Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese

Introduction

This Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese recipe is a simple and delicious dessert that combines sweet and savory flavors beautifully. The warm, tender pears pair wonderfully with juicy berries, crunchy walnuts, and creamy blue cheese, all drizzled with honey. For another fruity dessert idea, try this Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe.

Ingredients

These warm, caramelized baked pears with berries, honey, walnuts, and blue cheese create a beautiful harmony of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors with a delightful contrast in textures.

• 2 ripe pears, halved and cored
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 cup mixed berries (such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries)
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
• 2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, to prevent browning)

Timing

Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	20 minutes
Total Time	30 minutes

Context: This recipe for Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese is about 20% faster than similar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Pears

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse 4 firm but ripe pears (such as Bosc or Anjou) under cool water and pat them dry. Slice each pear in half lengthwise and use a small spoon or melon baller to carefully scoop out the core and seeds, creating a small well in each half.

Step 2 — Arrange and Season

Place the pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish just large enough to hold them in a single layer. Drizzle each pear half with about ½ teaspoon of honey, ensuring it coats the well and cut surface. A light sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can be added here for extra warmth.

Step 3 — Add Berries and Liquid

Scatter 1 cup of fresh or frozen mixed berries (like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries) around and even inside the pears. Pour ¼ cup of water or apple juice into the bottom of the baking dish—this creates steam to help the pears bake evenly and prevents the honey from burning.

Step 4 — Initial Baking

Bake the pears in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes. The pears should be tender enough to be easily pierced with the tip of a knife but still hold their shape. The berries will have started to release their juices, creating a vibrant sauce in the dish.

Step 5 — Add Walnuts and Cheese

Remove the baking dish from the oven. Sprinkle ¼ cup of chopped walnuts and 2–3 tablespoons of crumbled blue cheese evenly over the pear halves. The residual heat will begin to toast the walnuts and gently warm the cheese.

Step 6 — Final Bake and Serve

Return the dish to the oven for 5–7 more minutes, just until the walnuts are fragrant and the cheese is slightly melted. Serve your Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese warm, spooning the berry juices from the pan over the top. They are excellent on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Nutritional Information

Calories	285
Protein	6g
Carbohydrates	42g
Fat	12g
Fiber	7g
Sodium	95mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Protein Alternative — Replace blue cheese with goat cheese or feta for a different protein profile with similar tangy notes.
• Lower-Carb Option — Swap honey with sugar-free maple syrup or monk fruit sweetener to reduce sugar content while maintaining sweetness.
• Dairy-Free Version — Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or omit cheese entirely, adding extra walnuts for crunch and healthy fats.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation — This recipe is naturally gluten-free; ensure all packaged ingredients like walnuts are certified gluten-free if needed.
• Low-Sodium Variation — Opt for unsalted walnuts and reduce or omit blue cheese, using a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without sodium.
• Nut-Free Alternative — Substitute walnuts with toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch without nuts.
• Vegan Adaptation — Use maple syrup instead of honey and a vegan cheese alternative to make this dish completely plant-based.
• Reduced Fat Option — Lightly spray pears with cooking spray instead of butter or oil, and use reduced-fat cheese or less cheese overall.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm as an elegant dessert after a holiday meal or special dinner party
• Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sweet dessert wine for complementary flavors
• Create a beautiful cheese course by serving alongside additional blue cheese varieties and crackers
• Transform into a sophisticated brunch dish by adding Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream
• Plate individually in shallow bowls to showcase the beautiful caramelization and berry colors
• Garnish with fresh mint leaves and extra berry drizzle for restaurant-quality presentation
• Serve alongside coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat during fall and winter months

These baked pears with berries, honey, walnuts and blue cheese work beautifully for both casual gatherings and formal occasions, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory elements that will impress your guests.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using overly ripe pears that turn to mush. Fix: Choose firm, slightly underripe pears like Bosc or Anjou that hold their shape during baking.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the baking dish, which steams instead of roasts. Fix: Arrange pears in a single layer with space between them for proper caramelization.
• Mistake: Skipping the core removal, leaving tough, inedible centers. Fix: Use a melon baller or small spoon to thoroughly scoop out seeds and fibrous core.
• Mistake: Adding berries at the start, causing them to disintegrate. Fix: Scatter fresh berries in the last 5-10 minutes of baking to warm through without breaking down.
• Mistake: Drizzling honey before baking, which can burn and become bitter. Fix: Add honey after baking so its delicate floral notes shine without risk of scorching.
• Mistake: Using stale walnuts that lack crunch and nutty flavor. Fix: Toast walnuts briefly before adding to enhance their aroma and provide textural contrast.
• Mistake: Letting baked pears sit too long before serving, making them soggy. Fix: Serve warm from the oven for the ideal balance of tender pear and crisp topping.
• Mistake: Choosing a strongly pungent blue cheese that overpowers other flavors. Fix: Opt for a milder, creamier blue cheese like Gorgonzola Dolce that complements rather than dominates.
• Mistake: Neglecting to balance sweetness with acidity, resulting in a flat taste. Fix: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or balsamic glaze to brighten the rich, sweet components.
• Mistake: Baking at too high a temperature, causing exteriors to burn before interiors soften. Fix: Use a moderate 375°F (190°C) oven for even cooking and beautiful golden edges.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store cooled baked pears in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 10-15 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

For best quality, add fresh berries, walnuts, and blue cheese just before serving if you plan to store the baked pears ahead of time.

Conclusion

This elegant dessert of Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese is surprisingly simple to prepare. I hope you’ll try this recipe and share your thoughts in the comments below. For more delicious desserts, explore our Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies Recipe or One Layer Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting. Don’t forget to subscribe for more recipes!

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FAQs

Can I make Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pears and topping separately a few hours in advance. Assemble and bake just before serving to keep the walnuts crisp and the blue cheese from melting too much.

What type of pear is best for this recipe?

Firm, ripe pears like Bosc or Anjou work best for Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese. They hold their shape well during baking and provide a sturdy base for the toppings.

Can I substitute the blue cheese with another ingredient?

If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute goat cheese or feta for the blue cheese. The Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese will still be delicious with a slightly different savory note.