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This easy baked pear treat turns ordinary fruit into a fancy dessert that mixes sweet, tart, and savory tastes. The hot pears make a great base for crunchy walnuts, plump berries, and smooth blue cheese, all tied together with a bit of honey drizzled on top.
I first made these pears when some friends dropped by unexpectedly for dinner, and now they're my favorite impressive dessert. Even my pals who say they don't like sweets always ask for more.
Ingredients
- Ripe pears: Pick firm but ripe Anjou, Bosc, or Bartlett pears that give a little when pressed but aren't soft
- Butter: Just a bit helps the pears turn golden and tasty in the oven
- Mixed berries: They add bright spots of color and a tangy kick against the sweet pears
- Walnuts: Their nutty crunch works so well with the soft baked fruit
- Blue cheese: Its salty kick balances out the sweetness of honey and fruit
- Honey: Get the good stuff since its flavor really stands out in this simple treat
- Fresh thyme: You can skip it, but it adds a nice herbal smell that makes everything better
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Heat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This temp lets the pears get soft without turning to mush.
- Prepare the Pears:
- Slice each pear in half lengthwise and scoop out the core with a small spoon or melon baller. Try to keep the stem on for looks if you can. Put them cut-side up on your baking sheet and brush with melted butter to help them brown and taste richer.
- Bake the Pears:
- Put the pears in your hot oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You want them soft enough to stick a fork in but still keeping their shape. The edges should turn a bit golden with some caramelization on the cut part.
- Add the Toppings:
- While the pears are warm but not hot, scatter berries over each half. The leftover heat will warm the berries without making them too soft. Next, drop crumbled blue cheese so it melts a bit into the warm fruit. Finish with a bunch of chopped walnuts and a good drizzle of honey that will run down the sides.
- Serve:
- For the prettiest look, put each pear half on its own dessert plate. Add a tiny sprig of fresh thyme if you're using it. Serve while still a bit warm or at room temp for the best taste.
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The blue cheese is really the magic touch here. I wasn't sure about putting cheese in a dessert at first, but the creamy tanginess against the sweet honey creates an amazing flavor combo that makes this simple dish taste like something from a fancy restaurant.
Make It Your Own
This dish is super flexible based on what's in your kitchen. You can swap in mascarpone or ricotta instead of blue cheese if you want something milder. Goat cheese gives a similar tang but feels different in your mouth. If you don't do dairy, coconut yogurt works great for creaminess without any cheese.
You can play around with the nuts too. Pecans taste buttery, while pistachios look pretty and have their own special flavor. If someone can't eat nuts, try toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for that same crunch without the allergy worries.
Seasonal Variations
In summer, swap out the berries for fresh peach slices or plums. Fall is perfect for cranberries with a touch of cinnamon. Winter is great with citrus pieces like blood orange or grapefruit to brighten up the rich cheese and honey.
For a holiday feel, sprinkle a bit of ground cinnamon and nutmeg on the pears before baking, or use cinnamon-flavored honey instead of regular for a more fragrant twist.
Serving Suggestions
These baked pears are great on their own but can be made even better. Try them with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into the warm pears, making a tasty sauce. For brunch, pair with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of maple syrup.
For a fancy dinner party, serve with sweet dessert wine or port. The sweet wine goes well with the fruit while making a nice contrast to the blue cheese.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap out the cheese for something else?
Of course! Try goat cheese, feta, or even a plant-based option for the same creamy vibe but unique flavor.
- → What works instead of walnuts?
Skip nuts and use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower, or try granola for a different kind of crunch!
- → Can I make this in advance?
Sure! Bake the pears and set up the add-ons, then combine them right before serving to keep it fresh.
- → Do I need to take off the pear skin?
Nope, it's optional! The skin holds the pear's shape and adds a nice texture, so you can leave it on.
- → What can I serve this with?
Pair with a spoonful of Greek yogurt, a scoop of ice cream, or even a glass of sweet wine for a classy end to your meal.
- → How can I make this vegan?
Use plant-based butter and cheese, then swap the honey for a drizzle of maple syrup for a fully vegan treat.