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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pear half with topping
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: baked pears, cream cheese topping, walnut topping, easy dessert, baked fruit dessert, fall desserts
