Here’s a beautiful and simple dessert: Baked Pears with Cream Cheese and Walnut Topping — warm, tender pears filled with lightly sweetened cream cheese and a crunchy walnut crumble. It’s elegant enough for guests, but easy enough for a cozy night in.
🍐 Baked Pears with Cream Cheese & Walnut Topping
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 2 ripe but firm pears (e.g., Bosc or Anjou), halved and cored
- 4 oz (½ block) cream cheese, softened
- 1–2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (plus more for drizzling)
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tbsp rolled oats (optional, for added crunch)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
🔥 Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking dish with parchment or lightly grease it.
- Slice pears in half lengthwise and scoop out the core and a bit of flesh to make a well for filling.
2. Make Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, honey/maple syrup, vanilla, and a pinch of cinnamon until smooth.
3. Make Walnut Topping:
- In another bowl, combine chopped walnuts, oats (if using), brown sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Mix until crumbly.
4. Assemble:
- Place pear halves cut side up in the baking dish.
- Spoon a dollop of cream cheese filling into each well.
- Top with walnut-oat mixture.
5. Bake:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until pears are tender and topping is golden.
- Let cool for 5 minutes.
🍯 To Serve:
- Drizzle with extra honey or maple syrup.
- Optional: serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
🧑🍳 Tips:
- Want to make it dairy-free? Use a plant-based cream cheese and vegan butter.
- Pears not ripe? You can poach them briefly before baking to speed up the softening.
- Add a little grated nutmeg for extra warmth.