Baked Cinnamon Pears

Warm pears, maple, vanilla + a little something creamy.

This is exactly the kind of dessert I love. Warm, cozy, not overly sweet, and made from ingredients that happen to give something back. The pears get soft and caramelized in the oven with butter, maple, brown sugar and vanilla, then I finish them with cold yogurt and toasted walnuts.

Dessert, yes. But very much a feed your glow kind of dessert.

Baked Cinnamon Pears

Serves 4

You’ll need:

  • 4 ripe but still firm pears
  • 2 tablespoons grass-fed butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • Plain Greek yogurt, for serving
  • Chopped walnuts, for serving
  • Extra maple syrup, optional

Heat the oven to 375°F.

Cut the pears in half and scoop out the cores. Arrange them cut-side up in a baking dish.

Mix the melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and sea salt. Spoon it generously over the pears, letting some settle into the centers.

Bake for 25–35 minutes, depending on the ripeness of your pears, spooning some of the buttery maple juices over them once or twice while they bake. They’re ready when tender and beautifully caramelized around the edges.

Serve warm with a generous spoonful of cold Greek yogurt, chopped walnuts and, if you want it, one last drizzle of maple.

Easy Swaps

No Greek yogurt? Try coconut yogurt, skyr or mascarpone. Pecans are beautiful in place of walnuts. You can skip the brown sugar and use a little more maple for a less-sweet version, or swap the butter for ghee or coconut oil. And if you have apples sitting on the counter, use those—the same recipe works beautifully.

Why I call this glow food

Pears bring fiber and vitamin C. Walnuts add plant-based omega-3 fats, vitamin E and a little protein. Greek yogurt brings protein and, when you choose one with live cultures, probiotics. Cinnamon gives all that warmth and flavor without needing loads of added sugar.

And there’s something to be said for dessert built around the fruit bowl rather than something from a package.

Feed your skin. Feed your body. Enjoy dessert. All of it gets to belong at the same table.

 

Love + Eat Well,

— Natalie

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