Baked Pears with Cream Cheese and Walnut Delight Recipe

Heavenly Baked Pears with Cream Cheese and Walnut Delight Recipe

Baked pears offer a luxurious dessert experience that converts ordinary fruit into something extraordinary.

Sweet, tender fruits absorb delicate flavors while roasting to golden perfection.

Creamy cheese and crunchy walnuts elevate this classic treat with contrasting textures and rich nuances.

Warm spices complement the natural sweetness, creating a sophisticated yet approachable culinary moment.

Elegant enough for dinner parties yet simple to prepare, this recipe promises to impress without overwhelming your kitchen skills.

Seasonal ingredients shine in this delightful dessert that balances indulgence with wholesome comfort.

You’ll love how effortlessly these baked pears become a showstopping finale to any meal.

Why Baked Pears with Cream Cheese Are a Sweet Surprise

  • Indulge in Effortless Elegance: This recipe transforms simple pears into a gourmet dessert with minimal cooking skills required, making it perfect for both novice and experienced home cooks.
  • Sensational Flavor Fusion: The warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg blend beautifully with creamy cheese and sweet honey, creating a sophisticated taste profile that dances on your palate.
  • Quick Comfort Dessert: From prep to plate, this dessert takes just 35 minutes total, offering a quick yet impressive treat that feels like a luxurious restaurant-style experience at home.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for casual family dinners, elegant dinner parties, or a cozy autumn evening treat, these baked pears adapt to any occasion with their rich, comforting flavors.

The Must-Haves for Creamy Walnut-Stuffed Baked Pears

Fresh Produce:
  • Pears: Sweet, ripe fruits that become soft and caramelized when baked, providing a tender base for the filling.
  • Mint Leaves: Optional fresh herb for a bright, cool garnish that adds visual appeal and subtle flavor.
Dairy and Cream Cheese Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth, rich base that creates a creamy and tangy filling for the pears.
Nuts and Sweeteners:
  • Walnuts: Crunchy, nutritious nuts that add texture and earthy flavor to the dish.
  • Brown Sugar: Deep, molasses-like sweetener that caramelizes and enhances the pears' natural sweetness.
  • Honey or Maple Syrup: Natural liquid sweeteners that provide additional depth and shine to the dessert.
Spices and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Warm, aromatic flavor that complements the sweet ingredients.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Warm, classic spice that pairs perfectly with pears and adds depth.
  • Nutmeg: Optional warm, slightly sweet spice that brings complexity to the dessert.

Step-by-Step Guide to Roasting Cream Cheese Pears

Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Baking Dish

Warm up your oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray or butter to ensure nothing sticks.

Step 2: Ready The Pears

Slice pears in half and place them cut-side up in the prepared dish. Splash a bit of lemon juice over them to keep them looking fresh.

Step 3: Create The Creamy Walnut Filling

In a mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Chopped walnuts
  • Brown sugar
  • Honey
  • Vanilla extract
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of nutmeg

Stir until the mixture looks smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Stuff The Pear Halves

Generously spread the creamy walnut mixture across each pear half. Make sure to cover the entire surface for maximum flavor.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Let the pears bake for 25-30 minutes until they turn tender and the topping becomes a golden brown.

Step 6: Serve And Garnish

Pull the pears from the oven and let them cool slightly. Decorate with fresh mint leaves for a beautiful presentation. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful combination of sweet pears and creamy filling.

Tips for Soft Pears and Perfectly Toasted Toppings

  • Ripen Perfectly: Select pears that are firm but slightly soft when gently pressed, ensuring optimal texture and sweetness for baking.
  • Prevent Browning: Drizzle fresh lemon juice over cut pear surfaces to maintain their beautiful color and prevent oxidation during preparation.
  • Soften Cream Cheese: Leave cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to achieve a smooth, easily spreadable consistency.
  • Customize Crunch: Toast walnuts lightly in a dry skillet before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the filling.
  • Serve with Flair: Drizzle a small amount of honey or maple syrup just before serving to add a glossy finish and boost the dessert's sweetness.

How to Store and Reheat Baked Pears with Ease

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover baked pears in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Cover with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent absorbing other food odors.
  • Reheat Oven: Warm pears at 325°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with aluminum foil to prevent excessive drying. This method helps retain the original texture and flavor of the cream cheese topping.
  • Microwave Option: Reheat individual portions for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and avoid overheating to prevent the cream cheese from separating or becoming rubbery.

Serving Ideas for Warm Baked Pear Desserts

  • Craft a Wine Harmony: Pair this dessert with a crisp late-harvest Riesling or a sweet Moscato, which complement the pears' natural sweetness and balance the rich cream cheese filling.
  • Brew a Perfect Companion: Serve alongside a warm chai latte or a smooth cappuccino, letting the spices in the drink enhance the cinnamon and nutmeg notes in the baked pears.
  • Create a Textural Contrast: Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped mascarpone cream to introduce a cool, silky element that contrasts with the warm, soft baked pears.
  • Design a Nutty Sidekick: Accompany the dessert with a small plate of additional toasted walnuts or almond biscotti to amplify the nutty undertones and provide a delightful crunch.

Flavor Add-Ons to Try with This Elegant Treat

  • Caramel Walnut Fusion: Replace honey with rich caramel sauce and sprinkle extra chopped walnuts on top for a decadent, sweet crunch that elevates the classic recipe.
  • Spiced Almond Transformation: Swap walnuts with sliced almonds and add ground cardamom to the cream cheese mixture, creating a warm, aromatic Middle Eastern-inspired dessert.
  • Maple Pecan Celebration: Substitute walnuts with toasted pecans and use pure maple syrup instead of honey, bringing a deep, woodsy sweetness to the baked pears.
  • Goat Cheese Berry Remix: Replace cream cheese with tangy goat cheese and add a handful of crushed raspberries or blueberries to the filling for a tart and creamy variation.
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Baked Pears with Cream Cheese and Walnut Delight Recipe

Baked Pears with Cream Cheese and Walnut Delight Recipe


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4.9 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Baked pears with cream cheese and walnut delight bring Mediterranean elegance to your dessert table. Warm spices and creamy filling create a luxurious experience that melts in your mouth, inviting you to savor each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 ripe pears, halved and cored
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (60 grams) walnuts, finely chopped

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

  • ¼ cup (50 grams) brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Spices and Garnish:

  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat a ceramic baking dish with a thin layer of butter or cooking spray to ensure effortless release of the dessert.
  2. Carefully halve the pears, removing the core with a small spoon, and arrange them cut-side upward in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle a few drops of lemon juice over the pear surfaces to maintain their pristine appearance.
  3. Create a luxurious filling by whisking the cream cheese until smooth, then gradually incorporate brown sugar, honey, vanilla extract, and ground spices. Fold in the chopped walnuts, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
  4. Generously pile the cream cheese mixture into the hollow of each pear half, using a small spatula to sculpt an attractive mound that covers the entire cut surface.
  5. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and roast for approximately 25-30 minutes. Monitor the pears until they become fork-tender and the topping develops a golden-brown caramelized exterior.
  6. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let the pears rest for 5-7 minutes to allow the filling to slightly set and cool. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of additional cinnamon before serving warm.

Notes

  • Unlock the secret to a dessert that transforms ordinary pears into a luxurious treat bursting with creamy, nutty goodness.
  • Perfectly ripe pears become a canvas for a decadent cream cheese filling that melts in your mouth with each delightful spoonful.
  • Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor – this recipe promises a sophisticated dessert that looks impressive but takes just minutes to prepare.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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