitchen - a dessert so elegant yet incredibly easy that it'll make you look like a culinary genius. With a perfect balance of sweet honey, warm cinnamon, and crunchy walnuts, this recipe promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 ripe pears
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Wash the pears thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Using a sharp paring knife, carefully slice off a thin portion from the bottom of each pear so they can stand upright stably on the baking sheet.
- Core the pears from the top, creating a hollow center, but be careful not to cut through the bottom. Use a melon baller or small spoon to remove the seeds and create a cavity.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of honey into each pear's cavity, ensuring it's evenly distributed. Sprinkle cinnamon over the top of each pear, coating the surface lightly.
- Chop the walnuts into small, uniform pieces. Mix the chopped walnuts with dried cranberries and stuff the mixture into the honey-filled pear cavities.
- Place the prepared pears on the lined baking sheet, standing upright. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pears are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. The pears will be soft, golden, and fragrant with a caramelized honey glaze.
- Serve warm, optionally garnishing with an extra drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of additional chopped walnuts. Can be accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
Tips
- Choose ripe but firm pears for the best texture - they should yield slightly when gently pressed but not be mushy.
- Use a melon baller or a small spoon with a sharp edge for precise coring.
- For extra flavor, try experimenting with different nuts like pecans or almonds instead of walnuts.
- Make sure to slice a thin portion from the bottom of each pear to create a stable base, preventing tipping during baking.
- Watch the pears closely in the last 5-10 minutes of baking to prevent over-caramelization.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature - the contrast between warm pears and optional cold vanilla ice cream is divine!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
