Introduction

Oh, the smell of fall in the kitchen! Does anything beat the aroma of warm spices and sweet fruit baking in the oven? I’m thinking back to crisp autumn days, maybe a cozy sweater, and the pure joy of a simple, yet utterly delightful dessert. Today, we’re bringing that magic right to your kitchen with these Roasted Maple Pears. Seriously, this recipe is so easy, you’ll be whipping it up on a weeknight and wondering why you haven’t made it sooner. It’s a little bit sweet, a little bit spiced, and a whole lot of comfort in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: From oven to table in under an hour, with most of that time being hands-off baking.
Easy: Minimal prep means more time for you to relax and enjoy the process (or sneak a taste!).
Giftable: These baked pears look so elegant, they’re perfect for a special treat to share with neighbors or friends.
Crowd-pleasing: Whether you’re serving picky eaters or seasoned foodies, everyone adores the warm, comforting flavors of these roasted pears.

Ingredients

Gather ’round, friends! Here’s what you’ll need to create this little piece of autumn heaven:

4 Bosc pears: These are fantastic because they hold their shape beautifully when baked. Look for pears that are firm but give just a little when gently squeezed.
1/2 cup apple cider or fresh pressed apple juice: This adds a lovely depth of flavor and keeps the pears wonderfully moist. If you can find local, fresh-pressed, even better!
4 tbsp butter: Because, well, butter makes everything better, right? It adds richness and helps create that delectable glaze.
2 tbsp pure maple syrup, Grade A: This is the star of our sweetening show! Use the good stuff – it makes a difference. Grade A is perfect for its lovely, subtle flavor.
Cinnamon, to taste: A classic pairing with pears. You can be generous or go light, depending on your love for cinnamon!

How to Make It

Alright, let’s get our hands a little sticky (in the best way possible!). This is where the magic happens, and it’s so straightforward:

Preheat your oven: Get your oven nice and warm at 375°F (190°C). This ensures your pears cook evenly and get that perfect tender texture.
Prep those pears: Take your beautiful Bosc pears and slice them in half lengthwise. Then, grab a spoon (a grapefruit spoon works wonders!) and gently scoop out the core and any seeds. Think of it as carving out a little cozy spot for all that yummy glaze.
Arrange in your dish: Place your pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish. I like to nestle them in so they don’t roll around too much.
Whip up the glaze: In a small bowl, melt your butter (you can do this in the microwave for about 30 seconds or gently on the stovetop). Once melted, stir in the apple cider and that gorgeous maple syrup. Give it a good whisk until it’s all combined into a syrupy dream.
Gild the pears: Carefully pour this magical mixture evenly over each pear half. Let it pool around the edges – that’s where the extra deliciousness will be!
Spice it up: Now for the cinnamon! Sprinkle it generously over the pears. This is your chance to really make it your own.
Bake ’til tender: Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork. They’ll look beautifully softened and slightly caramelized.
Serve and savor: This is the best part! Serve your roasted maple pears warm, directly from the baking dish.

Substitutions & Additions

Feeling adventurous? Or maybe you’re missing an ingredient? No problem! Here are some ways to make these pears your own:

Other Pears: While Bosc are my favorite for roasting, Anjou or even slightly firmer Bartlett pears can work too. Just keep an eye on them as they might cook a bit faster.
Different Liquid: No apple cider? White grape juice or even a splash of water with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar can work in a pinch.
Spice it Up: Want more flavor? Add a pinch of nutmeg, a dash of cardamom, or even a tiny bit of ground ginger along with the cinnamon. A whole cinnamon stick or a star anise pod tucked into the baking dish can also infuse wonderful flavor.
Nutty Crunch: For an extra layer of texture, try sprinkling some chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the pears during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Creamy Delight: These are incredible served with a dollop of vanilla ice cream, a spoonful of Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of créme fraîche.

Tips for Success

A few little secrets from my kitchen to yours to ensure your roasted pears are absolutely perfect every time:

Choose the right pears: As I mentioned, Bosc are ideal. Avoid pears that are too ripe, as they can get mushy.
Don’t overcrowd the dish: Give your pear halves a little breathing room so the glaze can circulate and cook them evenly.
Check for doneness: Ovens can be quirky! Start checking for tenderness around the 25-minute mark. You’re looking for a fork to slide in easily without resistance.
Prep ahead: You can halve and core the pears a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just before baking, pat them dry and proceed with the recipe.

How to Store It

Leftovers are rare in my house with this recipe, but if you do happen to have any, here’s how to keep them delicious:

Allow the roasted pears to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They’re still tasty cold, perhaps added to yogurt or oatmeal, but they are truly best reheated gently. Pop them back into a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave them for 30-60 seconds until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegan? Absolutely! Simply swap the butter for a good quality vegan butter substitute.
What kind of maple syrup should I use? Pure maple syrup is key! Avoid pancake syrup, which is usually corn syrup based. Grade A is typically lighter in flavor and perfect for baking.
Can I roast the pears whole instead of halved? You can, but it will take significantly longer for them to become tender, and the glaze won’t penetrate as well. Halving is recommended for the best results.

Roasted Maple Pears

Cozy and simple roasted maple pears are a delightful fall dessert, easy to make with minimal prep and ready in under an hour. They are sweet, spiced, and comforting.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Servings 4 pears

Equipment

Oven preheated to 375°F (190°C)
Spoon a grapefruit spoon works wonders
Baking dish
Small bowl
Microwave optional for melting butter

Ingredients

Main ingredients

4 Bosc pears firm but give just a little when gently squeezed
0.5 cup apple cider or fresh pressed apple juice
4 tbsp butter
2 tbsp pure maple syrup Grade A
Cinnamon to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice Bosc pears in half lengthwise. Gently scoop out the core and any seeds.
Place pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish.
In a small bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the apple cider and maple syrup until combined.
Pour the glaze evenly over each pear half, letting it pool around the edges.
Sprinkle generously with cinnamon.
Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until pears are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Serve warm.

Notes

These pears can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and are best gently reheated before serving.