Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese

Introduction

This Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese recipe is a simple yet sophisticated dessert that balances sweet and savory flavors beautifully. The warm, tender pears pair wonderfully with the tangy blue cheese and crunchy walnuts. For another elegant fruit dessert, try this Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Crumb Cake Recipe.

Ingredients

These warm, caramelized baked pears with berries, honey, walnuts, and blue cheese create a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors with contrasting textures in every bite.

• 3 Bartlett pears
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
• 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1-2 tablespoons honey
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves removed plus more for garnish
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Flaky sea salt, to taste
• Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh berries (optional, for serving)

Timing

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

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Pears

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, wash 4 firm but ripe pears. 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.

For even cooking, you can optionally slice a thin piece off the rounded back of each pear half so they sit flat and stable in your baking dish.

Step 2 — Arrange in Baking Dish

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish. Arrange the pear halves cut-side up in the dish, ensuring they aren’t too crowded.

If the pears seem wobbly, you can nestle them close together for support. This arrangement helps them steam slightly and cook evenly.

Step 3 — Add the Berries and Honey

Scatter about 1 cup of mixed fresh berries (such as raspberries and blueberries) in and around the pears. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of honey evenly over the pears and berries.

The honey will caramelize as it bakes, creating a delicious glaze. For a deeper flavor, you can also sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over the pears.

If your berries are frozen, there’s no need to thaw them first; they will release juice as they bake, creating a lovely sauce.

Step 4 — Bake Until Tender

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. The pears are done when they are easily pierced with a fork or the tip of a knife but still hold their shape.

The berries should be burst and juicy. The honey will be bubbly and slightly darkened. If the pears are browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the dish with foil.

Step 5 — Prepare the Topping

While the pears bake, coarsely chop 1/2 cup of walnuts. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant for extra crunch and flavor.

Crumble about 1/4 cup of blue cheese. A creamy, milder blue cheese like Gorgonzola Dolce works wonderfully, but use your favorite variety.

Step 6 — Assemble and Serve

Once the baked pears with berries are out of the oven, let them cool for 5 minutes. They will be very hot.

To serve, carefully transfer the pear halves to serving plates. Spoon the berry-honey sauce from the baking dish over them. Generously top with the toasted walnuts and crumbled blue cheese. Serve immediately while warm.

Nutritional Information

Calories	285
Protein	6g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fat	14g
Fiber	6g
Sodium	125mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Pecans instead of walnuts — Provides a slightly sweeter, buttery flavor while maintaining crunch and healthy fats.
• Goat cheese instead of blue cheese — Offers a tangy profile with less sodium and a lighter texture.
• Maple syrup instead of honey — Delivers a rich, caramel-like sweetness with a lower glycemic index option.
• Mixed seeds instead of walnuts — Creates a nut-free, lower-carb alternative with added fiber and protein.
• Coconut yogurt instead of blue cheese — Provides a dairy-free, creamy element with probiotic benefits.
• Fresh mint instead of berries — Adds a refreshing, low-carb herbal note that complements the baked pears beautifully.
• Pumpkin seeds instead of walnuts — Offers a magnesium-rich, gluten-free crunch with a mild, nutty flavor.
• Ricotta instead of blue cheese — Delivers a milder, lower-sodium cheese option with a creamy, protein-rich texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and flavors.
• Pair this elegant dessert with a glass of dessert wine, such as a late-harvest Riesling or a Moscato d’Asti, to complement the honey and fruit notes.
• Transform this recipe into a sophisticated cheese course by serving smaller portions at the beginning or end of a dinner party.
• For a beautiful brunch presentation, serve individual Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese in small ramekins alongside coffee and pastries.
• Create a stunning centerpiece by arranging the baked pears on a large platter with fresh mint sprigs and extra berries scattered around for a pop of color.
• For a heartier option, crumble the baked pears over a bed of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette to create a unique salad.

These Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese are versatile enough for both casual family dinners and formal entertaining, making them a perfect year-round dessert option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using overly ripe pears that turn mushy. Fix: Choose firm, just-ripe pears like Bosc or Anjou that hold their shape during baking.
• Mistake: Not coring pears thoroughly, leaving tough fibers. Fix: Use a melon baller or small spoon to cleanly remove the core and seeds from the bottom.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the baking dish, which steams instead of bakes. Fix: Arrange pears in a single layer with space between them for proper caramelization.
• Mistake: Adding berries at the start, causing them to become watery. Fix: Scatter fresh berries in the last 5-10 minutes of baking to warm through without breaking down.
• Mistake: Baking at too high a temperature, which burns the honey. Fix: Bake at 375°F (190°C) to gently caramelize the pears and honey without scorching.
• Mistake: Skipping the resting time, resulting in a runny sauce. Fix: Let the baked pears rest for 5 minutes so the juices thicken into a syrupy glaze.
• Mistake: Using stale walnuts that lack crunch and flavor. Fix: Toast walnuts briefly before adding to enhance their nutty taste and crispy texture.
• Mistake: Adding blue cheese before baking, making it melt away. Fix: Crumble quality blue cheese over the warm pears just before serving for a perfect salty contrast.
• Mistake: Underseasoning, missing the sweet-savory balance. Fix: Finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt and black pepper to elevate all the flavors.
• Mistake: Serving straight from the oven when flavors are muted. Fix: Allow to cool slightly so the honey mellows and the blue cheese softens perfectly.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store baked pears in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The pears will soften further, but the flavors will meld nicely.
• Freezer: Freeze the baked pears (without the fresh berry and walnut topping) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Note that the texture may become softer upon thawing.
• Reheat: For best results, reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

For serving, add the fresh berries, walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese after reheating to maintain their texture and freshness.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy making these elegant Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment with your thoughts! For more delicious desserts featuring walnuts, try our Luscious Walnut Banana Caramel Cake Recipe or Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe. 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 assemble the pears up to a few hours before baking. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. For the best texture, bake them just before serving.

What type of pears work best for this recipe?

Firm, ripe pears like Bosc or Anjou hold their shape well during baking. Avoid overly soft varieties, as they can become mushy. These types ensure your Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese have the perfect texture.

Can I substitute the blue cheese with another ingredient?

Yes, if you prefer a milder flavor, goat cheese or feta are excellent alternatives. For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese entirely and add extra walnuts. The Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese will still be delicious.