When the leaves start turning golden and a chill lingers in the air, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm, sweet dessert that feels like a hug in every bite. These Cinnamon Maple Baked Pears are exactly that—a simple yet elegant dish that transforms everyday fruit into something utterly irresistible. Ripe pears are gently halved and drenched in a luscious blend of pure maple syrup, fragrant cinnamon, and a whisper of nutmeg. As they bake, the kitchen fills with a symphony of cozy spices, and the fruit becomes tender enough to melt on your tongue. With crunchy walnuts or pecans scattered on top, each morsel offers the perfect contrast of soft, syrupy fruit and satisfying crunch. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply craving something sweet after dinner, this dessert feels both special and comfortably familiar.
I still remember the first time I made these Cinnamon Maple Baked Pears – it was a crisp October evening, and I had just returned from a weekend apple-picking outing with my family. The kitchen was alive with laughter and the aroma of spice as I mixed 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup with a teaspoon of ground cinnamon and half a teaspoon of warm nutmeg. While the pears roasted for 25 minutes under a foil tent, I reflected on how a handful of simple ingredients could deliver such a memorable treat. After removing the foil for a final five minutes, the tops caramelized into tiny craters of golden sweetness. We topped them with a dollop of vanilla ice cream, and the contrast of cold cream against the still-warm fruit felt like autumn in every forkful. This beginner-friendly dessert clocks in at just 15 minutes of prep, 35 minutes of baking, and a quick 5-minute rest, with about 250 calories per serving—proof that indulgence can also be effortless.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CINNAMON MAPLE BAKED PEARS
Every ingredient in Cinnamon Maple Baked Pears has its moment to shine and plays a crucial role in the final dish. From the way the fruit soaks up sweet syrup to the texture provided by the nuts, here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each element matters.
- Pears
The star of the show, ripe yet firm pears offer a naturally sweet and juicy base. When baked, they become tender without turning to mush, allowing them to hold their shape and absorb the syrupy glaze.
- Pure Maple Syrup
This natural sweetener not only brings deep, caramel-like notes but also adds moisture that seeps into the pear’s flesh. It’s the foundation of the glaze that coats each half in liquid gold.
- Ground Cinnamon
Cinnamon delivers that classic warmth and spiced aroma. It’s the cozy backbone of the dish, working in harmony with maple syrup to evoke all those fond fall memories.
- Ground Nutmeg
Just a hint of nutmeg enhances the cinnamon’s warmth with its nutty, slightly sweet character. It adds depth to the spice profile without overpowering the pears.
- Chopped Walnuts or Pecans
These nuts lend a crunchy contrast to the soft, syrup-laden fruit. Their toasty flavor complements the sweet-spicy glaze while giving each bite a delightful textural pop.
- Unsalted Butter
Small pats of butter melt into the pan, enriching the syrup with a silky mouthfeel and helping to create those irresistible caramelized edges on the pear tops.
- Vanilla Extract
A splash of vanilla brightens the dish, rounding out the sweetness with floral, almost creamy undertones. It’s the final touch that turns simple baked fruit into a dessert-worthy sensation.
- Whipped Cream or Vanilla Ice Cream (Optional)
A dollop of airy whipped cream or a scoop of smooth ice cream provides a cool, creamy counterpoint to the warm pears, making each serving feel like a full-on celebration of flavors.
HOW TO MAKE CINNAMON MAPLE BAKED PEARS
Let’s walk through how to turn those ingredients into a dreamy fall dessert. Follow these detailed steps for perfectly tender, spiced pears that practically melt in your mouth and develop a gorgeous caramelized top.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensuring your oven is fully heated will help the pears cook evenly and absorb the spiced maple syrup properly.
2. Place the pear halves cut side up in a lightly greased baking dish. This orientation allows the syrup to pool in the center, maximizing flavor absorption.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the pure maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the syrup.
4. Drizzle the maple syrup mixture evenly over each pear half, making sure every nook gets a generous coating of sweet, spiced liquid.
5. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans over the pears to add a crunchy layer that will toast beautifully in the oven.
6. Dot the top of each pear with small pieces of unsalted butter, which will melt and mingle with the syrup to create a velvety, caramel-like sauce.
7. Add the vanilla extract over the tops of the pears for an extra wave of floral sweetness that elevates the entire dish.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap steam, ensuring the pears become perfectly tender without drying out.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the pears are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the tops to caramelize and develop those beautiful golden edges.
