Brown Sugar Baked Pears

These Brown Sugar Baked Pears are a delightful treat that combines the natural sweetness of pears with the rich flavor of brown sugar. Tender, juicy, and perfectly caramelized, this simple yet elegant dessert is sure to impress. The warm, aromatic scent of baked pears will fill your kitchen, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere perfect for the season.

There’s something indulgent about the combination of brown sugar and baked fruit. The sweet aroma that fills your kitchen, the tender texture of the fruit, and the caramelized goodness that coats each bite – it all comes together in this delightful brown sugar baked pears recipe. If you’re a fan of easy-to-make desserts that look and taste impressive, you’re in for a treat.

Baked pears are a classic dessert, and when you add the warm, comforting notes of brown sugar, the result is a dish that’s both rustic and refined. This recipe takes minimal effort but guarantees maximum flavor, making it a go-to for busy days or special occasions. Serve it with a scoop of your favorite ice cream or pair it with a warm bowl of oatmeal for a seasonal breakfast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is a breeze to make. Minimum cooking experience required.
• This easy baked pears can be enjoyed on their own or paired with various accompaniments, making them suitable for different occasions.
• Pears are at their peak sweetness in the fall and winter, making this recipe an excellent choice for a seasonal dessert.
• The finished dish not only tastes divine but also looks stunning, making it a perfect choice for entertaining guests.
• The natural sweetness of pears, combined with the caramelized sugar, is a hit with kids, making it a family-friendly dessert option.

Ingredients Needed for Brown Sugar Baked Pears

• Ripe Pears (such as Bartlett or Bosc): The star of the show, ripe pears provide a naturally sweet and tender base for the dessert. The choice of Bartlett or Bosc varieties ensures that the pears hold their shape well during baking, offering a pleasing texture in the finished dish

• Unsalted Butter: plays a crucial role in this recipe by adding richness and depth of flavor. When melted, it contributes to the creation of a luscious caramel coating that envelops each pear slice during baking, enhancing both taste and texture.

• Brown Sugar: brown sugar brings sweetness with a hint of molasses, elevating the overall flavor profile of the dish. It is essential for achieving that desirable caramelization effect on the pears, resulting in a golden-brown, slightly sticky surface.

• Ground Cinnamon: cinnamon introduces warm and comforting spice to the recipe, complementing the natural sweetness of the pears and the richness of the brown sugar. It adds a layer of complexity to the flavor profile, making the dessert more intriguing.

• Vanilla Extract: it imparts sweet and aromatic notes to the dessert, enhancing the overall flavor profile. It adds a subtle layer of complexity and rounds out the sweetness of the pears and brown sugar, creating a well-balanced and pleasant taste.

• Pinch of Salt: salt may seem like a small player, but it plays a crucial role in balancing the sweetness of the dish. A pinch of salt enhances the flavors, prevents the dessert from being overly sweet, and brings out the natural sweetness of the pears and the caramelized sugar.

• Optional Toppings: these provide an opportunity to customize the dessert based on personal preferences. Chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, add a delightful crunch, while vanilla ice cream or whipped cream introduces a cool and creamy contrast, elevating the overall indulgence of the dish.

Substitutions

If you find yourself short on some ingredients, here are a few substitutions you can consider:

• Pears: While Bosc or Anjou pears work best for baking, you can experiment with other varieties as well.
• Brown Sugar: Substitute with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
• Butter: Opt for coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative for a dairy-free version.
• Cinnamon: Nutmeg or cardamom can be used as alternatives to cinnamon for a unique twist.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla syrup can make up for the extract.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready to work its magic on your pears.
2. Peel and halve the pears, removing the seeds and cores. If you don’t have a fruit corer, use a mental measuring spoon to core the pears. Arrange them cut side up in a baking dish.

3. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
4. Pour the brown sugar mixture over the pears, ensuring each is generously coated. This is where the magic begins!

3. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the pears are tender and the sugar has caramelized.
4. Halfway through the baking, spoon the juices over the pears to ensure they are evenly coated with the caramel goodness.
5. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve the baked pears warm, drizzling any remaining sauce over the top.

Extra Baked PeaRecipe Tips

1. Opt for ripe but firm pears to ensure they hold their shape during baking.
2. For an elegant presentation, try to cut the pears into uniform slices.
3. Basting the pears during baking ensures they are evenly coated with the delicious caramel sauce.

How To Serve Brown Sugar Baked Pears

This brown sugar baked pears are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

1. Enjoy them on their own for a simple yet satisfying dessert.
2. Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a luscious finish.
3. Serve the warm baked pears with oatmeal.
4. Serve the over a bed of Greek yogurt for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
5. Pair them with a slice of moist pound cake for the ultimate dessert experience.

Recipe Variations and Customization

Feel free to get creative with this recipe. Here are a few ideas for variations:

• Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or almonds over the pears before baking for a delightful crunch.
• Enhance the freshness by adding a sprinkle of orange or lemon zest before serving.
• Spice it up. Experiment with different spices like cardamom, nutmeg, or ginger for a unique flavor profile.

FAQs about making Brown Sugar Baked Pears

There you have it – a foolproof guide to creating Brown Sugar Baked Pears that will have you impressed. This recipe will surely become a favorite in your go-tos. So, preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat!