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
