Simple Maple Vanilla Baked Pears Recipe

Get ready to savor the delightful combination of ripe pears, sweet maple syrup, and vanilla. This simple maple vanilla baked pears recipe is a flavorful and healthy treat that's not overly sweet, yet satisfying. The warmth of the oven enhances the natural sweetness of the pears, while the maple syrup and vanilla add decadent layers of flavor.

Photos of Simple Maple Vanilla Baked Pears Recipe

This recipe uses d’anjou pears, which are usually available in most grocery stores. However, if you can't find them, any ripe, juicy pear variety will work. The maple syrup should be pure, not pancake syrup which is often just flavored corn syrup. Look for the kind that comes directly from maple trees for the best flavor. For the granola, choose a variety with pecans, or add your own for a delicious crunch.

Essential Ingredients for Maple Vanilla Baked Pears

D’anjou pears: A sweet and juicy type of pear that holds its shape well when baked.

Pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener made from the sap of maple trees.

Ground cinnamon: A warm, sweet spice that enhances the flavor of the pears.

Pure vanilla extract: Extracted from vanilla beans, it gives a rich and aromatic flavor.

Maple pecan granola: Adds a delightful crunch and additional maple flavor.

Greek yogurt: Served as a topping, it brings a tangy counterbalance to the sweetness of the dish.

One reader, Bink Curran says:

The simple maple vanilla baked pears recipe is a game-changer! The combination of maple syrup and vanilla creates a heavenly aroma, and the pears turn out tender and flavorful. The addition of granola and yogurt takes it to the next level. It's a delightful treat that's easy to make. Highly recommended!

Bink Curran

Techniques for Making Maple Vanilla Baked Pears

How to prepare the pears: Cut the pears in half and remove the seeds. Arrange them on a baking sheet and drizzle with the maple syrup and vanilla mixture before baking.

How to serve the baked pears: Serve the warm baked pears with a topping of maple pecan granola and Greek yogurt for a delicious and satisfying dessert.

How To Make Simple Maple Vanilla Baked Pears

You only need four ingredients for these spiced baked pears. They’re drizzled with maple and cinnamon, then baked until soft and brown.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 25 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

4pearsD’Anjou pears,(aka Anjou pears)
½cuppure maple syrup
¼tspground cinnamon
1tsppure vanilla extract

For Topping:

maple pecan granola
Greek yogurt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. I desired, line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone baking mat.
Cut pears in half, then cut a small sliver off the underside so the pears sit flat when placed upright on the baking sheet.
Using a large or medium cookie scoop or melon baller (or even a teaspoon), core out the seeds.
Arrange pears, facing up, on the baking sheet. Sprinkle evenly with cinnamon to taste.
Whisk the maple syrup and vanilla extract together in a small bowl. Drizzle most of it all over the pears, reserving about 2 tablespoons for after the pears are finished baking.
Bake pears for about 25 minutes until soft and lightly browned on the edges. Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle with the remaining maple syrup mixture.
Serve warm with granola and yogurt. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 212.07kcal
Fat: 0.29g
Saturated Fat: 0.04g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.16g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.18g
Carbohydrates: 55.06g
Fiber: 5.87g
Sugar: 42.12g
Protein: 0.69g
Sodium: 6.70mg
Calcium: 58.69mg
Potassium: 302.00mg
Iron: 0.39mg
Vitamin A: 1.89µg
Vitamin C: 8.02mg

Helpful Technique for Making Maple Vanilla Baked Pears

To ensure your pears are baked evenly and thoroughly, consider rotating the baking sheet halfway through the cooking time. This will promote even heat distribution and prevent one side of the pears from becoming overly browned. Additionally, when coring the pears, be careful not to remove too much of the flesh. The goal is to remove the seeds and create a small well for the maple syrup mixture, not to hollow out the pear.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Baked Pear Recipe

Prep ahead: Prepare the maple syrup and vanilla mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator. This way, you can simply drizzle it over the pears and pop them in the oven when you're ready to bake.

Use a melon baller: Instead of coring the pears with a knife, use a melon baller to quickly and easily remove the seeds and create a uniform cavity for the filling.

Check for ripeness: Choose ripe but firm pears to reduce baking time. This will help you achieve perfectly tender baked pears in less time.

Skip the granola: If you're short on time, skip the granola and serve the baked pears with just a dollop of yogurt for a quick and delicious dessert.

Speedy serving: Have the granola and yogurt ready to go so that once the pears are baked, you can serve them immediately for a warm and delightful treat.

