There’s something utterly magical about the simplicity of Baked Pears with Honey, Cranberries and Pecans. Picture tender, caramelized pears, their cores filled with tangy cranberries and toasted pecans, all drizzled with golden honey and cozy spices. It’s a fall and winter favorite in my kitchen, and I can’t wait to share just how effortless (and impressive!) this warm, comforting dessert can be.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally Sweet & Comforting: Baked pears become irresistibly tender and caramelized, transforming everyday fruit into a cozy dessert you’ll crave.
- Better-For-You Treat: With just a drizzle of honey and wholesome ingredients like pecans and cranberries, it’s a dessert you’ll feel good about eating—and serving to loved ones.
- Incredibly Easy, Totally Impressive: Minimal prep and simple steps mean you’ll have a show-stopping treat with hardly any fuss (perfect for last-minute entertaining or weeknight self-care).
- Seasonal & Flexible: The flavors capture autumn and winter, but you can riff on this recipe all year long with whatever pears or mix-ins you have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about Baked Pears with Honey, Cranberries and Pecans is how each carefully chosen ingredient brings its own personality to the table. Every element serves a beautiful purpose, adding a pop of color, a burst of flavor, or a pinch of texture to make this dish shine.
- Pears (such as Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou): Choosing firm-yet-ripe pears ensures they hold their shape while baking and turn meltingly soft inside.
- Fresh Cranberries: These little red gems brighten every bite with tart flavor and vibrant color.
- Chopped Pecans: Toasty, buttery pecans add crunch and a lovely nutty richness to each pear half (try toasting them first for even more flavor!).
- Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These warming spices create the coziest aroma and taste—adjust to your preference if you love extra spice!
- Raw Honey: Just a touch finishes things with floral sweetness and gloss, highlighting the natural sugars in the fruit.
- Greek Yogurt (optional, for serving): A dollop on the side adds a creamy, tangy contrast (and lets you sneak in some protein, too!).
Variations
This classic recipe for Baked Pears with Honey, Cranberries and Pecans is endlessly customizable—don’t be afraid to swap ingredients or tweak flavors to suit your cravings, dietary needs, or pantry odds and ends!
- Nut Swap: Pecans are dreamy, but walnuts, pistachios, or hazelnuts bring their own flair and crunch.
- Fruit Fix: No cranberries? Try dried cherries, raisins, or pomegranate arils for a new spin.
- Spice It Up: Add a splash of vanilla or a sprinkle of cardamom for extra fragrance.
- Dairy-Free: Serve with coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt for a vegan dessert.
How to Make Baked Pears with Honey, Cranberries and Pecans
Step 1: Prep Your Pears
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Halve the pears lengthwise and use a melon baller or cookie scoop to carefully remove the core from each half. To keep them from wobbling in the oven, take a tiny slice off the rounded backside so each piece sits flat in your baking pan—this simple trick works wonders for presentation.
Step 2: Arrange, Fill, and Flavor
Lay the pear halves, cut-side up, in a large baking dish or sheet pan. Nestle three cranberries into the hollowed-out spot of each pear. Sprinkle with chopped pecans, dust generously with cinnamon and nutmeg, then slowly drizzle each half with a ribbon of raw honey. Watching that honey glaze the fruit is so satisfying!
Step 3: Bake to Tender Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the pears are soft and fragrant, but still holding their shape. The cranberries will gently burst and the pecans will turn even more aromatic—your kitchen will smell like pure heaven.
Step 4: Serve and Savor
Transfer the baked pears to plates or a serving platter while they’re still warm. If you love a little extra indulgence, add a generous dollop of chilled Greek yogurt alongside each pear half. Dive in while the honey is still glistening and that first spoonful is perfectly melty!
Pro Tips for Making Baked Pears with Honey, Cranberries and Pecans
- Pick the Right Pear: Use firm, just-ripe pears—overripe ones get mushy fast, while underripe pears won’t caramelize as beautifully.
- Flat Base, No Wobble: Don’t skip slicing a little off the back of each pear half. This keeps them stable as they bake and makes serving so much easier!
