Save These oven-baked pears are tenderized slowly in apple cider while infused with fresh ginger and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The natural sweetness of ripe fruit combines with honey to create a luscious sauce, while toasted nuts add satisfying crunch to each bite.
Perfect for cool weather, this simple yet elegant dessert comes together with minimal effort. The pears soften beautifully in the oven, absorbing the spicy-sweet glaze while the apple cider creates a rich syrup at the bottom of the dish. Serve warm with ice cream or yogurt for an indulgent finish.
The kitchen was drafty that November and I needed something to warm us from the inside out. I grabbed the pears sitting on the counter and a heavy knuckle of ginger root. The scent that filled the oven made the whole house feel cozy in minutes. It became a ritual for cold nights when we craved comfort without heaviness.
My sister looked skeptical when I told her pears were for dessert not just snacks. She took one bite of the tender spiced fruit and her eyes lit up. We sat by the fire licking the sticky sauce off our spoons and talked for hours. It is now the only dessert she requests when she visits in the fall.
Ingredients
- Pears: You need ripe but firm pears so they keep their shape in the oven.
- Fresh Ginger: Use fresh ginger root to get a sharp spicy kick that powder lacks.
- Honey: Honey adds a floral sweetness that pairs beautifully with the earthy spices.
- Cinnamon: This classic spice brings a familiar warmth to the entire dish.
- Nutmeg: A little nutmeg adds a deep nutty flavor to the background.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla rounds out the sharp flavors and adds a sweet aroma.
- Apple Cider: The cider creates a syrupy sauce at the bottom of the pan.
- Walnuts: These nuts provide a crunchy texture that contrasts the soft fruit.
- Butter: Butter melts into the sauce to give it a rich and velvety finish.
Instructions
- Preheat The Oven:
- Turn the oven to 375 degrees to get the heat started.
- Prep The Fruit:
- Place the pear halves in the dish with the cut side facing up.
- Make The Paste:
- Stir the ginger honey and spices in a bowl until well mixed.
- Coat The Pears:
- Spoon the mixture over the fruit to cover the tops evenly.
- Add Liquid:
- Pour the cider around the pears but not directly over them.
- Add The Crunch:
- Scatter nuts on top and add small pieces of butter.
- Start Baking:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Finish Cooking:
- Take off the foil and cook for 10 more minutes until tender.
- Serve Warm:
- Spoon the sauce from the dish over the pears before serving.
Save One rainy afternoon this dessert turned a gloomy day into a reason to celebrate. The way the spices mingled with the sweet pears felt like a hug on a plate. It reminded me that simple ingredients can create the most profound comfort.
Selecting The Best Fruit
Bosc or Anjou pears work best because they maintain their texture during the baking process. Avoid soft varieties like Bartlett unless you want a softer almost applesauce consistency.
Balancing The Flavors
Grating the ginger fresh releases oils that powdered ginger simply cannot match. Taste your honey mixture before spooning it on to ensure the spice level hits your preference.
Plating The Dessert
While these pears are delightful on their own a few accompaniments elevate them further.
- A scoop of cold vanilla bean ice cream melts beautifully into the warm sauce.
- Thick Greek yogurt adds a tangy contrast to the sweet and spicy flavors.
- A drizzle of heavy cream right before serving makes it incredibly decadent.
Save I hope this recipe brings a little warmth to your table. Enjoy every spiced bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I know when the pears are done baking?
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Pears are ready when they feel tender when pierced with a fork and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. The fruit should be soft but still hold its shape, not mushy or falling apart.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
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Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.
- → What type of pears work best?
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Bosc or Anjou pears are ideal because they hold their shape well during baking. Avoid overly ripe fruit that may become too soft in the oven.
- → Can I make this vegan?
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Absolutely. Replace honey with maple syrup and use coconut oil instead of butter. The result remains just as delicious and satisfying.
- → How should I store leftovers?
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Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving to restore the tender texture.
- → What can I serve alongside this dessert?
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Vanilla ice cream, thick Greek yogurt, or whipped cream complement the warm spiced pears beautifully. The cool, creamy element balances the ginger heat.