Substitute Ingredients For Simple Maple Vanilla Baked Pears Recipe

pears - Substitute with apples: Apples can be used as a substitute for pears in this recipe, as they also have a sweet and slightly tart flavor that pairs well with the maple and vanilla.
maple syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a substitute for maple syrup, providing a similar sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg can be used as a substitute for cinnamon, adding a warm and slightly nutty flavor to the baked pears.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract can be used as a substitute for vanilla extract, adding a rich and nutty flavor to the baked pears.
maple pecan granola - Substitute with almond granola: Almond granola can be used as a substitute for maple pecan granola, providing a similar crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the topping.
greek yogurt - Substitute with coconut yogurt: Coconut yogurt can be used as a substitute for Greek yogurt, offering a creamy and tangy element to complement the baked pears.

Presentation Ideas for Maple Vanilla Baked Pears

Elevate the plating: Arrange the baked pears on a pristine white plate, ensuring they are positioned elegantly and symmetrically to create a visually appealing presentation.
Garnish with precision: Sprinkle a delicate dusting of finely chopped maple pecan granola around the pears, adding a touch of texture and a hint of nuttiness to the dish.
Artful drizzling: Carefully drizzle the remaining maple syrup mixture over the pears using a fine-tipped squeeze bottle, creating graceful swirls and patterns to enhance the visual allure of the dish.
Incorporate a touch of color: Add a small dollop of creamy Greek yogurt beside the pears, creating a striking contrast against the warm hues of the baked fruit and syrup.
Emphasize elegance with minimalism: Keep the plating simple and refined, allowing the natural beauty of the baked pears to take center stage, showcasing their caramelized edges and glistening syrup.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Baked Pears

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to the specified temperature before baking the pears.
Baking sheet: Use a baking sheet to place the pears for baking. You can line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
Knife: Use a knife to cut the pears in half and to remove a small sliver from the underside to help them sit flat on the baking sheet.
Cookie scoop or melon baller or teaspoon: Use a large or medium cookie scoop, melon baller, or teaspoon to core out the seeds from the pears.
Whisk: Use a whisk to combine the maple syrup and vanilla extract together in a small bowl.
Small bowl: Use a small bowl to mix the maple syrup and vanilla extract together before drizzling it over the pears.
Measuring cups and spoons: Use these to accurately measure the maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
Serving dish: Use a serving dish to present the baked pears, topped with granola and yogurt, for a beautiful presentation.

Storing and Freezing Maple Vanilla Baked Pears

Allow the baked pears to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 5 days.
If you want to freeze the baked pears, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the pears to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label the container with the date and contents.
Frozen baked pears can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.
To reheat frozen baked pears, place them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or until warm.
If you plan to freeze the baked pears, it's best to leave off any toppings like granola or yogurt. Add these fresh when serving the reheated pears for the best texture and flavor.

How To Reheat Leftover Baked Pears

To reheat leftover baked pears, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pears on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method will help maintain the pears' texture and ensure even heating.
For a quicker option, you can reheat the pears in the microwave. Place them in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed to your liking. Be careful not to overheat, as this may cause the pears to become mushy.
If you want to add a little extra flavor and moisture to your reheated pears, drizzle them with a bit of maple syrup or honey before reheating in the oven or microwave. This will help revive the flavors and keep the pears moist.
For a crispy topping, sprinkle some additional granola over the pears before reheating in the oven. This will add a nice crunch and texture contrast to the soft, warm pears.
If you have an air fryer, you can also use it to reheat your leftover pears. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the pears in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.

Interesting Fact About Baked Pears with Maple and Vanilla

Baked pears are a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. They make for a delicious and healthy dessert option.

Is Making Baked Pears at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this maple vanilla baked pears recipe is quite high. Pears are generally affordable, and the additional ingredients are commonly found in most households. The recipe's simplicity and minimal use of ingredients make it a budget-friendly choice. The approximate cost for a household of four people would be around $8-$10, depending on the availability and pricing of the ingredients. Overall Verdict: 9. The recipe offers a delightful and healthy dessert option at a reasonable cost, making it a great choice for families looking for a sweet treat without breaking the bank.

Are Baked Pears with Maple and Vanilla Healthy?

