Baked Pears with Berries and Honey

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Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts Blue Cheese: The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Imagine transforming simple, ripe pears into a decadent dessert that combines the warmth of a baked pears recipe with the fresh burst of berries, the sweetness of honey, and the nutty crunch of walnuts topped with creamy blue cheese. This Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts Blue Cheese creation is not just a stuffed pears delight; it’s a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors that elevates your pear dessert game. Perfect for cozy fall evenings or elegant dinner parties, this recipe from exorecipes.com promises an irresistible contrast that will have your guests asking for seconds. With its easy preparation and gourmet results, it’s the ultimate honey walnut pears treat you’ve been missing.

Picture the tender, caramelized exterior of baked pears giving way to a juicy, soft interior, paired with the tartness of fresh mixed berries that pop in your mouth like little jewels. The honey adds a glossy, golden drizzle that creates a subtle sweetness, while the walnuts provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, tangy blue cheese. As these flavors meld together in the oven, an aromatic symphony of nutty and fruity notes fills your kitchen, making this stuffed pears recipe an instant favorite for anyone craving a pear dessert that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

What sets this Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts Blue Cheese recipe apart is our commitment at exorecipes.com to delivering the most reliable, tested versions of your favorite dishes. Drawing from Chef Sally’s expertise, we’ve refined this recipe to include a Chef’s Secret that ensures perfect results every time—infusing the pears with just the right balance of sweet honey and savory blue cheese for that unbeatable flavor fusion. You’ll learn expert tips, ingredient insights, and step-by-step guidance that make this baked pears recipe foolproof, helping you succeed in the kitchen with confidence and turn out a dessert that’s truly the best on the web.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Why This Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts Blue Cheese Recipe is a Game-Changer

The Chef’s Secret to this baked pears recipe lies in the harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors, where the tangy blue cheese perfectly complements the natural sweetness of honey and ripe pears, creating an unforgettable fusion that’s anything but ordinary. This unique angle ensures each bite delivers a balanced contrast that elevates the dish from a simple stuffed pears option to a gourmet pear dessert experience, as tested and refined by Chef Sally herself.

Unbeatable Texture: The science behind the texture comes from baking the pears at just the right temperature, allowing their natural juices to caramelize with the honey. This process softens the pears to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth consistency while keeping the walnuts crunchy and the berries fresh, resulting in a delightful mix of soft and crisp elements that make this honey walnut pears recipe stand out.

Foolproof for a Reason: We’ve tested this recipe multiple times to guarantee success, adjusting for variations in pear ripeness and oven types. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, this baked pears with berries, honey, walnuts blue cheese version is reliable, ensuring your pear dessert turns out perfectly every time with minimal effort.

Ingredient Spotlight: Quality Makes the Difference

For the ripe pears, choose varieties like Bosc or Bartlett, as they hold their shape during baking and develop a buttery texture that’s essential for this baked pears recipe. Their role is to provide a sweet, juicy base that absorbs the honey’s flavors beautifully. Opt for pears that are firm yet ripe to avoid mushiness; if unavailable, Anjou pears make a great substitution, offering similar firmness and taste for your stuffed pears creation.

Fresh mixed berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, add a vibrant tartness and color to this pear dessert. They burst with freshness, balancing the richness of the blue cheese and walnuts. Always select in-season berries for peak flavor and quality; if you can’t find a mix, frozen berries work in a pinch, but thaw and drain them first to prevent excess moisture in your honey walnut pears dish.

Honey serves as the sweet glue that binds all the flavors in this baked pears with berries, honey, walnuts blue cheese recipe. Its natural viscosity helps caramelize the pears, enhancing their sweetness without overpowering the dish. Use high-quality, raw honey for its robust flavor; if you’re out, maple syrup can substitute, providing a similar sweetness while adding a subtle earthiness to your pear dessert.

Chopped walnuts contribute a nutty crunch and healthy fats, contrasting the soft pears and creamy cheese in this stuffed pears treat. They add depth and texture, making each bite more interesting. For the best results, toast them lightly before use; if nuts are an issue, pecans offer a similar crunch and flavor, ensuring your baked pears recipe remains delicious and accessible.

Finally, crumbled blue cheese introduces a bold, tangy element that makes this honey walnut pears recipe truly unique. It melts slightly during baking, creating a creamy topping that pairs exquisitely with the sweet components. Choose a high-quality, artisanal blue cheese for its complex taste; for a milder option, feta can substitute, though it will alter the savory profile of your pear dessert slightly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheating the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even baking for this baked pears recipe. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect tender texture in your stuffed pears.

Pro Tip: Use an oven thermometer to verify the temperature, as inaccuracies can affect the honey’s caramelization.

A photo showing a preheated oven ready for baking

Step 2: Preparing the Pear Halves

Take your 4 ripe pears, halve them, and carefully core them, placing them cut-side up in a baking dish. This sets the stage for the flavors to infuse into the pears for this pear dessert.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t over-core the pears, as this can make them fall apart; leave a bit of the core for structure.