11. Let the pears cool for a few minutes before serving so the syrup thickens slightly and doesn’t burn the tongue.
12. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finale.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CINNAMON MAPLE BAKED PEARS
When it comes time to present your Cinnamon Maple Baked Pears, think beyond simply plating them on a dish. The way you serve this dessert can turn a humble honest fruit into a restaurant-worthy finale. From temperature contrasts to textural layers, here are some fun ideas to make each serving feel extra special and ensure that every guest—whether you’re spoiling a partner at home or impressing friends at a dinner party—gets that “wow” moment.
- Top each pear with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, letting it melt into the warm, spiced pockets. The cool, creamy texture against the hot fruit creates an irresistible play of temperatures.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar for a pop of color and a hint of freshness to balance the sweetness.
- Serve alongside a small glass of dessert wine (like a late-harvest Riesling) or a mug of spiced chai, enhancing the warming spices in the dish with complementary beverage notes.
- Drizzle extra maple syrup and scatter more toasted nuts on top just before serving to boost both flavor and crunch in every bite.
HOW TO STORE CINNAMON MAPLE BAKED PEARS
Leftovers of Cinnamon Maple Baked Pears can be just as delightful—if stored properly. Keeping them fresh means preserving that delicate texture of the baked fruit and the flavor integrity of the spiced syrup. Below are a few tried-and-true methods to make sure your extra pears stay delicious for as long as possible, whether you plan to enjoy them the next day or freeze a batch for later.
- Refrigerate in an Airtight Container
Once the pears have cooled to room temperature, transfer them (with their syrup) into a sealed glass or plastic container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. This prevents the fruit from drying out and keeps the syrup from absorbing other odors.
- Freeze for Longer Storage
Layer cooled pear halves in a freezer-safe container, pouring any extra syrup over them. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently in the oven before serving.
- Reheat Gently
To revive refrigerated pears, place them in an oven-safe dish and warm at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes, uncovered, until heated through. This method restores that just-baked texture rather than turning them soggy.
- Separate Toppings
If you’ve got whipped cream or ice cream leftovers, store them separately in the freezer or fridge. Add them fresh just before serving to maintain optimal texture and avoid moisture buildup on the pears.
CONCLUSION
These Cinnamon Maple Baked Pears are the epitome of cozy, fall-inspired comfort food. From the first moment you preheat your oven to the last forkful of tender, spiced fruit, this recipe delivers warmth, sweetness, and a touch of nostalgia. It’s a beginner-friendly dessert that takes just 15 minutes to prepare, bakes in 35 minutes, and rests briefly to reach perfection. The simple snapshot of ingredients—ripe pears, pure maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, butter, nuts, and vanilla—blends into an experience that feels both homey and just a little bit special. Whether you’re adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprig of mint, each serving can be customized to your taste and the occasion. Don’t forget that you can easily refrigerate or freeze any leftovers and reheat them gently, ensuring you can enjoy these baked pears again and again.
Feel free to print and save this article as your go-to guide for making Cinnamon Maple Baked Pears any time the craving for something sweet and spiced strikes. You’ll also find a handy FAQ below to address any questions or troubleshoot potential hiccups. I’d love to hear how your pears turned out—drop a comment or question if you try this recipe or need any help along the way. Your feedback makes sharing cozy kitchen moments all the more rewarding!
Cinnamon Maple Baked Pears
Description
Experience the comforting blend of warm pears coated in maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg, topped with crunchy nuts. Perfect for fall gatherings or cozy evenings!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Place the pear halves cut side up in a baking dish.
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In a small bowl, mix together the maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
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Drizzle the maple syrup mixture evenly over the pears.
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Sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans over the pears for added crunch and flavor.
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Dot the top of each pear with small pieces of unsalted butter.
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Add the vanilla extract over the top of the pears for an extra hint of sweetness.
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Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to help the pears cook evenly.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pears are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
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Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the tops to caramelize slightly.
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Let the pears cool for a few minutes before serving.
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Serve warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Note
- Choose pears that are ripe but still firm for best results.
- The nuts add a delightful crunch but can be omitted for those with nut allergies.
- This dish can be made vegan by substituting butter with coconut oil.
- Experiment with other spices such as cardamom or ginger for variety.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed chilled or reheated.
