I’ve always had a soft spot for desserts that feel elegant without being fussy, and Baked Pears with Honey & Walnuts is the kind of recipe that checks every box. It’s warm, aromatic, and deeply comforting—like a hug in dessert form. I made it one fall evening when I had extra pears on the counter and some leftover walnuts in the pantry, and what came out of the oven felt like something far more indulgent than the simple ingredients would suggest.

The pears turn tender and silky in the oven, soaking up the spiced honey syrup while the walnuts toast just enough to add a deep, nutty crunch. This is a dessert that impresses every time I serve it, yet it takes very little effort to prepare. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner party or just want to treat yourself midweek, these baked pears hit the sweet spot—literally.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Pears with Honey & Walnuts Recipe
This recipe is simple to prepare but feels luxurious on the plate. The natural sweetness of ripe pears pairs beautifully with the golden warmth of honey and the crunchy depth of toasted walnuts. It’s also highly customizable—great on its own, or served with yogurt, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan with one quick swap. If you’re looking for a go-to dessert that doesn’t demand much but delivers every time, this is it.
What Kind of Pears Should I Use for Baked Pears with Honey & Walnuts?
When it comes to baked pears, not all varieties perform the same. I find that Bosc and Anjou pears hold up the best during baking. They keep their shape without turning to mush and their subtle sweetness complements the honey beautifully. Bosc pears are firmer and bake evenly, while Anjous are a bit juicier, giving a lovely syrupy finish. Avoid overly ripe pears—they may collapse in the oven and lose their texture.
Options for Substitutions
One of the joys of this dish is how adaptable it is. If you don’t have every ingredient on hand, there are plenty of swaps that work beautifully:
- Pears: Try apples like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady if pears aren’t available.
- Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar both make excellent plant-based alternatives.
- Walnuts: Pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts bring different flavors and textures.
- Spices: A pinch of cardamom, clove, or star anise can be added alongside cinnamon for extra depth.
- Berries: Fresh blueberries or dried cranberries add brightness and color—feel free to use raisins, pomegranate seeds, or chopped figs too.
These variations let you make the dessert your own without losing its comforting essence.
Ingredients for this Baked Pears with Honey & Walnuts Recipe
Ripe but firm pears
The star of the dish—choose pears that are just ripe enough to be sweet but still firm enough to hold their shape while baking.
Honey
This adds a floral sweetness and becomes a luscious glaze when warmed in the oven. It also helps the walnuts stick to the pears.
Walnuts
They provide crunch and a warm, earthy contrast to the soft baked pears. When roasted in the honey, their flavor deepens beautifully.
Cinnamon
A touch of ground cinnamon enhances the natural sweetness of the pears and brings cozy, spiced notes to the dish.
Fresh blueberries
These are optional, but they add a pop of tart juiciness and make the plate visually striking.
Butter (or coconut oil)
Just a dab helps the pears caramelize and gives the sauce a silky finish. Use coconut oil if you want to keep it dairy-free.
Fresh thyme (optional)
Used as a garnish, thyme adds an herbal touch that plays surprisingly well with the sweetness.
Lemon juice
It keeps the pears from browning before baking and adds a gentle brightness to balance the rich syrup.

Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold all the pears without crowding.
Step 2
Peel the pears, slice a thin layer off the bottom so they sit upright, and scoop out the cores using a melon baller or small spoon. If preferred, you can halve them and core from the center.
Step 3
Arrange the pears in the prepared dish. Drizzle with lemon juice to prevent browning, then spoon honey generously over each pear, letting it drip into the dish.
Step 4
Sprinkle the cinnamon evenly over the pears. Tuck walnuts around and on top of the pears, and scatter in the blueberries if using.
Step 5
Dot each pear with a small piece of butter (or coconut oil). Pour a few tablespoons of water into the bottom of the dish to help create steam and keep the sauce from burning.
Step 6
Bake for 35–40 minutes, basting the pears with the pan juices halfway through, until they are fork-tender and the tops are golden and caramelized.
Step 7
Remove from the oven and let them rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme if using, and spoon the syrupy juices over the top before serving.
How Long to Cook the Baked Pears with Honey & Walnuts
These pears typically take 35 to 40 minutes in a 375°F (190°C) oven. The exact time may vary depending on the size and ripeness of your pears. You’ll know they’re ready when a knife slides in easily but they still hold their shape. Basting halfway through helps them cook evenly and keeps them juicy.
Tips for Perfect Baked Pears with Honey & Walnuts
- Choose the right pears: Stick with firm varieties like Bosc or Anjou so they don’t collapse during baking.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice: It prevents browning and adds brightness to the final flavor.
- Use a shallow baking dish: This ensures the pears don’t drown in liquid and lets them caramelize properly.
- Baste as they bake: Spoon the syrup over the pears once or twice while baking for deeper flavor and gloss.
- Let them rest: A short cooling time after baking allows the syrup to thicken and soak into the fruit.
- Serve warm: These pears are best enjoyed slightly warm with all the flavors at their most fragrant.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
- Using overripe pears: They’ll turn mushy and fall apart. Stick with firm, just-ripe fruit.
- Skipping the basting: If you forget to baste, you miss out on that beautiful caramel glaze.
- Not enough liquid in the pan: A little water or juice prevents the honey from burning.
- Crowding the pears: Give them space so the heat circulates and caramelizes them evenly.
- Overcooking: Pears can go from tender to mush fast. Check for doneness at 30 minutes.
- Too much spice: Cinnamon is great, but don’t let it overpower the natural sweetness of the fruit.
- Skipping the garnish: Fresh thyme or a sprinkle of sea salt brings surprising balance—don’t underestimate it.
What to Serve With Baked Pears with Honey & Walnuts?
Vanilla Ice Cream
A cold, creamy scoop melting over a warm pear? Heavenly contrast in texture and temperature.
Whipped Mascarpone
Rich and slightly tangy, it’s a great alternative to whipped cream with more depth.
Greek Yogurt
Perfect for a lighter option—especially at brunch. Adds tang and protein without extra sweetness.
Crème Fraîche
Elegant and slightly sour, crème fraîche cuts through the sweetness for balance.
Toasted Pound Cake
Serve the pear over a thick slice of toasted cake for a more filling dessert.
Granola
A crunchy spoonful on top adds breakfast-like charm and even more texture.
Spiced Red Wine Reduction
Drizzle a little mulled wine syrup over the pears for an upscale dinner-party twist.
Salted Caramel Drizzle
Turn this into a truly indulgent dessert by finishing with a thin line of warm caramel.
Storage Instructions
If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house), store the baked pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to include the syrupy sauce from the baking dish—it helps keep the pears moist and flavorful. Reheat them gently in the microwave or in a covered dish in a low oven (about 300°F or 150°C) until warmed through.
These pears aren’t freezer-friendly since their texture becomes mushy after thawing, but they’re perfect for making ahead by a day if you’re entertaining. Just reheat and garnish before serving.
Estimated Nutrition
Please note this is a general estimate and may vary based on portion size and ingredient brands.
- Calories: ~220 per serving (1 pear half with sauce and walnuts)
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Sugar: 27g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Cholesterol: 5mg (or 0 if using coconut oil)
This dessert is rich in natural sweetness, fiber, and heart-healthy fats—making it both satisfying and nourishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when the pears are done baking?
They should be fork-tender—soft enough to pierce easily but still holding their shape. If they start to collapse, they’ve gone a bit too far.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Just swap out the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar and use coconut oil instead of butter.
Do I have to peel the pears?
Peeling is optional. I usually peel them for a silkier texture, but if you like the skin and your pears are thin-skinned, feel free to leave it on.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can bake them earlier in the day and reheat gently before serving. They taste just as good (sometimes better) a few hours later.
What’s the best way to core pears without a corer?
Use a melon baller or a small spoon to scoop out the seeds from the base. If halving the pears, just carve out the center gently with a paring knife.
Can I add other fruits or toppings?
Yes, feel free to add dried cranberries, pomegranate seeds, or chopped figs for variety. You can also sprinkle granola or oats before baking for a crispier topping.
Will this recipe work with apples?
Definitely. Firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji make a great stand-in. Just keep an eye on the baking time—they may take a bit longer.
Can I serve this cold?
You can, but it’s definitely at its best warm. If serving cold, try pairing it with yogurt or ice cream to complement the texture.
Conclusion
Baked Pears with Honey & Walnuts is the kind of recipe that feels both nostalgic and fresh every time I make it. It takes simple pantry staples and transforms them into something comforting, elegant, and full of warmth. Whether served as a dinner party dessert or a cozy solo treat, it never fails to impress—and the best part is, you don’t need to be a pro to pull it off. Once you try it, I’m pretty sure you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

Baked Pears with Honey & Walnuts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: 45–50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Elegant, simple, and full of warm spiced flavor, Baked Pears with Honey & Walnuts is a comforting dessert that brings out the best in ripe pears. Sweetened naturally with honey and brightened with cinnamon and lemon, it’s topped with toasted walnuts and optional berries for extra texture and color. Naturally gluten-free, with easy options for vegan and dairy-free adaptations.
Ingredients
4 ripe but firm pears
1/4 cup honey
1/3 cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup fresh blueberries (optional)
2 tablespoons butter or coconut oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Peel pears, slice a thin layer off the bottoms, and core them.
3. Arrange pears in the dish and drizzle with lemon juice.
4. Spoon honey over each pear.
5. Sprinkle with cinnamon and top with walnuts and optional blueberries.
6. Add small dabs of butter or coconut oil on each pear.
7. Pour 2–3 tablespoons water into the bottom of the dish.
8. Bake for 35–40 minutes, basting halfway, until pears are fork-tender.
9. Let rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with thyme and spoon juices over pears before serving.
Notes
Calories: 220 per serving
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Sugar: 27g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 5mg
Cholesterol: 5mg (or 0 if using coconut oil)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pear half
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: baked pears, honey and walnuts, easy fruit dessert