There is truly nothing better than the smell of warm fruit and honey filling the kitchen on a chilly evening. If you’re looking for a dessert that feels a little fancy but is incredibly budget-friendly, you have to try these Vegetarian Baked Pears. I absolutely love how the tangy kick of red wine vinegar balances with the sweet glaze—it creates a comforting, guilt-free treat that comes together in just about 30 minutes!
Yields: 4 Servings Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 25 mins
Ingredients
- Pears: 4 firm ripe pears (approx. 1.5 lbs / 680g)
- Sweetener Base: 0.25 cup (50g) brown sugar, packed
- Acid: 4 tbsp (60ml) red wine vinegar
- Glaze: 4 tbsp (85g) honey
- Crunch: 0.25 cup (30g) chopped walnuts
- Texture: 0.25 cup (15g) unsweetened coconut flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and ensure the rack is in the center position.
- Prepare the fruit: Wash the pears thoroughly, cut them in half, and remove the cores and stems; cut the remaining fruit into large, bite-sized chunks.
- Prepare the baking vessel: Evenly sprinkle 0.25 cup (50g) of brown sugar across the bottom of a nonstick baking pan or ceramic baking dish.
- Arrange the pears: Lay the pear chunks in a single layer directly on top of the bed of brown sugar.
- Create the glaze: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 4 tbsp (60ml) of red wine vinegar and 4 tbsp (85g) of honey until fully combined.
- Glaze the fruit: Drizzle the honey-vinegar mixture evenly over all the pear slices in the pan.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle 0.25 cup (30g) of chopped walnuts over half of the pear slices, and sprinkle 0.25 cup (15g) of coconut flakes over the remaining half (or mix them if preferred).
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the sauce is bubbling.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly, and serve warm.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 275 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 47g
- Sodium: 8mg
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Pears
- Choose the Right Variety: For baking, choose pears that are firm but ripe, such as Bosc or Anjou. These varieties hold their shape well under heat and won’t turn into mush like a fully ripe Bartlett might.
- Don’t Skip the Acid: The red wine vinegar might seem unusual in a dessert, but it is crucial. It cuts through the intense sweetness of the brown sugar and honey, providing a sophisticated depth of flavor that makes this dish pop.
- Toast the Toppings: If you want extra crunch, you can lightly toast the walnuts and coconut flakes in a dry pan for 1–2 minutes before sprinkling them on the pears. This releases their natural oils and enhances the aroma.
- Serving Suggestions: While delicious on their own, these pears go from great to gourmet when served alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt to balance the sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which pears are best for baking? Firm varieties like Bosc or Anjou are the best choices for baking. They maintain their texture better than softer varieties like Bartlett or Comice, ensuring your dessert has a pleasant bite rather than becoming applesauce-like.
Can I make this recipe vegan? Yes! Since the recipe is already vegetarian, you simply need to swap the honey for an equal amount of maple syrup or agave nectar. The brown sugar and fruit are naturally plant-based.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover baked pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the glaze before serving.
Can I use a different vinegar? If you don’t have red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar is an excellent substitute. It will add a darker color and a slightly richer, more caramelized flavor profile to the final dish.
I really hope you give these Vegetarian Baked Pears a try the next time you need a quick, impressive, and cozy dessert. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself on a weeknight, the combination of warm honey, toasted nuts, and tender fruit is sure to become a new favorite. Let me know in the comments how yours turned out!