- Prep Ahead for Parties: You can core and stuff the pears several hours ahead. Pop them in the oven right before guests arrive—your whole home will smell amazing!
- Customize the Crunch: Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet before adding for extra depth, or use a mix of nuts and seeds for fun texture contrasts.
How to Serve Baked Pears with Honey, Cranberries and Pecans
Garnishes
These pears look gorgeous straight from the oven, but a little something extra can make them feel truly special. Try a dusting of extra cinnamon or nutmeg just before serving, a sprinkle of freshly grated orange zest, or a tiny drizzle of warm honey. If you’re feeling really luxe, add a few extra toasted pecans or a handful of pomegranate seeds for festive color.
Side Dishes
Baked Pears with Honey, Cranberries and Pecans are pure comfort on their own, but they also shine alongside your favorite brunch spread or holiday table. Pair with crispy bacon, a hot cup of chai, or serve as a light dessert after a rich meal. They’re right at home next to waffles or even a cozy cheese board.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, arrange the pears on a vintage platter and let guests serve themselves family-style. For a more elegant look, plate each pear half individually over a swoosh of Greek yogurt, and scatter garnishes across the plate. Layer sliced baked pears over granola or oats for a stunning breakfast, or tuck them into a warm crepe for brunch with flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Pears with Honey, Cranberries and Pecans keep beautifully! Once cooled, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’ll become even more flavorful as they soak up the honey and spice.
Freezing
While baked pears are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Arrange the cooled pears on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. They’ll keep for up to a month, though the texture will soften a bit after thawing.
Reheating
To enjoy again, reheat baked pears gently in the microwave, or place them in an oven-safe dish at 300°F until warmed through. For best flavor and texture, add a splash of honey or a dollop of fresh yogurt when serving.
FAQs
-
Can I use pears that aren’t fully ripe?
Yes! Slightly underripe pears actually work well for Baked Pears with Honey, Cranberries and Pecans, since they soften and sweeten as they bake. Just check for tenderness toward the end of baking, and add a few extra minutes if needed.
-
What can I use instead of fresh cranberries?
If fresh cranberries aren’t available, try dried cranberries (unsweetened or lightly sweetened), pomegranate seeds, or even small chunks of apple. Just note that dried fruit won’t burst and get juicy the way fresh does.
-
Can I make Baked Pears with Honey, Cranberries and Pecans in advance for a party?
Absolutely! You can prep and stuff the pears a few hours before your event, cover, and refrigerate. Bake them off just before serving so they’re warm, fragrant, and irresistible as guests arrive.
-
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes—Baked Pears with Honey, Cranberries and Pecans are naturally gluten-free, making them perfect for guests with dietary restrictions (just check mix-ins and yogurt if you customize).
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a dessert that feels decadent but is secretly simple and nourishing, Baked Pears with Honey, Cranberries and Pecans are the answer. I hope you fall in love with their tender fruit, golden honey, and joyful pops of cranberry—as much as I have. Give this recipe a try and treat yourself (or someone special) to a cozy, delicious moment.
Print
Baked Pears with Honey, Cranberries and Pecans Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and healthy baked pears recipe with a delightful combination of honey, cranberries, and pecans. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pears:
- 4 pears, such as bosc, bartlett or anjou (I used bartlett)
Cranberries:
- 24 fresh cranberries
Pecans:
- 4 tbsp chopped pecans
Spices:
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, plus more, if needed
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, plus more, if needed
Honey:
- 4 tsp raw honey
Optional:
- Greek yogurt for serving, if desired
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
- Prepare Pears: Halve and core the pears. Slice a small part off the backside of each pear half to create a flat surface. Place the pear halves on a baking sheet, cored side up.
- Add Ingredients: Place three cranberries in each pear half, sprinkle with pecans, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Drizzle honey over each pear half.
- Bake: Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until pears are tender.
- Serve: Serve with Greek yogurt, if desired.
Notes
- Nutrition content does not include Greek yogurt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pear half
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
