Easy Baked Pears: A Simple and Sweet Treat for Beginner Cooks
Indulge in the sweet maple vanilla flavors of these baked pears. Warm, soft pears with crunchy granola and creamy yogurt is a perfect treat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Pears (4)
- Cinnamon (¼ tsp)
- Maple syrup (½ cup)
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp)
- Granola (optional)
- Greek yogurt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven (The Preheating Process): Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
- Prepare the Baking Pan (The Pan Preparation): Lightly spray a large baking pan (any size that will fit the halved pears) with cooking spray or line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside. This prevents the pears from sticking to the pan and makes cleanup easier.
- Prepare the Pears (The Pear Preparation): Cut pears in half lengthwise. Using a large or medium cookie scoop, melon baller, or a regular spoon, core out the seeds and any tough core material. Arrange the pears, facing up, in/on the prepared baking pan/sheet.
- Season with Cinnamon (The Spice Sprinkle): Sprinkle evenly with ground cinnamon—feel free to add more cinnamon if you’d like. You can also use other spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom.
- Prepare the Maple Vanilla Mixture (The Syrup Synthesis): In a small bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup and pure vanilla extract. This creates a sweet and aromatic syrup that infuses the pears during baking.
- Drizzle over Pears (The Syrup Saturation): Drizzle the maple vanilla mixture evenly over the pears, ensuring each pear half is coated with the mixture. This adds sweetness and flavor to the pears.
- Bake the Pears (The Baking Brilliance): Bake uncovered for about 25 minutes, or until soft and lightly browned on the edges. If your pears were quite firm, you may need to extend the bake time.
- Note: To check if the pears are done, insert a fork into the thickest part of the pear. If it goes in easily, the pears are done. They should be tender and soft.
- Serve Warm (The Serving Selection): Remove from the oven. Serve warm with maple almond granola and plain Greek yogurt, if desired. You can also serve them with other toppings like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or whipped cream.
Notes
- Use any pear variety.
- Add more cinnamon.
- Serve with your favorite toppings.