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Cinnamon Maple Baked Pears
Cinnamon Maple Baked Pears are the perfect dessert for cozy evenings and special occasions. This simple yet elegant recipe transforms ordinary pears into a warm, fragrant treat that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and maple. The natural sweetness of the pears pairs beautifully with the rich maple syrup and warming spices, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation with just 10 minutes of prep time and minimal ingredients
- Naturally sweet and healthy dessert option that’s perfect for guilt-free indulgence
- Beautiful presentation that impresses guests while being simple enough for everyday enjoyment
- Versatile recipe that works wonderfully as a dessert, breakfast, or healthy snack
- Fills your home with the most amazing autumn-inspired aromas of cinnamon and maple
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the perfect balance of flavors. Baking the pears at 375°F allows them to caramelize beautifully while maintaining their shape and texture. The maple syrup creates a gorgeous glaze that penetrates the fruit, while the cinnamon adds warmth and depth.
The butter pieces melt during baking, creating a rich sauce that pools around the pears. This combination of ingredients works together to enhance the natural sweetness of the pears without overwhelming their delicate flavor. The result is a dessert that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant but requires minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Maple Baked Pears
This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves simple, wholesome desserts. The natural sugars in the pears caramelize during baking, creating complex flavors that satisfy your sweet tooth without being overly heavy. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you feel good about what you’re eating.
The presentation is absolutely stunning, making it perfect for dinner parties or romantic dinners. Yet it’s so easy to make that you can whip it up on a weeknight when you’re craving something special. The recipe is also naturally gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free by substituting the butter.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity (Approx) | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ripe Bosc or Anjou pears | 4 medium pears | Main ingredient; provides natural sweetness and tender texture |
| Pure maple syrup | 1/2 cup | Creates glaze and adds rich sweetness |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon | Provides warm spice and aromatic flavor |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tablespoons | Creates rich sauce and helps with caramelization |
| Chopped walnuts or pecans | 1/2 cup (optional) | Adds crunch and nutty flavor contrast |
Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Sharp knife | For halving pears cleanly and safely |
| Melon baller or spoon | For removing pear cores efficiently |
| Mixing bowl | For combining maple syrup and cinnamon |
| Baking dish | For arranging and baking the pears |
| Measuring cups and spoons | For accurate ingredient measurements |
How to Make Cinnamon Maple Baked Pears
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1. Preheat Oven | Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and ensure the rack is in the center position |
| 2. Prepare Pears | Wash the pears thoroughly and slice them in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the core using a melon baller or spoon |
| 3. Make Maple Mixture | In a bowl, mix the maple syrup and cinnamon until well combined and smooth |
| 4. Arrange and Drizzle | Arrange pear halves cut side up in a baking dish and drizzle generously with the maple cinnamon mixture |
| 5. Add Butter and Nuts | Dot each pear half with butter pieces and sprinkle with chopped nuts if using |
| 6. Bake | Bake for 25-30 minutes until pears are tender and golden brown. Serve warm |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Choose pears that are ripe but still firm to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking
- Leave a small amount of skin on the pears for better shape retention and added fiber
- Baste the pears with the pan juices halfway through baking for extra flavor and moisture
- Test doneness by inserting a fork – it should slide in easily but the pears should hold their shape
- Let the pears rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the juices to settle before serving
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Tips
Serve these beautiful Cinnamon Maple Baked Pears warm for the best experience. They’re delicious on their own, but you can elevate them with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of heavy cream. The contrast between the warm pears and cool accompaniments is absolutely divine.
For an extra special touch, garnish with a sprinkle of toasted nuts or a light dusting of additional cinnamon. These pears also make an excellent addition to a cheese board or can be served alongside other autumn desserts. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheat gently before serving.
Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t use overripe pears as they’ll become mushy and lose their shape during baking. Avoid using artificial maple syrup – pure maple syrup makes a significant difference in flavor. Make sure not to overbake the pears, as they can become too soft and fall apart.
