Honey Baked Pears with Walnuts: A Comforting Dessert for Fall

As days get shorter and air crisp, fall beckons to a time when one should just sit back and savor the sweetness of life. Few things are as comforting as the scent of fruit roasting in the oven, which wafts into your home warmth and sweetness. Honey-baked pears with walnuts is that dessert for the season, minus the hours in the kitchen.

This recipe marries the natural sweetness of ripe pears with an earthy crunch of walnuts, all swaddled in the luscious warmth of honey and spices. It's a dessert for anyone who enjoys the flavors that herald autumn - earthy, nutty, and with just a little spice. Whether entertaining or treating, this is an easy-to-make dessert but feels indulgent enough for any occasion.

Honey-Baked Pears with Walnuts Recipe

Ingredients:

For the baked pears:

• 4 ripe but firm pears
• 4 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg powder
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Juice of half a lemon

For the walnut topping:

• 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• Whipped cream or Greek yoghurt for garnish
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 180°C. Wash and cut the pears in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a melon baller or small spoon to create a little cavity in the center of each half.
• Rub lemon juice on the cut sides to prevent browning.
• Combine honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until well combined. Drizzle this mixture lavishly over the pear halves, making sure each one is coated evenly.
• Mix chopped walnuts, brown sugar, and melted butter in a bowl.
• Put walnut mixture in each pear half; gently press them to stick inside.
• Place the prepared pears cut side up in a baking dish and pour water into the bottom of the dish to keep the pear moist while they are in the oven.
• Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the pears are tender and caramelized. Halfway through, baste the pears with the juices from the baking dish for added flavor.
• Let the pears cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.

How to Plate Them

Elegant Style: Place a half pear on a dessert plate. Spoon some of the pan juices around the plate and top with a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt on the side. Add a sprig of mint for color.

Rustic Style: Present two pear halves in a shallow bowl. Pour enough of the juices from the baking dish over the pears and toss extra chopped walnuts around the pears for texture.

Pairings to Add

Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream pairs deliciously with the warmth and sweetness of the pears.

Cheese: A slice of sharp, aged cheddar or a smear of creamy mascarpone provides a savory contrast to the dessert.

Granola: Sprinkle some granola over the pears for added crunch and a breakfast-dessert crossover appeal.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 150°C for 10 minutes to restore warmth.

Freezing: The pears can be frozen after baking. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in cling film and place them in a freezer-safe container. Keep them overnight in the refrigerator for thawing and reheat gently before serving.

Juices: The pan juices can be stored in a small jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. Use them as a syrup over pancakes or waffles.