Creating sweet treats that aren’t too heavy can be a challenge. Desserts that include fresh fruit are a good way to indulge without going overboard.
Roasting pears really transforms them, bringing out and caramelizing their natural sugars. Serve these with ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, or for a healthier alternative, spoon over some Greek yogurt. Top with your favourite granola or nuts for some crunch and you have a perfect dessert that’s ideal for when you need something quick and relatively healthy to fill a craving for something sweet. It’s also great for when you have unexpected guests.
Ultimately this simple recipe is for any level of baking or cooking skills. If you can open the oven you can make baked pears. All you need is four basic ingredients and you’re set.
This recipe serves 4. Since I usually cook for two I halve the recipe (as you’ll see in the photos), unless we have guests.
Maple Baked Pears
Ingredients
- 4 Ripe but firm pears
- ½ Cup Maple Syrup
- 1 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- ¼ tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract Optional
Optional Toppings:
- ½ Cup Granola*
- ½ Cup Ice Cream / Whipped Cream / Greek Yoghurt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 190°C
- Grease the bottom of an oven dish with a little butter or non-stick cooking spray if you prefer
- Mix the maple syrup, lemon juice, cinnamon and vanilla in a bowl
- Cut the pears in half, core and remove the peel (optional), then gently toss them in the maple syrup mixture
- Arrange the pears cut-side down in the baking dish
- Pour any remaining maple syrup mixture over the top
- Bake the pears for 25 – 30 minutes until soft. Then gently turn them over and spoon some of the cooking liquid on top
- Serve warm with Ice cream, whipped cream or yogurt and sprinkle with your favoutrite granola or toasted nuts
Leave a Reply