Baked Pears with Creamy Walnut Topping – A Delicious and Elegant Dessert

Baked Pears with Creamy Walnut Topping

Baked pears with a creamy walnut topping make for an elegant and cozy dessert. This recipe pairs the natural sweetness of ripe pears with a rich, creamy topping of walnuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon. It’s an easy, warm dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving guests or just treating yourself to something special.

Ingredients

• 4 ripe pears, halved and cored
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
• Fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep the Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of butter.
2. Prepare the Pears: Arrange the pear halves, cut side up, in the baking dish. For a bit of extra freshness, sprinkle them with lemon juice to prevent browning.
3. Make the Creamy Walnut Topping: In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, chopped walnuts, brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and optional nutmeg until smooth.
4. Add Topping to Pears: Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture onto each pear half, spreading it evenly across the surface.
5. Bake: Bake the pears in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the topping is lightly golden.
6. Serve: Let the baked pears cool slightly, then serve warm, garnished with fresh mint leaves if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 250 kcal
• Servings: 4

Cooking Tips

• Choosing Pears: Look for ripe but firm pears like Bosc or Anjou; they hold their shape well during baking.
• Nut-Free Option: If you’d like to make a nut-free version, try substituting the walnuts with toasted oats or seeds.
• Sweetener Variation: For a unique twist, swap the honey for maple syrup or a light drizzle of agave.

Conclusion

These baked pears with creamy walnut topping are the perfect blend of sweetness and spice, ideal for fall or any cozy evening. The creamy topping combined with tender, baked pears offers a comforting texture, while the cinnamon and nutmeg bring out the natural warmth in the flavors. Serve them as a simple yet impressive dessert that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.