Description
Delectable Baked Pears with Berries blend Mediterranean flavors into a simple dessert experience. Fresh seasonal ingredients create a light, elegant finale to any meal for eager palates.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 ripe pears, halved and cored
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) mixed fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries)
- 1/2 cup (60 g) walnuts, roughly chopped
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/4 cup (60 g) crumbled blue cheese
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) butter, melted
Garnish:
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or applying a light coating of oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully halve the pears and remove their cores, arranging them cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Gently brush each pear surface with melted butter to enhance their golden appearance during baking.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until the pears become tender while maintaining their structural integrity. The pears should yield slightly when gently pressed but not collapse.
- Once baked, remove the pears from the oven and allow them to rest for a few minutes, cooling to a warm temperature. Distribute the mixed berries evenly across the pear halves, creating a vibrant and colorful topping.
- Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the berries, ensuring each pear receives a generous portion. Scatter chopped walnuts across the surface for a delightful nutty crunch and drizzle honey to add a rich, sweet dimension.
- Optional: Garnish with delicate fresh thyme sprigs to introduce an aromatic herbal note. Serve immediately while warm or allow to cool to room temperature for a versatile dessert option.
Notes
- Select ripe, firm pears that are just slightly soft to the touch for the best baking results and optimal texture.
- Swap blue cheese with goat cheese or a dairy-free alternative for those with lactose intolerance or vegan dietary needs.
- Toast walnuts briefly in a dry skillet before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and create a more intense, rich crunch.
- Experiment with different honey varieties like lavender or wildflower to add unique subtle flavor dimensions to the dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg