Why You’ll Love Simple Maple Vanilla Baked Pears Recipe
Only four core ingredients — super accessible and minimal fuss.
Turns fresh pears into a warm, elegant dessert that feels special yet easy.
Versatile: serve with Greek yogurt, granola, whipped cream or ice cream for different moods.
Works as a somewhat healthier treat compared to heavier desserts — fruit as star.
Great for beginner bakers — simple steps, beautiful result.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Large ripe but firm pears (4 large or 6 medium)
Pure maple syrup (~½ cup)
Pure vanilla extract (~1 teaspoon)
Ground cinnamon (~¼ teaspoon)
Optional toppings: granola (maple-pecan or your favourite) and plain Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet.
Halve the pears lengthwise. Using a scoop or spoon, remove the core/seeds so each half sits flat and open-faced.
Place the pear halves, cut side up, in the prepared dish. Sprinkle each half with the ground cinnamon.
Whisk together the maple syrup and the vanilla extract. Drizzle most of the mixture over the pears, reserving a small portion for after baking.
Bake uncovered for about 25 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the edges lightly browned.
Once done, remove from oven and immediately drizzle the reserved maple-vanilla mixture over the warm pears.
Serve warm. Add optional toppings such as granola and Greek yogurt (or ice cream) for extra texture and indulgence.
Servings and timing
Serves: About 4 servings
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Cook time: ~25 minutes
Total time: ~30 minutes
Variations
Use pears like Anjou, Bartlett or Bosc — choose medium-ripe so they hold shape but become tender.
For a richer dessert, serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream instead of yogurt.
Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) or a drizzle of caramel for extra texture/flavour.
For an even simpler version, skip granola and yogurt and serve just the pears with the maple-vanilla drizzle.
Make it spiced: add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon for deeper warmth.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Once cooled, store leftover baked pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
The topping (yogurt or ice cream) should be added fresh at serving time rather than stored on the dessert.
FAQs
1. Do I need to peel the pears?
No — you don’t need to peel them. The skin holds the pear halves together and becomes tender when baked.
2. How do I choose the right pears for baking?
Choose pears that are medium-ripe: not rock hard but still firm, with sweet flavour and the ability to hold shape when baked.
3. Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?
Yes — serve with dairy-free yogurt or a non-dairy ice cream. The core recipe is inherently vegan except for dairy toppings.
4. Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
You could, but maple syrup is part of the flavour profile here and is vegan-friendly. Honey is not vegan. Maple syrup is recommended.
5. Can I prep ahead of time?
You can cut and core the pears ahead of time and keep them chilled, then bake when ready. However, they taste best when baked fresh and served warm.
6. How do I know when the pears are done?
They should be tender when a knife or fork can easily slide into the flesh, and the edges are lightly browned.
7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes — simply double the pears and maple-vanilla mixture, and bake in a suitably larger dish.
8. Can I turn this into a breakfast dish?
Absolutely — serve warm pears with Greek yogurt and granola for a lovely luxurious breakfast or brunch option.
9. Is this gluten-free?
Yes — the core baked pears are gluten-free. If you add granola as a topping, choose a gluten-free granola.
10. What else could I serve alongside this dessert?
It pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel, chopped nuts, or fresh berries for colour and contrast.
Conclusion
Simple Maple Vanilla Baked Pears are a brilliant example of how minimal ingredients and straightforward technique can produce something elegant, comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re craving a warm dessert after dinner, planning a brunch, or looking for a lighter sweet treat, this recipe delivers. The pears soften and sweeten in maple syrup and vanilla, the aroma is irresistible, and the result feels both elevated and accessible. Enjoy!
