Healthy Baked Pears with Cinnamon

There’s really not much to baking pears. They take only 2 minutes of prep to get them ready for the oven. They’re so simple, you don’t even really need a recipe! Once you bake them, you’ll be able to use them in so many different ways. These Cinnamon Baked Apple Slices are lovely for this too.

I like to top these with Vegan Caramel Sauce, coconut yogurt, chopped nuts, almond butter, coconut butter, shredded coconut, tahini, or granola like my Homemade Pumpkin Spice Granola or Cinnamon Raisin Granola.

Simply slice your favorite pears, drizzle with maple syrup and a touch of cinnamon and bake to perfection. Enjoy them as is with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, or serve warm and sliced on top of waffles, pancakes or oatmeal.

Ingredients

This list is not complete. Please see the recipe card at the end of the post for the complete ingredient list with measurements and detailed instructions.

• Ripe Pears – You’ll need to make sure the pears you use are soft yet still slightly firm to the touch. Use bartlett, bosc, d’anjou or even red Asian pears. 
• Pure Maple Syrup – This helps bring out the natural sweetness in the pears as well as helps them caramelize while baking. You’ll need about ½ tsp per pear. You can use honey (not vegan) or agave syrup as a substitute.
• Cinnamon – Use cinnamon or mix and match with ground ginger, cardamom, all spice, apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice.  

Variations

• Vanilla Baked Pears: Add a hint of vanilla flavor by sprinkling a pinch of vanilla bean powder in with the cinnamon. 
• Alternative Sweeteners: As a replacement for maple syrup, feel free to use: raw honey, coconut nectar, homemade date paste, coconut sugar or yacon syrup.
• Fall Baked Pears: For a great fall flavor, use pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice in place of the cinnamon. 
• Zesty Baked Pears: Squeeze lemon juice over the pears before baking for a delicious tart flavor. 
• Butter or Coconut Oil: You can spread a little butter or coconut oil over the pears before baking. It’s not necessary but it does make them get a little caramelized and browned.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Before You Start: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Step 1. Slice the pears in half and gently scoop out the seeds using a small cookie scoop or spoon. Place the pears cut side up in any baking dish.

Quick Tip: You can remove the stems or leave them on for a pretty presentation.

Step 2. Drizzle each pear with maple syrup and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Quick Tip: You can easily experiment here with different flavours. Try lemon, vanilla, apple pie spice, nutmeg, or ginger!

Bake on a baking pan or in an oven-proof dish until soft and tender, about 25-30 minutes. Add any toppings you like and enjoy!

FAQs

Storing & Freezing

• Storing: Baked pears are best when served fresh, though leftovers keep covered in the refrigerator up to 2-3 days. 
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a 350-degree F (176 C) oven until warmed through. 
• Freezing: This recipe is not freezer friendly.
• Leftovers are delicious sliced and served over yogurt, Creamy Banana Oatmeal, Vegan Bread Pudding, Vegan Oat Banana Pancakes or Vegan French Toast Casserole.