This simple maple vanilla baked pears recipe is a relatively healthy dessert option. Here's why:

Pears are a nutritious fruit, rich in fiber, vitamins (especially vitamin C), and minerals like potassium and copper
The recipe uses pure maple syrup as a natural sweetener, which contains some minerals and antioxidants, unlike refined sugar
Cinnamon adds flavor without additional calories and may have some health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties
Greek yogurt provides a good source of protein and calcium

However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make the recipe even healthier:

Reduce the amount of maple syrup to lower the overall sugar content
Opt for a low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt to decrease the saturated fat content
Choose a granola with less added sugar and more wholesome ingredients like nuts and seeds

To further enhance the nutritional value of this dessert, consider the following suggestions:

Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for a boost of healthy fats and protein
Serve the baked pears with a side of fresh berries for added fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants
Experiment with using a small amount of heart-healthy olive oil instead of maple syrup for a unique flavor twist
For a vegan option, swap the Greek yogurt with a plant-based alternative like coconut or almond yogurt

Editor's Opinion on This Maple Vanilla Baked Pears Recipe

This simple maple vanilla baked pears recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and warm flavors. The use of pure maple syrup and vanilla extract enhances the natural sweetness of the pears, while the touch of cinnamon adds a comforting warmth. The addition of granola and Greek yogurt provides a delightful contrast in texture and a creamy, tangy element to complement the baked pears. This recipe is a perfect balance of simplicity and elegance, making it a versatile and impressive dessert option for any occasion.

Enhance Your Simple Maple Vanilla Baked Pears Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tossed in a balsamic glaze and sprinkled with crispy pancetta crumbs

Grilled Chicken Breast: Marinated in a tangy lemon herb sauce and served with a side of wild rice pilaf

Caramelized Butternut Squash: Roasted with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a sweet and savory flavor

Berry Spinach Salad: Fresh spinach leaves topped with juicy berries, crunchy almonds, and a zesty citrus vinaigrette

Coconut Curry Soup: A creamy blend of coconut milk, curry spices, and tender pieces of chicken or tofu

Similar Recipes to Try Instead of Baked Pears

Savory Butternut Squash Soup: This creamy and comforting soup is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of butternut squash, onions, and warming spices creates a delicious and nutritious dish.

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon: This flavorful and easy-to-make salmon dish is perfect for a quick and healthy dinner. The sweet and savory glaze pairs perfectly with the tender and flaky salmon fillets.

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bake: This hearty and delicious breakfast bake is a great way to start your day. The combination of apples, cinnamon, and oats creates a warm and comforting dish that the whole family will love.

Appetizers and Entrées to Serve with This Baked Pear Recipe

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Crispy Zucchini Fritters: Indulge in these crispy zucchini fritters, made with fresh zucchini, herbs, and a hint of parmesan cheese. Served with a side of tangy dipping sauce, these fritters are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Create a creamy and indulgent pasta dish with tender chicken and a rich Alfredo sauce. Pair it with your favorite pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Beef Stir Fry: Whip up a flavorful and colorful stir fry with tender beef and a variety of fresh vegetables. Serve it over steamed rice for a delicious and nutritious dinner option.

Why trust this Simple Maple Vanilla Baked Pears Recipe:

This recipe for baked pears offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The d'anjou pears are a perfect choice for baking, as their tender flesh becomes even more luscious when cooked. The pure maple syrup adds a natural sweetness, while the ground cinnamon and pure vanilla extract provide warm, aromatic notes. The addition of maple pecan granola and greek yogurt as toppings adds a delightful crunch and creamy contrast. With these high-quality ingredients, this recipe promises a delightful and satisfying dessert experience.

Want to share your experience making this Simple Maple Vanilla Baked Pears Recipe? Head over to the Baking and Desserts forum section and join the conversation with fellow baking enthusiasts!

FAQ:

Can I use other types of pears for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other types of pears for this recipe, such as Bartlett or Bosc pears. However, the baking time may vary slightly depending on the ripeness and juiciness of the pears.

Can I substitute the maple syrup with another sweetener?

Absolutely! You can substitute the maple syrup with honey, agave nectar, or even brown sugar if you prefer. Just adjust the sweetness to your liking.

Can I prepare the pears in advance and bake them later?

Yes, you can prepare the pears in advance by coring and drizzling them with the maple syrup and vanilla mixture. Cover and refrigerate them until you're ready to bake. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if the pears are cold from the refrigerator.

What can I use as a topping if I don't have granola or yogurt?

If you don't have granola or yogurt, you can top the baked pears with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, or a drizzle of additional maple syrup for added sweetness.

Can I freeze the baked pears for later?

While the texture of the pears may change slightly after freezing, you can freeze the baked pears in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating or serving.