Imagine a dessert that transforms ordinary pears into a jaw-dropping culinary masterpiece that combines the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and maple with the rich, nutty crunch of walnuts. These Cinnamon Walnut Stuffed Pears are not just a recipe—they're an experience that will elevate your dessert game from ordinary to extraordinary. Perfect for impressing dinner guests or treating yourself to a luxurious yet simple indulgence, this recipe promises to be your new go-to dessert that looks and tastes like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ripe pears, halved and cored
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Carefully wash the pears and slice them in half lengthwise. Using a small spoon or melon baller, gently scoop out the core and create a slight hollow in each pear half to hold the walnut filling.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the walnut mixture and stir until the ingredients are well-coated and slightly clumped together.
- Arrange the pear halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are stable and not rolling around.
- Generously spoon the walnut-cinnamon mixture into the hollowed centers of each pear half, pressing gently to pack the filling.
- Drizzle maple syrup evenly over the stuffed pears, allowing it to seep into the filling and create a glossy coating.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the filling is golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let the pears cool for 5 minutes to allow the filling to set and the maple syrup to slightly caramelize.
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
Tips
- Choose ripe but firm pears to ensure they hold their shape during baking. Bartlett or Bosc pears work exceptionally well.
- For an extra layer of flavor, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before mixing them with the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Use a melon baller or a small spoon to carefully hollow out the pears, creating an even and neat cavity for the walnut filling.
- Don't skip the maple syrup drizzle—it caramelizes beautifully and adds a rich, deep sweetness to the dish.
- For a more decadent presentation, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of mascarpone cream.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons and use a dark, robust maple syrup.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg