Description
Delight in these Maple Pecan Baked Pears, a cozy and delicious dessert featuring juicy pears filled with a spiced mixture of oats, pecans, dried cranberries, and maple syrup, then baked to tender perfection. This recipe is perfect for a wholesome treat that combines natural sweetness with a crunchy, nutty filling.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits
- 4 medium pears (Bartlette, Anjou, or Bosc)
Filling
- 1/4 cup rolled oats (not instant oats)
- 1/4 cup pecans (or walnuts, coarsely chopped)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (coarsely chopped, optional)
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon (plus more for sprinkling)
- 2 Tbsp real maple syrup
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted, plus more to grease pan)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375ËšF (190ËšC) with a rack positioned in the center. Butter the bottom of a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Make the filling: In a small bowl, combine rolled oats, coarsely chopped pecans, dried cranberries if using, and cinnamon. Drizzle in the maple syrup and melted butter, then stir well to create a cohesive filling mixture.
- Prepare the pears: Cut each pear in half lengthwise. Use a teaspoon or melon baller to scoop out the seeds from each half. To keep the pears stable during baking, slice a thin piece from the back of each pear half to create a flat surface so they won’t roll around in the baking dish.
- Stuff the pears: Arrange the pear halves in the buttered casserole dish flat side down. Divide the filling evenly among the pear cavities. Lightly sprinkle additional cinnamon over the pears to enhance the spiced flavor.
- Bake the pears: Place the casserole dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Bake until the pears are tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. Baking time may vary depending on the size and firmness of your pears.
Notes
- Choose pears that are ripe but still firm to ensure they hold their shape when baked.
- You can substitute walnuts for pecans if preferred or not available.
- Dried cranberries add a nice tart contrast but can be omitted if desired.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and gently reheated before serving.
