Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why Baked Pears with Brown Sugar and Butter will be your new go-to dessert:
- Simple Ingredients – Just a few pantry staples like brown sugar, butter, and spices turn simple pears into a decadent treat.
- Perfect for Fall – The warm, caramelized flavors of this dish are ideal for chilly days or cozy nights.
- Customizable – You can tweak the recipe by adding your favorite spices, nuts, or fruits.
- Easy to Make – With just 10 minutes of prep and 1 hour of baking, you can make a delicious dessert that looks and tastes gourmet.
- Versatile – Serve these pears with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, yogurt, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
This dessert is simple, elegant, and bursting with sweet, caramelized flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 medium or large pears (Bosc, Anjou, or any other firmer variety)
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 whole lemon, juice only
- 2 to 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/4″ cubes
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla emulsion

Directions
- Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 10″x7″ or 9″x9″ baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Pears: Peel the pears (if using a firm variety like Bosc) and core them using a melon baller or small spoon, leaving the stems on for visual appeal. If using softer pears (like Anjou), you can leave the skin on to help them retain their shape while baking.
- Assemble the Ingredients: Place the pears in the baking dish, cut side up. Drizzle them with lemon juice to prevent browning. Sprinkle the pears with the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt. Arrange the butter cubes on top of the pears and drizzle with vanilla extract.
- Bake the Pears: Bake the pears for 30 minutes, cut side up. Then, turn the pears cut side down to allow the caramel to form over the tops. Continue baking for another 20-50 minutes, depending on the pear variety, until the pears are soft and the caramel is thickened. The longer the pears bake, the thicker the caramel will become. Bosc pears will take longer to achieve a candied, translucent look.
- Serve: Remove the pears from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Spoon the caramel over the pears and serve warm. Pair with vanilla ice cream, yogurt, oatmeal, or roasted nuts for extra flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
This dessert is quick to prepare and bakes to perfection in about 1 hour and 20 minutes, with a little rest time after for the best flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm, and spoon the caramel sauce over the pears again before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pear?
Yes, you can use any firm pear variety, such as Bosc, Bartlett, or Anjou. Bosc pears are typically best for baking, but others work as well.
2. How do I prevent the pears from becoming mushy?
To avoid mushy pears, be sure to use firmer varieties and avoid over-baking. If you’re using softer pears, bake them until tender but not too long to prevent them from becoming overly soft.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the pears and refrigerate them before baking. Just add the butter and sugar before placing them in the oven.
4. Can I add other fruits to the recipe?
Yes, you can add other fruits like apples, figs, or dried cranberries for added flavor and texture. Just adjust the baking time if necessary.
5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative, like coconut oil or a plant-based butter.
6. How can I make the caramel thinner?
For a thinner caramel, reduce the baking time to 45 minutes to 1 hour, or use less butter in the mixture.
7. Can I add nuts to the dish?
Yes! Adding chopped roasted walnuts, almonds, or pecans will add a delightful crunch and enhance the flavor of the caramelized pears.
8. Can I serve this dish with a sauce?
Yes! You can serve the pears with a drizzle of extra caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, or even a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
9. Can I freeze the pears?
While the pears themselves can be frozen after baking, the caramel sauce may not freeze well. To freeze, allow the pears to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat before serving.
10. How do I know when the pears are done?
The pears are done when they are tender and can be pierced easily with a fork or knife. The caramel will be thick and golden brown when the pears are fully cooked.
Conclusion
Baked Pears with Brown Sugar and Butter is the ultimate dessert for cozy nights and special occasions. The pears bake to tender perfection, absorbing all the delicious caramelized flavors of butter, sugar, and vanilla. Whether served with ice cream, yogurt, or a sprinkle of roasted nuts, this dessert is sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy the warmth and richness of this easy yet elegant treat!

Baked Pears with Brown Sugar and Butter: A Delicious, Sweet Treat
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Pears with Brown Sugar and Butter is a simple yet indulgent dessert that transforms pears into a caramelized, warm, and sweet treat. With a rich combination of brown sugar, butter, and spices, this dessert is perfect for cozy nights or special occasions.
Ingredients
4 medium or large pears (Bosc, Anjou, or any other firmer variety)
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
1/2 whole lemon, juice only
2 to 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/4″ cubes
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla emulsion
Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 10″x7″ or 9″x9″ baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Pears: Peel the pears (if using a firm variety like Bosc) and core them using a melon baller or small spoon, leaving the stems on for visual appeal. If using softer pears (like Anjou), you can leave the skin on to help them retain their shape while baking.
- Assemble the Ingredients: Place the pears in the baking dish, cut side up. Drizzle them with lemon juice to prevent browning. Sprinkle the pears with the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt. Arrange the butter cubes on top of the pears and drizzle with vanilla extract.
- Bake the Pears: Bake the pears for 30 minutes, cut side up. Then, turn the pears cut side down to allow the caramel to form over the tops. Continue baking for another 20-50 minutes, depending on the pear variety, until the pears are soft and the caramel is thickened. The longer the pears bake, the thicker the caramel will become. Bosc pears will take longer to achieve a candied, translucent look.
- Serve: Remove the pears from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Spoon the caramel over the pears and serve warm. Pair with vanilla ice cream, yogurt, oatmeal, or roasted nuts for extra flavor.
Notes
If using a firmer variety of pear, such as Bosc, peeling is optional. Softer varieties, like Anjou, may retain their shape better if left unpeeled.
The caramel thickens the longer the pears bake, especially with firmer pears.
Feel free to add nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
Substitute butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
For a lighter caramel, reduce the baking time to 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg