Golden pears bubbling in maple syrup, toasted pecans tucked into their edges, and the quiet perfume of thyme drifting through the kitchen—this is the kind of dessert that feels both simple and spellbound. These Maple Spiced Roasted Pears with Pecans & Thyme are warm, caramelized, and deeply cozy, the sort of dish you’d serve straight from the oven on a slow evening when the light is low and the air smells like fall. Spoon them over tangy yogurt or melting ice cream and you have a dessert that feels rustic yet indulgent, made from humble ingredients transformed by heat, time, and a little kitchen magic.
Maple-spiced roasted pears are most popular in the fall and winter months, when pears are at their peak and kitchens naturally turn toward warm, oven-baked desserts. The combination of maple syrup, cinnamon, pecans, and thyme fits beautifully into autumn cooking, especially from October through December, when cozy flavors and caramelized fruits are especially comforting.
This dish also feels right at home during seasonal holidays. It works well as a lighter dessert or brunch addition for Thanksgiving, where pears and nuts complement traditional fall flavors, and it’s equally fitting for Christmas or Yule gatherings, when maple, vanilla, and herbs evoke warmth and celebration. Because it’s simple and not overly sweet, it’s often enjoyed throughout the colder months as an everyday treat—perfect for slow weekends, winter brunches, or a quiet evening dessert by the fire.
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Ingredients
~**~*~* see recipe card for quantities **~~**~*~
- ripe pears
- maple syrup
- brown sugar
- melted salted butter
- ground cinnamon
- vanilla extract
- chopped pecans
- fresh thyme leaves
- vanilla yogurt or ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and place halved, cored pears cut-side up in a baking dish.
- Mix the glaze by whisking maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, vanilla, and lemon juice, then spoon it over the pears.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until the pears are tender and caramelized.
- Top with yogurt/ice cream, pecans and thyme.
Hint: Choose pears that are ripe but still firm—if they’re too soft, they’ll collapse instead of holding their shape. If your pears are very juicy, spoon some of the pan syrup over them halfway through roasting to encourage caramelization without burning the pecans or thyme.
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Baking dish (8×8-inch or similar)
- Measuring spoons
- Spoon (for basting and serving)
Maple Spiced Roasted Pears with Pecans & Thyme
Equipment
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Small Mixing Bowl
- whisk and fork
- Baking Dish
- Measuring spoons
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 2 ripe pears halved and cored
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1.5 tbsp melted butter
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves plus more for garnish
- vanilla yogurt or ice cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish.
- Prepare the pears by slicing them in half lengthwise and removing the cores. Place them cut-side up in the baking dish.
- Make the maple glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, vanilla, and lemon juice.
- Assemble: Spoon the maple mixture generously over the pears. Sprinkle with chopped pecans and thyme leaves.
- Roast uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the pears are tender and caramelized, basting once halfway through with the pan juices.
- Serve warm with a dollop of yogurt or a scoop of ice cream, and finish with extra thyme if desired.
Storage
Allow the roasted pears to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F or in the microwave until warmed through. The pears are also delicious cold, spooned over yogurt or oatmeal.
FAQ
Yes. You can roast the pears up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving, or enjoy them cold with yogurt.
Absolutely. Swap the butter for melted coconut oil or a plant-based butter, and serve with dairy-free yogurt or ice cream.
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