Description
Prepare to indulge in a decadent dessert that melds the tender sweetness of baked pears with the rich, creamy texture of a walnut and cream cheese filling. Designed to bring comfort and a touch of elegance to your dining table, this Baked Pears with Cream Cheese and Walnut Delight recipe is perfect for cozy evenings or as a sophisticated treat for your dinner guests.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe pears, halved and cored
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Step-by-step Directions
1. Preliminary Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Pears
Place the halved pears with the cut side up in the prepared baking dish. Optionally, drizzle a little lemon juice over them to prevent browning.
3. Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped walnuts, brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg if desired. Mix until the ingredients are entirely blended.
4. Fill the Pears
Generously spoon the cream cheese mixture onto the cut sides of each pear half, spreading evenly to cover the surface.
5. Baking
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The pears should be tender and the topping lightly golden when done.
6. Serve
Remove the baked pears from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Enhance their visual appeal by adding fresh mint leaves as a garnish.
Servings and Preparation/Cooking Time
- Servings: 8 servings (half a pear per serving)
- Preparation Time: Approximately 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Keep the baked pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 275°F until just warmed through, ensuring the filling does not melt excessively.
- Freezing: It is not recommended to freeze this dessert as the texture of the pears and filling may become undesirable upon thawing.
Conclusion
Baked Pears with Cream Cheese and Walnut Delight balances the natural sweetness of pears with the lusciousness of a cream cheese filling, accented by the crunchiness of walnuts and the aromatic warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg. This easy-to-follow recipe not only produces a visually appealing dessert but also caters to the palate with a fusion of textures and flavors that are sure to impress. Enjoy this delightful treat after a meal or as a standalone snack for a truly cozy and satisfying dessert experience.