Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Baked Pears with Walnut Filling and Caramel Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.4 from 78 reviews

This delightful Baked Pears recipe offers a warm, comforting dessert perfect for any occasion. Tender pears are halved and cored, then filled with a spiced walnut and brown sugar mixture, baked to perfection, and served with a delicious caramel sauce and ice cream for an indulgent treat.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Pears

  • 4 pears

Filling

  • 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt

Additional

  • 1/4 cup boiling water (for baking)
  • Ice cream (for serving, optional)
  • Caramel sauce (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the pears.
  2. Prepare the pears: Cut each pear in half lengthwise, keeping the stem intact if possible for presentation. Use a melon scoop or spoon to carefully remove the seeds and core from each half. Trim a small slice off the bottom of each pear half so they can stand flat on the baking dish.
  3. Brush pears with butter and cinnamon: Mix the melted butter with the ground cinnamon. Brush the cut sides of the pear halves evenly with this buttery cinnamon mixture to enhance flavor and moisture.
  4. Make the walnut filling: To the remaining butter and cinnamon mixture, add the chopped walnuts, brown sugar, maple syrup, nutmeg, and salt. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients into a chunky, sweet-spiced filling.
  5. Fill the pears: Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the walnut mixture into the hollowed center of each pear half, filling the cavity completely for a delicious surprise.
  6. Add boiling water and cover: Pour 1/4 cup of boiling water into the bottom of the baking dish around the pears to keep them moist while baking. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and aid in cooking.
  7. Bake the pears: Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes to soften the pears and meld the flavors.
  8. Finish baking uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking the pears for another 10 to 12 minutes to lightly brown the tops and thicken the filling.
  9. Serve: Serve the warm baked pears with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert experience.

Notes

  • Choose ripe but firm pears such as Bosc or Anjou for the best baking results.
  • To make this recipe vegan, substitute butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
  • Serve immediately after baking for the best flavor and texture.
  • You can prepare the pears ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking for convenience.
  • Ensure the pears are placed cut-side up in the baking dish to retain the filling.
  • Adding boiling water around the pears keeps them moist and prevents burning during baking.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American