Save to Pinterest A comforting, cabin-style dessert featuring tender pears caramelized in maple syrup, baked with toasted walnuts and a hint of spice — perfect for chilly evenings.
I first served this at a family gathering on a cold autumn evening and it was an instant favorite, warming us all from the inside out.
Ingredients
- Fruit: 4 ripe pears peeled cored and sliced
- Caramel & Sweeteners: 1/3 cup pure maple syrup 2 tbsp unsalted butter 2 tbsp light brown sugar
- Nuts: 3/4 cup walnut halves
- Spices & Flavorings: 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Garnish (optional): Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2:
- In a large ovenproof skillet or baking dish melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and maple syrup stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is bubbling about 2 minutes.
- Step 3:
- Add the sliced pears to the skillet. Sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg and gently toss to coat. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes stirring occasionally until the pears begin to soften and caramelize.
- Step 4:
- Add the walnuts and vanilla extract stirring gently to combine.
- Step 5:
- Transfer the skillet or pour the mixture into a baking dish to the oven. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the pears are tender and the walnuts are toasted.
- Step 6:
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm topped with Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream if desired.
Save to Pinterest This dessert always brings a smile to my family’s faces and makes chilly evenings feel extra cozy.
Required Tools
Ovenproof skillet or baking dish cutting board and knife wooden spoon
Allergen Information
Contains tree nuts walnuts and dairy butter optional yogurt or ice cream. For dairy-free use plant-based butter and non-dairy yogurt or ice cream.
Nutritional Information
Approximately 285 calories 14 g total fat 41 g carbohydrates 3 g protein per serving.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this comforting bake warm for best flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I caramelize the pears?
Melt butter in a skillet, stir in brown sugar and maple syrup until bubbling, then add pear slices with cinnamon and nutmeg, cooking gently until they soften and caramelize.
- → Can I substitute walnuts with other nuts?
Yes, pecans work well as a substitute and add a similar crunch and flavor profile.
- → What temperature is best for baking this dish?
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 18–20 minutes until pears are tender and walnuts toasted.
- → What sides complement this warm pear bake?
It pairs nicely with Greek yogurt, vanilla ice cream, or a glass of late-harvest Riesling or spiced chai tea.
- → Can I make this dessert dairy-free?
Yes, substitute unsalted butter with plant-based alternatives and serve with non-dairy yogurt or ice cream.
- → How can I add extra texture to the bake?
Sprinkle a handful of granola on top before serving for added crunch.