Another common mistake is not preheating the oven properly. The initial blast of heat helps start the caramelization process. Also, don’t skip the butter – it creates the beautiful sauce that makes this dessert so special. Finally, resist the urge to add too much cinnamon, as it can overpower the delicate pear flavor.
You Must Know
- Pears continue cooking slightly after removal from oven, so don’t overbake them
- The natural sugars in pears vary by variety, so taste and adjust maple syrup accordingly
- Room temperature pears bake more evenly than cold ones straight from the refrigerator
- The pan juices make an excellent sauce, so don’t discard them when serving
Tips and Tricks for Cinnamon Maple Baked Pears
For the best results, choose pears that give slightly to gentle pressure but aren’t soft. Bosc pears hold their shape particularly well during baking. If your pears are very ripe, reduce the baking time by 5-10 minutes and check frequently.
Try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the maple mixture for extra depth of flavor. You can also experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom alongside the cinnamon. For a festive twist, add a few cranberries to the baking dish for color and tartness.
Suggestions for Cinnamon Maple Baked Pears
This recipe pairs beautifully with other autumn-inspired dishes. Try serving them alongside Ultimate Chicken Casserole for a complete seasonal meal. The warm spices complement savory dishes wonderfully.
For a lighter option, serve these pears with Keto Cloud Cake for a delightful dessert combination. You can also find more inspiration from AllRecipes’ baked pears collection or explore Epicurious’ maple baked pears variations.
FAQ for Cinnamon Maple Baked Pears
FAQs:
Yes, you can prepare the pears up to 4 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving. They’re best served warm, but you can also reheat them gently in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes.
Bosc and Anjou pears work best because they hold their shape well during baking. Bosc pears have a firmer texture, while Anjou pears are slightly sweeter. Both varieties caramelize beautifully and maintain their structure.
While pure maple syrup gives the best flavor, you can substitute with honey or agave nectar. However, the taste will be different. Avoid using pancake syrup or artificial maple syrup as they won’t provide the same depth of flavor.
The pears are done when they’re tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. They should be golden brown and the juices should be bubbling. This typically takes 25-30 minutes, but check after 20 minutes if your pears are very ripe.
Absolutely! Simply substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. The texture will be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious. You can also omit the butter entirely, though you’ll miss some of the rich sauce it creates.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Maple Baked Pears are proof that the simplest recipes often create the most memorable desserts. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create an elegant dessert that celebrates the natural sweetness of pears while adding warming spices and rich maple flavor.
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to impress guests or simply treat themselves to something special. The combination of tender, caramelized pears with the aromatic cinnamon and maple creates a dessert that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Give this recipe a try, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
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📖 Recipe Card
Cinnamon Maple Baked Pears
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 5 minutes after baking to allow the juices to settle before serving 1x
Description
A delicious and easy recipe for Cinnamon Maple Baked Pears that you’ll love making at home.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe but firm pears
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and ensure the rack is in the center position
- Prepare Pears: Wash the pears thoroughly and slice them in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the core using a melon baller or spoon
- Make Maple Mixture: In a bowl, mix the maple syrup and cinnamon until well combined and smooth
- Arrange and Drizzle: Arrange pear halves cut side up in a baking dish and drizzle generously with the maple cinnamon mixture
- Add Butter and Nuts: Dot each pear half with butter pieces and sprinkle with chopped nuts if using
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until pears are tender and golden brown. Serve warm
Notes
- Choose pears that are ripe but still firm to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking
- Baste the pears with the pan juices halfway through baking for extra flavor and moisture
- Test doneness by inserting a fork – it should slide in easily but the pears should hold their shape
- Let the pears rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the juices to settle before serving
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (2 pear halves)
- Calories: 180 calories
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Cinnamon Maple Baked Pears, recipe, homemade, cooking, food, easy recipe
