Sweet Baked Pears: A Creamy Walnut Cheese Dream Recipe

Warm spices and creamy textures dance together in this delightful baked pears with cream cheese and walnut delight that promises pure comfort.

Autumn’s golden afternoons inspired this elegant dessert, blending rustic charm with sophisticated flavors.

Soft pears cradle a luscious filling, creating a dessert that feels both indulgent and surprisingly light.

Each bite combines the gentle sweetness of ripe pears with the rich, tangy cream cheese and the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a stunning treat that looks far more complicated than its straightforward preparation.

Served warm or at room temperature, these baked pears make an irresistible finale to any meal.

Grab a fork and savor every delectable spoonful of this impressive yet effortless dessert.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients in Baked Pears with Cream Cheese and Walnut

• Pears: Select ripe, firm pears that yield slightly when gently pressed, ensuring a perfect balance of sweetness and texture for baking.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: Offers a bright, aromatic garnish that adds a pop of color and refreshing finish to the dessert.

• Cream Cheese, Brown Sugar: Rich, velvety cream cheese pairs beautifully with deep-flavored brown sugar, creating a luscious and indulgent filling.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Natural sweeteners that provide a complex, warm flavor profile and help bind the filling ingredients.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth, enhancing the overall dessert with its classic aromatic essence.

• Walnuts: Brings a delightful nutty crunch and earthy undertones that complement the creamy and sweet elements.
• Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that elevate the dessert's flavor, creating a cozy and comforting sensory experience.

Equipment You’ll Need for Baked Pears

• Baking Dish: Rectangular or square dish for baking pears.
• Medium Bowl: For mixing cream cheese filling ingredients.
• Mixing Spoon or Spatula: To blend filling components smoothly.
• Sharp Knife: For halving pears and chopping walnuts.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Cooking Spray or Pastry Brush: To grease baking dish lightly.
• Oven Mitts: Protect hands when handling hot baking dish.

Baked Pears with Cream Cheese Instructions

• Warm Oven Preparation

Set the oven to a cozy 350°F, creating the perfect toasty environment for our pear adventure. Lightly coat a baking dish with a whisper of butter to ensure nothing sticks.

• Pear Selection

Gently slice pears in half, revealing their beautiful inner landscape. A quick splash of lemon juice keeps them looking fresh and vibrant.

• Creamy Walnut Fusion

Blend cream cheese with crunchy walnuts, sweet brown sugar, and a drizzle of golden honey. Sprinkle in warm spices that’ll make your kitchen smell like a dreamy autumn morning.

• Pear Transformation

Lovingly fill each pear half with the rich, nutty mixture. Spread it evenly, creating a delicious landscape of flavor and texture.

• Baking Magic

Slide the dish into the welcoming oven. Let the pears bake until they’re tender and the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown, about 25-30 minutes.

• Elegant Serving

Rescue the baked beauties from the oven and let them rest briefly. A few fresh mint leaves add a pop of color and a hint of freshness to this irresistible dessert.

Tips for Baking Pears with Cream Cheese and Walnuts

• Culinary Creativity Boost: Simple twists can transform this delightful dessert into a personalized masterpiece.
• Nutty Alternatives: Swap walnuts with pecans, almonds, or pistachios for different flavor profiles and exciting crunch textures.
• Spice Symphony: Experiment with cardamom, ginger, or allspice to add unexpected warmth and depth to the cream cheese filling.
• Dairy-Free Magic: Replace cream cheese with coconut cream or almond-based cream cheese for a plant-based version that maintains rich, creamy goodness.
• Caramel Drizzle Delight: After baking, top the pears with a light drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate the dessert's complexity and create a gourmet experience.

How to Serve Baked Pears with Walnut

• Decadent Dessert Companion: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a luxurious temperature and flavor contrast.
• Brunch Showstopper: Pair with crisp champagne or a light mimosa to elevate this dish for a sophisticated weekend morning gathering.
• Nutty Crunch Addition: Sprinkle extra toasted walnuts on top just before serving to enhance the textural experience and add a delightful crunch.
• Elegant Plating Style: Drizzle a thin stream of caramel sauce or honey around the pear on a white porcelain plate to create a restaurant-quality presentation that will impress guests.

Make-Ahead and Storage Info for Baked Pears

• Smart Scheduling: Prepare this delightful dessert as a show-stopping finale for dinner parties or cozy family gatherings. Best served warm within 2 hours of baking for maximum flavor and texture enjoyment.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover baked pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gently reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to restore their original warmth and softness.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the pears and cream cheese filling up to 6 hours before baking. Cover and refrigerate, then pop into the oven when ready to serve, adding 5-7 minutes to the original baking time.
• Freezing Finesse: While possible to freeze, the texture might slightly change. If freezing, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

Sweet Baked Pears

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Baked Italian pears with cream cheese and walnut delight combine elegant flavors from Mediterranean kitchens. Creamy cheese, toasted walnuts, and warm spices create a simple dessert perfect for sharing with friends after dinner.

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Ingredients

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• 4 ripe pears, halved and cored
• 1 cup (240 ml/8 fl oz) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (60 g/2 oz) walnuts, finely chopped
• ¼ cup (50 g/1.75 oz) brown sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml/2 fl oz) honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a ceramic baking dish with butter or cooking spray for easy dessert removal.
2. Pear Preparation: Halve pears, delicately remove cores, position cut-side upward in the dish, and splash with lemon juice to preserve their elegant color.
3. Filling Creation: Whip cream cheese until silky, gradually blend brown sugar, honey, vanilla extract, and ground spices. Integrate chopped walnuts thoroughly, ensuring uniform distribution throughout the mixture.
4. Assembly: Lavishly fill each pear cavity with the cream cheese mixture, crafting an enticing mound that completely covers the pear’s interior surface.
5. Baking and Finishing: Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until pears become tender and topping transforms into a rich, caramelized golden-brown crust. Allow the dessert to rest 5-7 minutes for filling stabilization. Optionally garnish with fresh mint leaves or a delicate cinnamon sprinkle before serving while warm.

Notes

• Prevent Browning: Drizzle lemon juice on pear surfaces to stop oxidation and maintain fresh, bright appearance.
• Cheese Filling Technique: Whisk cream cheese thoroughly to eliminate lumps, ensuring smooth, creamy texture in every bite.
• Nut Distribution Tip: Fold walnuts gently to create even spread, preventing clumping and ensuring consistent crunch throughout filling.
• Caramelization Watch: Monitor pears closely during final 10 minutes of baking to achieve perfect golden-brown topping without burning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg