Name: Baked Pears with Cream Cheese and Walnut Topping Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 pieces ripe pears; 8 oz cream cheese (softened); 1/2 cup walnuts (chopped); 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup honey; 1 pinch salt

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels both elegant and comforting, you’ve got to try these Baked Pears with Cream Cheese and Walnut Topping. The combination of tender, naturally sweet pears baked to perfection, paired with a creamy, spiced walnut topping, creates a symphony of flavors and textures that’s impossible to resist. This recipe perfectly balances richness, crunch, and warmth, making it an ideal treat for any season or special occasion.

Baked Pears with Cream Cheese and Walnut Topping Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple but essential ingredients come together beautifully in this dish, each playing a vital role in shaping the taste, texture, and color of your Baked Pears with Cream Cheese and Walnut Topping.

4 ripe pears: Naturally sweet and juicy, pears become tender and heavenly when baked.
8 oz cream cheese (softened): Adds creamy richness that balances the sweetness and provides a smooth texture.
1/2 cup walnuts (chopped): Offers a satisfying crunch and a nutty depth of flavor.
1/4 cup brown sugar: Gives a warm sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during baking.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a fragrant sweetness.
1 tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses the topping with a cozy, spicy warmth.
1/4 cup honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps glaze the pears with a lovely sheen.
1 pinch salt: Balances and elevates all the flavors perfectly.

How to Make Baked Pears with Cream Cheese and Walnut Topping

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pears

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure a warm, even temperature for baking. While the oven warms up, wash your pears thoroughly. Then, slice them in half lengthwise and carefully remove the cores using a spoon or melon baller. This creates a perfect little well to hold the creamy topping.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese and Walnut Mixture

Next, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped walnuts, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, honey, and a pinch of salt into a mixing bowl. Stir everything well until the mixture becomes smooth and completely blended. This luscious topping will create a delightful contrast to the soft pears.

Step 3: Assemble the Pears

Place the pear halves in a baking dish with the cored side facing up. Generously spoon the cream cheese and walnut mixture over each pear half, ensuring the topping is spread evenly and thick enough to melt into a golden, nutty crust during baking.

Step 4: Bake Until Tender and Golden

Pop your dish into the oven and let the pears bake for about 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the pears have softened perfectly and the topping turns a beautiful golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is already a reason to celebrate!

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the pears from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This allows the topping to set slightly, making them easier to serve and enjoy. They can be served warm or at room temperature depending on your preference.

How to Serve Baked Pears with Cream Cheese and Walnut Topping

Garnishes

To add extra flair and flavor, try drizzling a little more honey over the pears just before serving, enhancing their natural sweetness. A dusting of cinnamon or some fresh mint leaves can also brighten the presentation and elevate the taste experience.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt, both adding a cool, creamy contrast to the warm pears. For a more indulgent brunch or dessert spread, serve alongside buttery biscuits or toasted nuts for extra crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, arrange the baked pears on a decorative platter, perhaps topped with edible flowers or crushed walnuts. You can also transform the dish into individual servings by placing each pear half in small, pretty ramekins — perfect for sharing at dinner parties or holiday gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover Baked Pears with Cream Cheese and Walnut Topping in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes it easy to enjoy a quick, delicious dessert anytime.

Freezing

While the texture of pears changes slightly when frozen, you can freeze the baked pears for up to one month. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the pears into a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, just until warmed through. This gentle heat will revive the softness of the pears while keeping the walnut topping crisp and fresh.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts work beautifully as alternatives. Each will add its own unique crunch and flavor to the topping.

Which type of pears is best for this recipe?

Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou pears are great choices because they hold their shape well when baked while becoming deliciously tender and sweet.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free ingredients in the topping and check your brown sugar and vanilla extract for any additives.

Can I make this dessert vegan?

You can swap cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey. Choose nuts and other ingredients accordingly to keep the dish fully vegan.

How can I make this dessert more festive?

Add a sprinkle of ground nutmeg or cloves to the topping, or serve with a splash of spiced liqueur like Amaretto for a warm, festive touch perfect for holiday seasons.

Final Thoughts

If you want to treat yourself or impress friends and family, Baked Pears with Cream Cheese and Walnut Topping is an absolute must-try. This dish brings together simplicity and sophistication in the best possible way, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your plate with pure deliciousness. Trust me, once you taste it, it will quickly become one of your favorite desserts to make and share!

Baked Pears with Cream Cheese and Walnut Topping Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 10 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in the comforting flavors of Baked Pears with Cream Cheese and Walnut Topping. This easy-to-make dessert features ripe pear halves generously topped with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, chopped walnuts, brown sugar, and warm spices, then baked until tender and golden. It’s perfect for a cozy treat or a sophisticated dessert served warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients

Scale

Pears

4 pieces ripe pears

Cream Cheese Walnut Topping

8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup walnuts (chopped)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup honey
1 pinch salt

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pears.
Prepare Pears: Wash and slice the pears in half lengthwise. Carefully remove the cores with a spoon or a melon baller to create a cavity for the filling.
Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped walnuts, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, honey, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until smooth and fully blended.
Arrange Pears: Place the cored pear halves, cut side up, into a baking dish, making sure they fit comfortably without overcrowding.
Add Topping: Spoon the cream cheese and walnut mixture generously over each pear half, spreading to cover the cavity and surface.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the topping appears slightly golden.
Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the baked pears to cool for a few minutes before serving to enhance flavors and texture.
Serve: Serve the pears warm or at room temperature. Optionally, drizzle with extra honey or add a scoop of whipped cream for added sweetness.
Optional Substitutions: You can substitute pecans in place of walnuts if preferred.
Serving Suggestions: Pair this dessert with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of yogurt to add a creamy contrast to the baked pears.

Notes

Choose ripe but firm pears to ensure they hold their shape during baking.
Softened cream cheese blends better for a smooth topping texture.
For a nut-free version, omit walnuts and increase cinnamon and vanilla slightly for flavor.
The baking time may vary slightly depending on the size and ripeness of the pears.
Drizzling with honey after baking enhances sweetness and adds a glossy finish.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American