Ingredients
Fruits
- 4 medium ripe pears, halved and cored
Syrup Mixture
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Toppings (Optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the pears evenly.
- Prepare Pears: Arrange the pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish, making sure they sit snugly yet not overcrowded.
- Mix Syrup: In a bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup, melted unsalted butter, and ground cinnamon until well combined to create a flavorful glaze.
- Drizzle Mixture: Evenly drizzle the maple syrup mixture over the pears, ensuring each half gets a generous coating.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, allowing the pears to soften and the flavors to meld.
- Caramelize Pears: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the pears are caramelized and golden.
- Add Nuts: If using, sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans on top during the last few minutes of baking to toast them lightly.
- Serve Warm: Serve the baked pears warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperature and texture.
Notes
- Choose ripe but firm pears to ensure they hold their shape during baking.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.
- To enhance flavor, try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the syrup mixture.
- Walnuts or pecans add crunch but can be omitted for a nut-free dessert.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently warmed before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian