Try This Baked Pears Recipe with Honey, Cranberries and Pecans

These baked pears with honey, cranberries, and pecans are the coziest little dessert you didn’t know you needed.

I first tried baked pears years ago at a friend’s holiday brunch, and to be honest, I didn’t expect to love them. But one warm bite of that juicy pear, all caramelized and tender with just a drizzle of honey, and I was hooked. Since then, I’ve played around with the recipe to make it extra special. My favorite twist is stuffing the pears with dried cranberries and chopped pecans, then roasting them until everything is golden and bubbling.

The natural sweetness of the fruit paired with a touch of honey makes this feel indulgent without being too heavy. The cranberry-pecan combo adds the perfect crunch and tang.

Whether you serve them for dessert, brunch, or even a light holiday side, these baked pears are simple, elegant, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Why This Recipe Works

There’s something timeless about baked fruit. These pears prove just how simple ingredients can turn into something truly special.

Pears are naturally juicy and sweet. When baked, their flavor deepens and becomes almost buttery. The honey brings out their natural sugars and caramelizes slightly in the oven, creating a warm, sticky glaze. The tart cranberries add a pop of brightness that balances everything, while the chopped pecans bring crunch and nuttiness to round it all out.

This recipe is a favorite because it’s easy to make, easy to scale, and naturally gluten-free. You don’t need a mixer, rolling pin, or a long list of ingredients. Just a few pantry staples and about 30 minutes of hands-off baking time. It’s fancy enough for company and simple enough for a weeknight treat.

Ingredients for Baked Pears with Honey, Cranberries & Pecans

You only need a handful of ingredients to make this cozy dish. Each one plays an important role in creating that perfect balance of sweet, tart, and nutty.

• 2 ripe but firm pears: Bosc or Anjou pears hold their shape well when baked. You want them ripe enough to be sweet, but still firm so they don’t turn to mush in the oven.
• 2 tbsp honey: This is the star of the show. Honey not only sweetens the pears, it helps create that beautiful golden finish while adding a floral note that pairs so well with the fruit.
• ¼ cup dried cranberries: Their tartness contrasts nicely with the sweet pears and honey. You can also use dried cherries or chopped dried apricots if that’s what you have.
• ¼ cup chopped pecans: These add a buttery crunch. Toasting them first deepens the flavor, but it’s optional.
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter: Melted and drizzled over the top for richness and extra browning.
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a cozy spice note that makes this feel perfect for fall or winter.
• Optional: vanilla yogurt, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream for serving. These cool, creamy toppings make the warm pears even more indulgent.

The honey is really the key ingredient here. It doesn’t just add sweetness, it helps everything caramelize in the oven and gives the dish that irresistible golden glaze.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Pears

These baked pears come together in just a few easy steps. Most of the magic happens in the oven while you sit back and let your kitchen fill with the warm scent of cinnamon and honey.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.

Use the middle rack and lightly grease a small baking dish to keep the pears from sticking.

2. Halve and core the pears.

Slice each pear lengthwise and use a melon baller or small spoon to scoop out the seeds and create a small well for the filling. Trim a sliver off the back if needed so they sit flat.

3. Make the filling.

In a small bowl, mix the cranberries, chopped pecans, and cinnamon. Spoon the mixture evenly into the hollowed-out centers of the pear halves.

4. Drizzle with honey and butter.

Place the filled pears in the baking dish. Drizzle each half with honey, making sure to get a little on both the filling and the fruit itself. Then spoon a bit of melted butter over each one.

5. Bake for 25–30 minutes.

Bake until the pears are tender but still hold their shape, and the topping is golden and fragrant. Baste with the pan juices halfway through if you’d like a more glazed finish.

6. Serve warm.

These are best served warm from the oven with a spoonful of vanilla yogurt, whipped cream, or ice cream on the side.

Tips for success:

• Pears too firm? Bake 5–10 minutes longer and cover with foil if they start to over-brown.
• Want extra caramelization? Broil for the last 1–2 minutes. Keep a close eye so they don’t burn.

Baked Pears with Honey, Cranberries and Pecans

These baked pears are a great healthy dessert option to serve after Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. Cinnamon, pecans and cranberries are traditional ingredients that are found in many holiday dishes. Their flavor profiles pair nicely with juicy pears.

Baked Pears with Honey, Cranberries and Pecans

Yield: 8 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Baked Pears with Honey, Cranberries and Pecans is a super simple and healthy dessert recipe. These delicious pears are seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg for an extra boost of guilt free flavor!

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Ingredients

• 4 pears, such as bosc, bartlett or anjou (I used bartlett)
• 24 fresh cranberries
• 4 tbps chopped pecans
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, plus more, if needed
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, plus more, if needed.
• 4 tsp raw honey
• Greek yogurt for pairing, if desired

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.

Halve the pears and then core. I cored the pears with a cookie scoop but you can use a melon baller, too. Slice a small part off of the backside of each pear half to create a flat surface so the pear sits flat when laid on the pan.

Place the pear halves on a large baking sheet or baking pan, cored side up. Place three cranberries into the cored part of each pear half. Sprinkle each pear half with about 1/2 tbsp of the pecans and then sprinkle each pear half with the cinnamon and nutmeg. Drizzle each pear half with 1/2 tsp of honey. I did this by squeezing the honey into a 1/2 tsp measuring spoon and then drizzling over each pear half.

Bake at 375 for 25-30 minutes or until the pears are tender.

Serve with Greek yogurt, if desired.

Notes

Nutrition content does not include Greek yogurt.

Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 90 Total Fat: 3g Carbohydrates: 16g Sugar: 11g Protein: 1g

How to Serve Baked Pears

These baked pears are versatile and elegant. They’re just the right mix of cozy and classy, which means they shine on all kinds of occasions.

