You know what my favorite part of crisp autumn evenings is? The smell of baked pears with honey and walnuts drifting from the oven – it’s like edible sunshine on a chilly day. I first fell in love with this simple dessert when my neighbor Margaret brought over a batch during my first winter in this house. The way the honey caramelizes into the pears’ natural sweetness, paired with that satisfying crunch of walnuts… it’s perfection. What makes this dessert so magical is that it feels fancy but takes barely any effort – perfect for when you want something special but don’t want to fuss. Whether you serve it at a dinner party or enjoy it curled up on the couch, these baked pears with honey and walnuts always hit the spot. Check out more of my favorite dessert recipes when you’re in the mood for something sweet!
Why You’ll Love These Baked Pears with Honey and Walnuts
Oh, where do I even start? These baked pears with honey and walnuts have been my go-to dessert for years, and I’ll tell you why they’ll steal your heart too:
- Simplicity at its best: Just four main ingredients and 25 minutes in the oven—that’s all it takes to create a dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
- Nature’s candy: The pears caramelize beautifully in their own juices, and the honey? It turns into this luscious syrup that coats every bite. No refined sugar needed!
- A little healthy indulgence: Pears bring fiber to the party, walnuts add those good fats, and honey’s got antioxidants. It’s dessert you can feel good about—not that you need any justification!
- Versatile for any occasion: Fancy enough for date night, simple enough for a Tuesday treat. Top them with vanilla ice cream (my personal fave) or enjoy them just as they are.
Trust me, once you try this combination of sweet, juicy pears with crunchy walnuts and golden honey, you’ll understand why I make these at least twice a week when pears are in season!
Ingredients for Baked Pears with Honey and Walnuts
Okay, let’s talk ingredients—because the magic of this recipe starts with just a few simple things. I’ve made these baked pears with honey and walnuts so many times that I could probably do it in my sleep, but I still measure everything carefully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 ripe but firm pears – Look for Bartlett or Anjou pears that give just slightly when pressed near the stem. You’ll halve and core them—don’t skip coring, or you’ll miss out on those perfect little honey pools!
- 2 tablespoons honey – I prefer raw, local honey for its floral notes, but any kind works. If your pears are super sweet, you can reduce this to 1 tablespoon—taste as you go!
- ¼ cup walnuts, chopped – I like to chop them roughly so you get some big crunchy bits mixed with finer pieces. Toast them first if you want extra nutty flavor (just 5 minutes in a dry pan does wonders).
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon – The warm spice that makes everything cozy. If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom is lovely too.
That’s it! Four ingredients (plus maybe a scoop of vanilla ice cream for serving—but we’ll call that optional). Simple, right? The beauty is in how these humble ingredients transform in the oven into something truly special.
How to Make Baked Pears with Honey and Walnuts
Alright, let’s get into the good stuff—making these heavenly baked pears with honey and walnuts! I promise it’s so easy even my kids can help (and believe me, that’s saying something). Here’s exactly how I do it:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first—get that oven nice and toasty! Crank it up to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grab your pears. I like to wash them and pat them dry, then carefully slice them in half lengthwise. Now comes the fun part—scooping out those cores! I use a melon baller or a small spoon to get every last bit, making perfect little wells for all that honey to pool into later.
Step 2: Assemble and Bake
Place your pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish—don’t crowd them! Now drizzle that gorgeous honey over them (I let it fall in ribbons—very fancy!) and sprinkle with cinnamon like you’re dusting snow on a winter scene. Scatter those walnuts on top—go generous here, trust me! Pop them in the oven for 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a fork slides easily into the thickest part. Oh, and that smell?! Pure happiness.
Tips for Perfect Baked Pears with Honey and Walnuts
After making these baked pears with honey and walnuts more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make all the difference. First, choose pears that are ripe but still firm—if they’re too soft, they’ll turn to mush in the oven. Bartlett or Anjou work best here. Taste your pears before adding honey—some are sweeter than others, so you might want to adjust the amount. I always check doneness with a fork rather than a timer; when it slides in easily with just a little resistance, they’re perfect!
My secret weapon? A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the warm pears—the contrast of hot and cold is heavenly. And if you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of extra honey right before serving makes it look restaurant-worthy. Trust me, these little touches take an already amazing dessert to the next level!
Serving Suggestions for Baked Pears with Honey and Walnuts
Oh, the fun part—how to serve these beauties! Honestly, they’re delicious straight from the oven, but let me tell you my favorite ways to enjoy them. A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the warm pears is absolute heaven—the way the cold cream mixes with the hot honey syrup? Divine. If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream works wonders too. And don’t even get me started on pairing them with a steaming cup of coffee or tea—it’s like they were made for each other. Perfect for breakfast (yes, I said breakfast!) or a cozy dessert after dinner.
Nutritional Information for Baked Pears with Honey and Walnuts
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but I do love knowing what’s going into my treats! Keep in mind these values are estimates—your exact numbers might vary based on your pear size or honey brand. For one pear half with toppings, you’re looking at about 180 calories, with 35g carbs (hello, natural fruit sugars!), 2g protein, and 5g of those good fats from walnuts. You’ll also get a nice 6g fiber boost—not bad for dessert! The best part? No cholesterol and barely any sodium. So go ahead, enjoy that second helping guilt-free!
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Pears with Honey and Walnuts
I get so many questions about these baked pears with honey and walnuts—which makes sense because once people try them, they want to make them perfect every time! Here are the answers to the things everyone asks me:
Can I use other nuts besides walnuts?
Absolutely! While walnuts are my favorite for their buttery crunch, pecans work beautifully too. I’ve even used sliced almonds when that’s all I had—just toast them first for extra flavor. The only nut I’d avoid? Peanuts. They don’t quite match the pears’ elegance.
How do I store leftovers?
If you somehow have leftovers (rare in my house!), let them cool completely, then pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave—just know the walnuts will lose some crunch. Honestly? They’re best fresh!
Can I make these ahead for a dinner party?
You sure can! Prep the pears up to 4 hours ahead—halve and core them, then keep them in lemon water to prevent browning. Right before baking, drain, pat dry, and add your toppings. Easy elegance!
What’s the best pear variety to use?
Bartlett and Anjou are my top picks—they hold their shape beautifully. Bosc work too, but they’re firmer so may need 5 extra minutes. Avoid super-soft pears—they’ll turn to mush. Pro tip: sniff the stem end—if it smells sweet, it’s perfect!
Baked Pears with Honey and Walnuts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the pear halves in a baking dish, cut side up.
- Drizzle honey over the pears and sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Top with chopped walnuts.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until the pears are tender.
Nutrition
Notes
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