Baked Pears with Walnuts
These easy baked pears with maple syrup and walnuts are the kind of dessert you can make even when you don’t feel like baking, but still want to serve something sweet and delicious after dinner. Plus, this 4-ingredient guiltless treat is vegan, gluten free, free from refined sugar, low calorie and low fat, so you don’t have to stop at one.
Jump to:
Pears Steal the Show
Fall fruit is perfect for baking. Apples and pears taste amazing in pies, crumbles and galletes, but they’re delicious on their own as well. This easy baked pear recipe allows the fruit to be the main star of the show, with an impressive supporting cast made up of walnuts, maple syrup and cinnamon.
Here’s what else is to love about this pear recipe:
- Made with 4 ingredients
- Vegan and gluten free
- Free from refined sugar
- Low in calories and fat
- Light and healthy dessert
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make These Baked Pears with Maple Syrup
Pears
Not all pears are created equal; some are perfect for eating raw, some were made to be turned into dessert, and some turn into a sweet mush faster than you’d like.
For baking whole pears, it’s best to use the sorts that hold their shape well. My top recommendations include:
- Bosc pears
- Anjou pears
- French butter pears
But whichever sort you pick, it’s crucial that it’s perfectly ripe. They need to be soft to the touch, but still firm.
If you’re using pears that are not perfectly ripe, make sure to bake them longer. After 25 minutes of baking, take them out of the oven and pierce them with a fork. They should be melt-in-your-mouth soft, and the fork should easily pierce through. If not, return to the oven and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes.
Walnuts
Walnuts are the perfect addition to this recipe, pairing wonderfully with other fall flavours, adding a crunch, and some healthy fats to the mix. However, if you prefer to omit them, the recipe will definitely survive without. They’re also easy to substitute with a different nut, such as pecans, hazelnuts or almonds.
Maple syrup
Like walnuts, maple syrup adds the finishing touch to this fall recipe. You can substitute it with agave syrup or honey. I don’t recommend omitting it altogether, but if you’re looking for a sugar-free dessert, it’s possible to leave the sweeteners out completely.
Cinnamon
A dash of cinnamon on top of each pear half is the perfect way to wrap up this dessert. Nutmeg adds another layer of seasonal aroma.
How to Bake Pears
This is the perfect example of a 10-minute, 4-ingredient dessert. Here’s what you need to do.
Step 1 – Prepare the pears.
First, cut each pear in half. No need to peel them, since the skin softens beautifully as the pears bake and helps them keep their shape. You can leave the stems on or remove them like I did. Then cut a small sliver off the underside of each half, so the pears sit flat when placed upright on the baking sheet. Last, remove the core and seeds using a cookie scoop or melon baller (or even a teaspoon).
Step 2 – Top with walnuts and bake.
Arrange the pears, facing up, on the prepared baking pan or sheet. Sprinkle them evenly with cinnamon and fill the empty middles with chopped walnuts. Drizzle with maple syrup and bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes, depending on how ripe the pears were.
Serving Suggestions
Once baked, you can add an extra drizzle of maple syrup, more chopped walnuts or pecans, or a dash of cinnamon. For pure flavour perfection, serve baked pears with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream. For a healthier option, perfect as a sweet breakfast, use them as topping in a bowl of plain yogurt or overnight oats.
Are These Baked Pears Really a Healthy Dessert?
No dessert can truly be called healthy. But these baked pears with nothing but maple syrup, walnuts and a dash of cinnamon are as close as it gets. They’re low in fat and calories, with one baked pear having roughly 200 calories. There’s no processed sugar, saturated fat, artificial colouring or preservatives. Only the simplest, natural fall flavours.
FAQs
These pears are best when served right away, while they’re still warm. You can prepare them a few hours ahead, and then simply pop them in the oven before you’re ready to serve. This recipe is perfect as a Sunday dinner dessert, or a quick after-dinner treat.
Absolutely. They’re delicious as a breakfast topping over yogurt, oatmeal, or chia pudding.
Yes. The easiest way to do this is in the microwave. It’s best to microwave them in shorter, one minute intervals, testing between each one, as you don’t want to overcook them.
More Healthy Fall Flavours
If you’re looking for more vegan fall recipes, make sure to check out these easy baked apples with walnuts, crustless apple pie or apple pie muffins.
Baked Pears with Maple Syrup and Walnuts
Ingredients
- 4 ripe pears, halved
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ cup (60 g) walnuts, chopped
- 4 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking pan (any size that will fit the halved pears) or baking sheet. You don't have to line it with parchment paper, but it helps with cleanup.
- Slice each pear in half lengthwise. Cut a small sliver off the rounded underside so the halves sit flat on the baking sheet. Use a melon baller, cookie scoop, or teaspoon to remove the core and seeds, creating a small hollow in the centre.
- Place the pear halves cut-side up on the baking sheet. Sprinkle evenly with cinnamon, then fill each hollow with chopped walnuts. Drizzle maple syrup generously over the top of each pear.
- Bake for 25 minutes, until the pears are tender and the edges are lightly caramelised. Check doneness by piercing a pear with a fork. If it’s still firm, bake for another 5–10 minutes.
- Serve warm as is, or with a scoop of ice cream or Greek yogurt. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Hi. Makes pears tonight using this recipe. They were so delicious. We just loved them. I follow you know on insta!