You can serve them straight from the oven with a spoon or dress them up with a few easy toppings for a more decadent presentation. They work beautifully as a lighter dessert after a rich meal. I’ve also served them as part of a weekend brunch spread or even a holiday side dish alongside roasted meats and fall veggies.

Here are a few ways to serve them up:

• With vanilla ice cream: The warm pear and cold ice cream combo is a classic for a reason. The melting scoop makes an instant sauce.
• With whipped cream or Greek yogurt: Adds a creamy contrast that complements the honeyed filling.
• Drizzled with extra honey or maple syrup: Especially nice if the pears aren’t super ripe or you want a little more indulgence.
• Sprinkled with cinnamon or nutmeg: For a boost of warm spice and a festive touch.
• With granola or crushed gingersnaps: For added crunch and texture.

No matter how you serve them, these baked pears feel like a little treat. Simple, elegant, and full of warm, comforting flavor.

How to Store & Reheat Baked Pears

If you’ve got leftovers or you’re making these ahead of time, good news. Baked pears hold up surprisingly well in the fridge and reheat beautifully.

Let the pears cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. You can keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days. The filling will soak up some of the juices over time, making them even more flavorful.

To reheat baked pears:

• Microwave method: Place one or two pear halves on a microwave-safe plate and cover lightly with a damp paper towel. Heat in 20-second bursts until warmed through. Be careful not to overdo it. They’ll get too soft.
• Oven method: If you want to reheat a larger batch or prefer the texture from the oven, place the pears in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm at 300°F for about 10–15 minutes.

If you’re repurposing leftovers, chopped baked pears are delicious spooned over oatmeal, waffles, or even stirred into pancake batter. You can also serve them cold right out of the fridge. They make a lovely little breakfast treat or midday snack.

Substitutions & Variations for Baked Pears

One of the best things about this baked pears recipe is how flexible it is. You can tweak it to fit what’s in your pantry, adjust for dietary needs, or change up the flavor depending on the season or occasion.

Here are some easy swaps and ideas to make it your own:

• Nut-free version: Skip the pecans and use sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or a crunchy granola instead. You’ll still get that satisfying texture without the allergens.
• Vegan-friendly: Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar and use a plant-based butter. The flavor will shift slightly, but it’s still warm, sweet, and satisfying.
• Fruit variations: Not a cranberry fan? Try dried cherries, raisins, chopped dates, or even fresh blueberries tucked into the center just before baking.
• Add some spice: A dash of cardamom, ground ginger, or pumpkin pie spice adds a new layer of warmth. You can also stir a splash of vanilla or almond extract into the butter before drizzling.
• Change the fruit: Apples work beautifully in place of pears. Just scoop out the core and follow the same process. Or, in summer, try halved peaches or plums for a stone fruit twist.

Whether you’re working with what you’ve got or feeling creative, this baked pear recipe is a great base to build on. The flavor combinations are endless once you get the hang of it.

FAQs About Baked Pears

Here are some straightforward answers to the most common questions I receive about this baked pears recipe.

1. What kind of pears are best for baking?

The best pears for baking are firm varieties that hold their shape in the oven, like Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett (if they’re just barely ripe). You want pears that are sweet but still a little firm to the touch. Overripe pears will turn mushy during baking, while underripe ones may stay too firm.

If you’re unsure, Bosc pears are a safe bet. They have a dense texture that stands up well to heat and a mild flavor that soaks up all that honey and spice beautifully.

2. Can I make baked pears ahead of time?

Yes, you can. Baked pears can be made several hours in advance and reheated just before serving. If you’re prepping them the night before, go ahead and fully bake them, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. Warm them gently in the oven or microwave just before serving.

They’re also tasty chilled or at room temperature, especially with a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream.

3. Are baked pears healthy?

Baked pears are a naturally sweet, whole-fruit dessert with minimal added sugar, especially compared to most baked treats. They’re high in fiber and antioxidants. By using honey instead of refined sugar, you’re adding sweetness in a gentler way.

To keep it extra healthy, skip the ice cream and serve with plain Greek yogurt or enjoy them on their own. It’s a great way to satisfy a sweet craving without going overboard.

4. How do I prevent baked pears from becoming mushy?

The key is to start with firm-ripe pears and keep a close eye on the bake time. Overbaking is the main culprit behind mushy pears. You’re looking for a tender texture where a fork slides in easily, but the fruit still holds its shape.

If your pears are on the softer side to begin with, check them around the 20-minute mark and reduce the oven temperature slightly if needed.

5. Can I use frozen cranberries in baked pears?

Absolutely. Frozen cranberries can be used in place of dried, but they’ll add more tartness and moisture to the dish. You might want to toss them with a tiny bit of sugar before adding them to the filling to balance the sharpness.

Just be aware that they won’t provide the same chewy texture that dried cranberries do. Still delicious, just a little different.

Try These Recipes Next

If you enjoyed these cozy baked pears, you’ll love these other seasonal hits:

• Strawberry Muffins with Coconut Oil and Greek Yogurt – soft, wholesome muffins packed with fresh berries and topped with a light oat-based crumb.
• Sour Cream Pumpkin Bread – moist and tender, this loaf is full of classic fall spice and creamy richness.
• Southern‑Style Crispy Chicken Parmesan – a hearty dinner favorite with a golden crust and melty cheese, perfect for family meals.

Each one brings that comforting, homey feeling we all crave. Whether you’re craving fruit-forward sweetness or hearty savory satisfaction, these tried-and-true recipes are ready for your kitchen. Let me know if you’d like a recipe card, foodie image, or social-ready tweak next!

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