A photo of halved and cored pears arranged in a baking dish

Step 3: Drizzling with Honey

Drizzle the 2 tablespoons of honey evenly over the pear halves. This adds sweetness and helps create a glossy finish in your baked pears with berries, honey, walnuts blue cheese dish.

Pro Tip: Warm the honey slightly for easier drizzling, ensuring it coats the pears uniformly.

A photo of honey being drizzled over the pears

Step 4: Adding Toppings

Sprinkle the 1 cup of fresh mixed berries, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, and 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese over the pears. This step builds the layers of flavor and texture for your honey walnut pears masterpiece.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Distribute the toppings evenly to prevent some pears from being overpowered by cheese or nuts.

A photo of berries, walnuts, and blue cheese added to the pears

Step 5: Baking the Pears

Bake the prepared pears in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender. This final step locks in the sweet and savory fusion that’s the hallmark of this stuffed pears recipe.

Pro Tip: Check for tenderness with a fork; if they’re not quite ready, bake in 5-minute increments to avoid overcooking.

A photo of the baked pears straight from the oven

Serving & Presentation

To serve this baked pears with berries, honey, walnuts blue cheese recipe, plate each half on a elegant dessert dish, garnishing with a few extra fresh berries and a light sprinkle of chopped walnuts for added visual appeal. The contrast of colors—golden pears against vibrant berries—makes for an impressive presentation that’s perfect for a dinner party. Pair it with complementary sides like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the sweet-savory balance, turning your pear dessert into a complete indulgence. For a lighter option, serve alongside a herbal tea or sparkling wine to cleanse the palate and highlight the honey walnut pears flavors.

Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions

Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the pear halves and toppings up to 3 days in advance by coring the pears, chopping the walnuts, and storing them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble just before baking to maintain freshness for this baked pears recipe.

Storing Leftovers: Once cooled, store any leftover stuffed pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month, ensuring to separate layers with parchment paper to preserve texture.

The Best Way to Reheat: To restore the original flavors and texture of your pear dessert, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pears mushy; this method keeps the honey walnut pears’ sweet and savory fusion intact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long do pears take to bake with berries and honey?

In this baked pears recipe, pears typically take 20-25 minutes to bake at 375°F (190°C) when topped with berries and honey. The exact time depends on the ripeness of the pears; firmer ones might need a couple extra minutes, while riper ones will become tender faster. Always check for softness with a fork to ensure they’re perfectly caramelized without overcooking, preserving the fresh burst from the berries.

What kind of pears are best for baking with honey and walnuts?

For this stuffed pears dish, Bosc or Bartlett pears are ideal due to their firm texture and ability to hold shape while baking, allowing them to absorb the honey and complement the walnuts beautifully. They provide a sweet base that enhances the overall flavor profile of your pear dessert. Avoid very soft varieties like Comice, as they can become too mushy; Anjou is a solid alternative if Bosc isn’t available.

Can I substitute blueberries for raspberries in baked pears?

Yes, you can absolutely substitute blueberries for raspberries in this baked pears with berries, honey, walnuts blue cheese recipe. Blueberries offer a similar tartness and burst of flavor, maintaining the fresh element that balances the honey and blue cheese. Keep the quantity at 1 cup, and for the best results, use fresh or thawed frozen blueberries to ensure they don’t release too much moisture during baking.

What’s a good serving suggestion for baked pears with blue cheese?

A great serving suggestion for this honey walnut pears recipe is to pair the baked pears with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt to amplify the sweet-savory contrast from the blue cheese. Serve warm for the best texture, perhaps on a bed of mixed greens for a light salad twist, making it a versatile pear dessert option for both casual meals and special occasions.

Is this recipe suitable for dietary restrictions?

This baked pears recipe is naturally gluten-free, but for a vegan version, swap the blue cheese for a plant-based alternative like vegan feta or nutritional yeast to mimic the tangy flavor. Ensure your honey is from a vegan source if needed, as some debates exist around bee products; these swaps keep the stuffed pears delicious and inclusive.

How can I make this recipe for a larger group?

To scale up this pear dessert for more servings, simply double or triple the ingredients while maintaining the baking time, as long as you use a larger baking dish to avoid overcrowding. This ensures even cooking for your honey walnut pears, making it easy to serve 8 or more without compromising quality.

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Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts and Blue Cheese

  • Author: Chef Sally
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Method: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Description

A delicious dessert featuring baked pears topped with fresh berries, drizzled with honey, and sprinkled with walnuts and blue cheese.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ripe pears, halved and cored
  • 1 cup fresh mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish.
  3. Drizzle the pears with honey.
  4. Sprinkle the berries, walnuts, and blue cheese over the pears.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pears are tender.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, ensure the blue cheese is made without animal rennet. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.


Nutrition

  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Fat: 11g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Protein: 4g