Name: Maple Roasted Pears with Walnuts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Anjou preferred), halved and cored; ½ cup chopped walnuts; 3-4 tablespoons pure maple syrup (divided); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; Optional: ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, pinch of salt

This elegant yet effortless dessert features ripe pears halved and roasted until tender and caramelized, enhanced with pure maple syrup’s warm sweetness and crunchy toasted walnuts for texture. Lightly spiced with cinnamon, it’s a wholesome treat bursting with fall flavors, fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants—perfect for satisfying sweet cravings the nutritious way.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

You’ll adore this recipe because it’s incredibly quick to prepare with minimal ingredients, yet delivers restaurant-quality results. The pears become meltingly soft and juicy in the oven while absorbing the rich, caramel-like notes from real maple syrup—no refined sugar needed!

Toasted walnuts add a satisfying crunch and boost of omega-3s for heart and brain health. It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, low-calorie, and feels light after a meal. The cozy cinnamon aroma fills your kitchen, making it ideal for weeknight treats, impressing guests, or even a fancy breakfast.

Plus, it’s forgiving—if your pears are super ripe, they bake faster; if firmer, they hold shape beautifully. It’s one of those desserts that tastes decadent but supports your wellness goals.

Yield: 4 servings

Maple Roasted Pears with Walnuts

Tender roasted pears drizzled with maple syrup, topped with crunchy walnuts and cinnamon—a healthy, naturally sweet fall dessert.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

4 ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Anjou preferred), halved and cored
½ cup chopped walnuts
3-4 tablespoons pure maple syrup (divided)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional: ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and get excited—this is going to smell amazing! Line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Grab your pears, wash them well, then carefully cut each one in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon or melon baller to gently scoop out the core and seeds, creating a cozy little pocket in each half.
Place the pear halves cut-side up in your prepared baking dish—they should fit snugly like they're ready for a warm hug.
In a small dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped walnuts for 3-5 minutes, stirring often until fragrant and lightly golden. This step makes them irresistibly crunchy and flavorful—don't walk away, or they'll burn!
Transfer the toasted walnuts to a bowl. Drizzle in 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup, add the cinnamon (and vanilla/salt if using), then mix everything together until the nuts are glossy and coated.
Spoon this delicious walnut mixture generously into the cored pockets of each pear half—pile it high for extra goodness!
Now for the magic: Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of maple syrup evenly over the pears and stuffed walnuts. It will caramelize beautifully as it bakes.
Pop the dish into the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. The pears should become fork-tender, edges golden, and syrup bubbly—check at 25 minutes since ripeness varies.
Remove from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. The aromas will be heavenly—your kitchen just became the coziest spot!
Serve warm, perhaps with a dollop of yogurt or on their own. Spoon any pan juices over the top for extra saucy delight. Enjoy every tender, nutty, maple-kissed bite!

Notes

Use real maple syrup for authentic flavor and health benefits. This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free. Adjust sweetness by using less maple if pears are very ripe.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 309Total Fat 21gSaturated Fat 2gUnsaturated Fat 19gSodium 2mgCarbohydrates 33gFiber 8gSugar 18gProtein 5g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Recipe Tips and Tricks:

Choose ripe but firm pears (like Bosc or Anjou) to prevent mushiness during roasting.
Toast walnuts lightly in a dry pan first for deeper flavor and extra crunch—watch closely to avoid burning.
Core pears with a melon baller or small spoon for neat cavities to hold the walnut filling.
Line your baking dish with parchment for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
For extra caramelization, brush pears with a bit more maple syrup halfway through baking.
Serve warm for the best texture and aroma—reheat gently if needed.
Taste your maple syrup; darker grades offer bolder flavor that pairs wonderfully with pears.

Ingredients Notes:

Pears form the juicy, naturally sweet base—opt for Bosc (firm, holds shape well) or Anjou (softer, buttery texture). Use ripe ones for maximum flavor without added sugar.

Pure maple syrup (100% real, not imitation pancake syrup) provides subtle caramel notes and antioxidants—Grade A or B works great. Walnuts deliver healthy fats, protein, and crunch; toast them to enhance nuttiness and reduce bitterness.

Ground cinnamon adds warm spice without overpowering. Optional vanilla extract deepens flavor, and a pinch of salt balances sweetness. All ingredients are whole-food based, keeping this dessert clean and nutrient-dense.

Variations and Substitutions:

Swap walnuts for pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts for different nutty profiles. For nut-free, use pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. Replace maple syrup with honey (if not vegan) or date syrup for varied sweetness.

Add dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates to the walnut mix for chewy bursts. Spice it up with nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom alongside cinnamon. For creamier indulgence, serve with Greek yogurt, coconut yogurt, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream (dairy or plant-based).

Slice pears instead of halving for a different presentation, or stuff with oats for a streusel-like topping. Use apples if pears are unavailable—Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well.

Storage Options:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes to restore warmth. Avoid freezing, as pears become too soft and watery upon thawing.