Brown Sugar Baked Pears with Pecans

Transform simple pears into an elegant dessert with this cozy recipe for Brown Sugar Baked Pears with Pecans. If you’ve tried our Poached Pears with Honey Mascarpone Cream, you’ll love this warmer, more rustic take on baked pears.

This dessert captures the essence of fall and winter flavors, combining warm spices with sweet fruit and crunchy nuts. Like our Rustic Pear Galette, it’s an impressive yet surprisingly simple way to showcase seasonal pears.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute entertaining or cozy weeknight desserts
• Uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry
• Naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable for different dietary needs
• Creates an elegant presentation with minimal effort, similar to our Mini Pavlovas with Fresh Berries

Ingredients

• Pears: Choose firm, slightly underripe pears for the best results. They’ll soften perfectly while baking while maintaining their shape.
• Light Brown Sugar: Creates a rich caramel-like sauce when combined with the pear juices. For more caramel inspiration, try our Classic Cherries Jubilee.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create a glossy finish. Local honey brings the best flavor.
• Pecans: Adds essential crunch and nutty flavor. If you love pecans, you might also enjoy our Easy Pecan Zucchini Bread.
• Coconut Oil: Helps create a golden brown exterior and adds subtle richness.

Substitutions and Additions

• Walnuts: Can replace pecans for a different nutty flavor profile.
• Maple Syrup: Works beautifully in place of honey, similar to our No-Bake Pumpkin Mousse with Maple Whipped Cream.
• Butter: Can substitute for coconut oil if you prefer a more traditional flavor.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Halve and core the pears carefully

Place prepared pears in a casserole dish

Combine with coconut oil, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, pecans, and salt. Gently coat pears with the mixture

Bake until golden and tender (25-30 minutes). Serve while warm

Recipe Tips

• Choose pears that are firm but not too hard – they should give slightly when pressed
• Don’t skip the pinch of salt – it enhances all the sweet flavors
• Keep the pear halves similar in size for even cooking

Serving Suggestions

These baked pears shine when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream – try them with our No Churn Vanilla Ice Cream (3 Ingredient Recipe). For an extra special touch, drizzle with any sauce from the baking dish. They also pair beautifully with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 30-45 seconds, though the oven method better maintains their texture.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the pears up to 24 hours in advance and reheat just before serving. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight.

Why are my pears too firm/too soft? The key is starting with the right pear ripeness. They should be firm but not hard when squeezed gently. If they’re too soft before baking, they’ll become mushy.

What varieties of pears work best? Bosc and Anjou pears work particularly well as they hold their shape during baking. Bartlett pears can also work but may need less cooking time.