Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium-sized, firm, ripe Pears (such as Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett; they should be ripe enough to be flavorful but firm enough to hold their shape during baking)
- 1/4 cup Walnuts, roughly chopped (provides a delightful crunch and nutty flavor; pecans can also be used)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted (adds richness and helps with browning; can be substituted with coconut oil for a dairy-free option)
- 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup (for natural sweetness and a lovely glaze; honey or brown sugar can be used as alternatives)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (a classic warming spice that pairs beautifully with pears)
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (adds a subtle, aromatic depth to the spice blend)
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Ginger (optional, but adds a lovely zing and complexity)
- Pinch of Salt (enhances all the other flavors)
- 1/4 cup Hot Water or Apple Juice (poured into the baking dish to create steam and prevent pears from drying out)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (to toss with pears after cutting to prevent browning, if preparing ahead)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish that’s large enough to hold the pear halves in a single layer without overcrowding. A 9×13 inch dish or a smaller casserole dish usually works well.
- Prepare the Pears: Wash the pears thoroughly. Slice each pear in half lengthwise, from stem to base. Using a melon baller or a small spoon, carefully scoop out the core and seeds from each half, creating a small well. If you’re concerned about browning and aren’t baking them immediately, you can toss the pear halves gently with a little lemon juice.
- Arrange Pears: Place the pear halves, cut side up, in the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, melted butter, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix well until the walnuts are evenly coated.
- Fill the Pears: Spoon the walnut mixture evenly into the cored-out wells of each pear half. If there’s any extra topping, you can sprinkle it around the pears in the dish.
- Add Liquid to Dish: Carefully pour the hot water or apple juice into the bottom of the baking dish, around the pears. This helps to create steam, keeping the pears moist as they bake and preventing the sugars from burning on the bottom of the dish.
- Bake: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven. Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the pears are tender when pierced with a fork and the topping is golden brown and fragrant. The exact baking time will depend on the ripeness and variety of your pears. Start checking for tenderness around the 30-minute mark.
- Baste (Optional but Recommended): About halfway through the baking time, you can baste the pears with the pan juices. Use a spoon to carefully drizzle some of the liquid from the bottom of the dish over the pears. This enhances their flavor and helps create a beautiful glaze.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Let the baked pears rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows them to cool slightly and the flavors to meld further. Serve warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 280