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This Maple Syrup Baked Pears recipe is an effortless, stunning dessert. Featuring tender pears glazed in an aromatic maple-cinnamon caramel and topped with toasted pecans, it requires minimal prep and few ingredients. It’s perfect for a weeknight or elegant dinner party, and naturally gluten-free and dairy-optional. Simple, delicious, and beautiful.

Some recipes are so simple you almost hesitate to call them a “dessert,” and yet they absolutely shine on the table. Maple syrup baked pears are one of those dishes: just ripe pears, real maple syrup, a little cinnamon, a pat of butter, and a handful of nuts. Everything bakes together into a warm, caramel‑edged treat that looks stunning on a plate but takes only a few minutes of hands-on time.

This recipe was born out of real life hospitality: needing a gluten‑free, dairy‑free friendly dessert on short notice for dinner guests. It turns out that when you keep things simple, you let the fruit and the maple syrup do the talking, and no one misses the flour or the fuss.

Can I make this gluten‑free and dairy‑free?

Yes. The base recipe is naturally gluten‑free, and you can either use a dairy‑free butter substitute or omit the butter entirely. For serving, swap ice cream for a dairy‑free whipped topping or non‑dairy ice cream.

What kind of pears work best?

Any firm, ripe pears that hold their shape in the oven will work (such as Bosc or Anjou). Slightly underripe fruit is better than overripe, since it softens as it bakes without turning mushy.

Can I use different nuts—or skip them?

Yes. Pecans, walnuts, or even sliced almonds all toast nicely on top of the pears. If you’re serving someone with a nut allergy or who simply doesn’t like nuts, you can leave them off some or all of the pears.

How do I know when the pears are done?

The pears are ready when a fork slides easily into the thickest part, but the halves still hold their shape when lifted with a spatula. If they’re still very firm after 45 minutes, keep baking in 5–10 minute increments until tender.

How should I serve leftovers?

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. They’re lovely for breakfast with yogurt or enjoyed again as a simple dessert with a fresh drizzle of maple syrup.

Maple Syrup Baked Pears

Ingredients

4 pears washed, halved lengthwise, cores scooped out (leave stems on for looks)
2 tablespoons butter melted (or dairy‑free substitute, or omit for dairy‑free)
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts or other nuts you like
Optional for serving: vanilla ice cream or non‑dairy whipped topping

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Wash pears, cut in half lengthwise, and use a melon baller or small spoon to scoop out the core; trim a bit off the rounded bottom so they sit flat if needed, leaving the stems on.
Arrange pear halves cut‑side up in a pie plate or similar baking dish; no need to grease the dish.
In a microwave‑safe bowl, combine 2 tablespoons butter, 1/2 cup maple syrup, and 2 teaspoons cinnamon; warm just until the butter melts, then stir until smooth.
Spoon the maple–cinnamon mixture generously over all the pears, letting it pool into the cored‑out centers; reserve a little sauce for serving.
Bake, uncovered, at 350°F for about 45 minutes, until the pears are tender but still hold their shape.
While the pears bake, roughly chop 1/4 cup pecans.
Sprinkle chopped pecans into the center “wells” of the pears and over the tops, then return to the oven for another 10–15 minutes to toast the nuts and finish softening the fruit (about 1 hour total bake time).
To serve, place a warm pear half on a plate, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of non‑dairy whipped topping if desired, and drizzle with the reserved maple syrup sauce from the pan.

Video

Notes

For fully gluten‑free and dairy‑free guests, use a dairy‑free spread or skip the butter and serve with non‑dairy whipped topping instead of ice cream.
This dessert is lovely for Christmas because it feels lighter than many rich holiday sweets but still tastes cozy and special.