Baked pears are a dessert I come back to time and time again — not because they’re trendy or overly indulgent, but because they strike a perfect balance between simplicity and flavour.
Whether you pop them into the oven or opt for air fryer baked pears, the process is effortless and the result is always impressive. This dish suits just about any occasion — from a midweek treat to a Sunday lunch dessert, and even a cheeky breakfast if you’re like me.
Although baked pears are especially comforting in the autumn and winter months, I make them all year round. They're one of the easiest ways to turn simple fruit into something special. When pears are in season, this recipe is a must — and it’s a brilliant way to use up fruit that's ripening a little too fast.
And I love to spoil my kids with these dessert by using those adorable “fun-sized” pears from the supermarket. They’re the perfect size for little hands and make a great after-school treat. Thanks to the natural sugars in pears and the added fibre and nutrients from dried apricots and walnuts, it’s a dessert you can feel good about serving.
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Ingredients
For this recipe, I use Conference pears, which are soft, mildly sweet, and easy to find in most UK supermarkets like ASDA, Sainsbury’s, or Morrisons. They cook quickly and have a tender bite. If you prefer a firmer result that holds its shape longer, go for Dessert pears or Bosc pears — they’ll need a little more time in the oven but deliver great texture.
The filling is where things get interesting. Walnuts bring a gentle bitterness and crunch, contrasting beautifully with the soft fruit. Dried apricots offer a tangy, chewy sweetness that rounds out the flavour profile. Honey gives a glossy finish and natural sweetness without overwhelming the dish. Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for warmth, and finish with a thin slice of butter on top for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth quality during baking.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions for Baked Pears
This dish is surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, you’ll breeze through it. And yes, these instructions work for both oven and air fryer baked pears.
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C / 360°F. Thinly chop the walnuts and dice the apricots. If your apricots feel dry, soak them in warm water for 10–15 minutes to soften.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, apricots, honey, and a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon. Mix well to combine all the sticky, textured goodness.
- Step 3: Wash your pears but don’t peel them — the skin helps them hold their shape. Slice them in half and scoop out the core with a spoon to make a small hollow for the filling.
- Step 4: Place the pear halves cut-side up on a baking tray or in your air fryer basket. Spoon the mixture into each hollow and top with a slice of butter. Bake for 10–15 minutes at 180°C.
Important Note: If you have softer pears, 10–12 minutes will be enough. If you are using firm variety, then bake for longer. It is important to find the proper balance of baking time and baking temperature — if you are using a higher temperature, then your stuffing will be burning and you end with burnt and bitter walnuts. So check your pears, and if you see that pears are still firm but stuffing starts to brown too quickly, then just cover with foil on top. If you are using Bosc pears — they are more firm, so 20–25 minutes and cover with foil if you see your topping burning. Pears should be ready when you pierce them easily with a fork. And do not be afraid to over cook it — if it even does not hold its form, it still will be delicious, mash it with a spoon and eat with ice cream, porridge, yogurt and just like that — it is still awesome, healthy and amazing.
Substitutions
One of the best things about baked pears is how easily you can customise them based on what’s in your kitchen. Don’t have walnuts? Swap them for pecans, hazelnuts, or flaked almonds — each brings its own flavour and texture. For a crunchier finish, stir some rolled oats or granola into the stuffing mixture. Want a slightly different sweetness? Use maple syrup or a sprinkle of brown sugar instead of honey — it creates a lovely caramelised effect on top.
For a grown-up variation, add a few drops of vanilla extract or a splash of cognac or dark rum into the filling. It transforms the pears into something a little more decadent, perfect for a dinner party dessert.
Whether you're sticking to the original simple baked pears recipe or playing with flavours, this dish is incredibly forgiving and welcomes creativity.
How to Serve Baked Pears
These baked pears with honey are incredibly versatile and adapt easily to different occasions and preferences. Serve them warm straight from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a satisfying dessert, or pair with whipped cottage cheese or thick Greek yoghurt for something a bit lighter but still indulgent.
You can also chop or into smaller pieces or over baked them into mash and mix into plain yoghurt with a sprinkle of granola or crushed nuts on top. Add a drizzle of maple syrup if you want to level it up.
These pears make a fantastic after-school treat for kids. They're sweet enough to feel like a dessert, but thanks to the natural sugars, dried apricots, and walnuts, they’re also full of fibre and nutrients. Try using the smaller “fun-sized” pears for little hands — easy to eat and just the right portion.
You can pack them in a lunchbox or take them to the park as a snack. They hold well once cooled, so they’re also perfect for picnics or road trips. For a weekend brunch board, serve alongside croissants, soft cheeses, and fresh fruit — they add a lovely warm contrast to cold, crisp elements.
Storage
Leftover baked pears can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge. They reheat well — just pop them into the oven to warm through gently, or use the microwave if you're short on time. They also taste great cold, straight from the fridge, with yoghurt or as a sweet snack.
What I love most is how well they travel. Once cooled, they hold their shape beautifully, making them ideal for a packed lunch, a day out, or even a picnic in the park. Just wrap each pear half in parchment or pop them into a sealed container, and you've got a wholesome, no-fuss treat that’s ready to go.
Pro Tip
Let the pears rest for 5 minutes before serving. It helps the filling set and makes them easier to plate up beautifully.
FAQ
A: Conference pears for quicker cooking and softer texture; Bosc or Dessert pears if you want them to hold their shape longer.
A: No — the peel helps them hold their form and adds extra fibre. It softens perfectly while baking.
A: Absolutely. Air fryer baked pears come out beautifully. Set it to 180°C and bake for 10–12 minutes. Check halfway through and cover with foil if needed.
A: Medium-ripe is best. Too firm and they won’t soften properly; too ripe and they’ll collapse during baking — though still delicious mashed over porridge or yoghurt.
A: Yes, prep and stuff the pears, then cover and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
- Mascarpone and Raspberry Dessert Recipe
- Oladushki - Pancakes on Kefir Batter Recipe
- Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Easy 15 Minute Cherry Meringue Dessert
Pairing
So, Baked Pears for dessert and try those dishes for the main course:
Baked Pears Recipe
Soft and sweet baked pears with walnuts and apricots, finished with honey and warm spice. A nourishing, easy dessert or breakfast treat.
Ingredients
- 4 large pears
- 100g dried apricots
- 50g walnuts
- Knob of butter, sliced into 8 thin slices
- 2 tablespoon honey
- Pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C / 360°F. Chop apricots and walnuts. Soak apricots if dry.
- Mix apricots, walnuts, honey, and nutmeg in a bowl.
- Wash pears, halve them, and remove the core.
- Stuff each half with mixture, top with butter, and bake 10–15 mins or longer if needed. Pierce them with a fork to check for readynes.
Notes
- Use Conference pears for a softer texture; Dessert or Bosc for firmer results.
- Cover with foil if filling browns too quickly.
- Pairs well with yoghurt, oats, or ice cream.
- Store leftovers for up to 2 days.
- Works great as air fryer baked pears — 180°C for 10–12 mins.
