Baked Pears With Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese Recipe

The Sweetest Baked Pears with Berries & Blue Cheese Recipe

Crisp autumn nights call for a delectable pears with blue cheese recipe that combines sweet and savory notes perfectly.

Seasonal fruits shine when carefully roasted to bring out their natural complexity.

Juicy pears caramelize beautifully when baked, creating a stunning dessert or elegant appetizer.

Creamy blue cheese adds a rich, tangy dimension that complements the fruit’s gentle sweetness.

Crunchy walnuts provide a delightful textural contrast against the soft, warm pears.

Drizzled honey brings a golden, silky finish that makes this dish irresistible.

Why Baked Pears with Honey and Nuts Delight

  • Craft a Gourmet Delight: Elevate your dessert game with this sophisticated yet simple recipe that combines sweet pears, tangy blue cheese, and crunchy walnuts for a restaurant-worthy dish.
  • Versatile Flavor Explosion: Enjoy a perfect balance of sweet honey, tart berries, creamy cheese, and nutty crunch that appeals to diverse taste preferences in a single elegant preparation.
  • Quick Elegant Entertaining: Impress guests with a minimal-effort dessert that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, making it ideal for dinner parties or special occasions.
  • Nutritious Indulgence: Pack your dessert with healthy ingredients like antioxidant-rich berries, protein-packed walnuts, and nutrient-dense pears for a guilt-free treat that doesn't compromise on flavor.

Ingredients for Baked Pears with Honey and Nuts

For the Fruits:
  • Pears: Ripe and juicy pears that provide a soft, sweet base for the baked dessert.
  • Berries: Fresh, colorful berries that add a burst of natural sweetness and tartness.
For the Dairy:
  • Blue Cheese: Creamy and tangy cheese that creates a rich, savory contrast to the sweet pears.
For the Enhancers:
  • Honey, Cinnamon: Natural sweeteners that add depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.
  • Walnuts: Crunchy nuts that provide a nutty texture and complementary taste to the soft pears.

How to Bake Pears with Honey and Nuts

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn your oven to 375°F (190°C) and get ready to create a delightful dessert that blends sweet and tangy flavors.

Step 2: Prepare the Pears

Slice pears in half lengthwise and place them on a baking sheet with the cut side facing upward.

Make sure they’re sitting comfortably and ready for their flavor transformation.

Step 3: Drizzle and Sprinkle

Generously pour golden honey over each pear half, allowing it to seep into the fruit’s tender flesh.

Dust the pears with a light sprinkle of warm cinnamon for an extra touch of aromatic sweetness.

Step 4: Add Delicious Toppings

Decorate each pear half with a delightful combination of:
  • Fresh, juicy berries
  • Crunchy, chopped walnuts
  • Crumbly, tangy blue cheese

These toppings will create a symphony of textures and flavors that dance on your palate.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the pears bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the pears become tender and the blue cheese starts to melt slightly, creating a gorgeous golden surface.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Remove the baked pears from the oven and let them cool for a moment. Serve immediately while they’re still warm, and enjoy the incredible blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy goodness in every bite.

Pro Tips for Baked Pears with Honey and Nuts

  • Select firm, slightly underripe pears that will hold their shape during baking and won't turn mushy.
  • Sprinkle blue cheese in the last 5-10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning and maintain creamy texture.
  • Experiment with different honey varieties like wildflower or lavender for subtle flavor variations.
  • Lightly toast walnuts before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crispy texture.
  • Replace blue cheese with goat cheese for milder taste or use maple syrup instead of honey for vegan option.

Variations for Baked Pears with Honey and Nuts

  • Caramelized Pear Crunch: Replace blue cheese with mascarpone and add toasted almonds for extra crunch. Drizzle with caramel sauce for rich sweetness.
  • Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Swap walnuts for pine nuts, sprinkle dried thyme, and use goat cheese instead of blue cheese. Add a light drizzle of olive oil before baking.
  • Spiced Autumn Blend: Mix cinnamon with nutmeg and ginger. Top with candied pecans and substitute blue cheese with cream cheese. Finish with a maple syrup glaze.
  • Berry Chocolate Decadence: Scatter dark chocolate chips over pears. Use raspberries instead of mixed berries and replace blue cheese with ricotta. Dust with cocoa powder after baking.

Pairing Ideas for Baked Pears with Honey and Nuts

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a Riesling or Gewürztraminer with bright acidity to complement the sweet pears and tangy blue cheese, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
  • Enhance with Sparkling Rosé: Choose a light, bubbly rosé that cuts through the richness of the blue cheese and provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, baked fruit.
  • Match with Aged Port: Serve a rich, sweet port wine that echoes the honey and berry notes while standing up to the bold blue cheese and nutty walnuts.
  • Accompany with Herbal Tea: Brew a chamomile or lavender tea to soften the dish's intense flavors and provide a soothing, aromatic finish to the dessert.

Storage Advice for Baked Pears with Honey and Nuts

Store leftover baked pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.

Warm pears in a preheated 350F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Loosely cover with foil to prevent cheese from burning.

Quickly reheat individual pear halves for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add extra seconds if needed for even warming.

Let cold pears sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften cheese and restore original texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of pears for this recipe?

Yes, you can use Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett pears. Choose ripe but firm pears that will hold their shape during baking.

  • Is blue cheese necessary for this recipe?

Not mandatory. If you don’t like blue cheese, you can substitute with goat cheese or skip the cheese altogether for a lighter version.

  • How do I know when the pears are perfectly baked?

The pears are done when they’re tender when pierced with a fork and have a soft, slightly golden color. They should be easily pierced but not mushy.

  • Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?

You can prepare the pears and have ingredients ready, but bake them just before serving to maintain their warm, fresh texture and prevent them from becoming too soft.

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Baked Pears With Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese Recipe

Baked Pears With Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese Recipe


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4.7 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sumptuous Baked Pears with Berries invite winter comfort onto plates brimming with rich Mediterranean flavors. Warm spices, creamy blue cheese, and sweet honey mingle deliciously, offering you a gourmet experience that celebrates seasonal ingredients with elegant simplicity.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Fruits:

  • 4 pears, halved and cored

Toppings and Accompaniments:

  • 1/2 cup (118 milliliters) mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, etc.)
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) chopped walnuts
  • 2 ounces (57 grams) blue cheese, crumbled

Sweeteners and Spices:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) honey
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Arrange pear halves on a baking sheet, positioning them with cut sides facing upward at 375F (190C).
  2. Elegantly cascade honey across the pear surfaces, creating a glistening coating.
  3. Generously dust each pear half with ground cinnamon for aromatic warmth.
  4. Delicately scatter fresh berries, ensuring even distribution across the pear landscape.
  5. Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the berries, adding textural complexity and nutty depth.
  6. Crumble blue cheese atop the prepared pears, allowing subtle pockets of tangy richness.
  7. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, roasting for 20-25 minutes until pears transform into tender, caramelized delicacies.
  8. Watch for the blue cheese to soften and slightly melt, creating an enticing visual and flavor fusion.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to harmonize.
  10. Serve immediately while warm, presenting a sophisticated balance of sweet, savory, and textural elements.

Notes

  • Choose firm, ripe pears that hold their shape well during baking to prevent mushiness and maintain a beautiful presentation.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like goat cheese or feta for alternative flavor profiles if blue cheese isn’t appealing.
  • Toast walnuts briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and create a crunchier texture that complements the soft pears.
  • Adjust honey quantity based on pear sweetness and personal preference, using less for naturally sweet pears or more for a deeper caramelized finish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 285 kcal
  • Sugar: 29 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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