Imagine a dessert so simple yet so luxurious that it transforms ordinary pears into a gourmet experience that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Our Honey Baked Pears are not just a dessert; they're a culinary journey that combines the natural sweetness of ripe pears with the rich, golden warmth of honey and a hint of aromatic cinnamon. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive dinner party finale, this recipe will elevate your dessert game with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ripe pears
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Wash the pears carefully and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. If desired, peel the pears, though leaving the skin on can add texture and nutrition.
- Cut the pears in half lengthwise and use a small spoon or melon baller to remove the core and seeds, creating a small hollow in each pear half.
- Place the pear halves cut-side up in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- In a small bowl, mix the honey and cinnamon together until well combined.
- Drizzle the honey-cinnamon mixture generously over each pear half, making sure to coat the surface and fill the hollowed center.
- Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the pears, distributing them evenly.
- Cut the butter into small pieces and dot the top of each pear with butter fragments.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pears are tender when pierced with a fork and have a golden, caramelized appearance.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. The pears can be served warm, either on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pears: Select ripe but firm pears like Bosc or Anjou for the best texture and flavor. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not be mushy.
- Even Baking: Make sure to cut your pear halves evenly so they cook at the same rate. This ensures a consistent texture and appearance.
- Honey Hack: For an extra flavor dimension, try using different types of honey like lavender, wildflower, or chestnut honey.
- Nut Options: While walnuts are delicious, feel free to experiment with pecans or almonds for a different crunch.
- Serving Suggestion: For an elegant touch, serve these pears with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of mascarpone cream.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare these pears up to a day in advance and gently reheat them before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
