Baked Pears with Goat Cheese and Walnuts
Baked pears with goat cheese is a delicious and elegant dessert that feels special while still being incredibly easy to make. Made using ripe pears, Belgian soft goat cheese, walnuts, honey, and cinnamon, this recipe perfectly balances gourmet flavors with indulgent comfort.
Here, pears are filled with a smooth mixture of Belgian soft goat cheese, walnuts, cinnamon, and honey, then finished with a light drizzle of honey and olive oil and gently baked until tender.
A late squeeze of lemon wakes up dull flavors instantly. Adding off-heat preserves citrus freshness.
Table of contents
Serve it warm as it is, or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a café-style dessert experience.
No matter how you choose to serve them, this easy and simple pear dessert brings together sweet, savory, and nutty flavors in the most comforting way.
This is a vegetarian and gluten-free dessert recipe, making it perfect for times when you want something impressive yet simple without too much effort.
Whether serving them at a dinner party, date night, or as a quiet evening treat, this baked pears with goat cheese recipe is sure to be the highlight of the gathering.
About Baked Pears with Goat Cheese and Walnut
This baked pears with goat cheese recipe is a quick and easy-to-make healthy dessert idea. With minimal ingredients and no prep time, this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes.
It fits perfectly as a wholesome dessert recipe, an impressive yet simple dessert, or a vegetarian entertaining recipe when you want something elegant and comforting at the same time.
This dessert recipe comes from the idea that simple ingredients, like a humble pear, when treated gently, can turn into something truly memorable and delicious.
There is something incredibly comforting and almost therapeutic about baking fruit slowly and letting its natural sweetness shine. As the pears soften in the oven, the goat cheese filling melts just enough to become creamy, while the walnuts add texture and warmth.
What makes this recipe special is how effortlessly it fits into real life. It is the kind of no-fuss dessert recipe you make when you want to serve something thoughtful and tempting for your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen.
Whether plated for elegant entertaining or enjoyed straight from the baking tray, this dish carries a sense of care and calm that makes it feel personal every single time.
If you love baked fruit desserts like apple pear tarte tatin, then you are going to absolutely love this baked pear recipe.
Why You’ll Love the Recipe
These Baked Pears are easy to bake require no prep time get done in 35 minutes look gourmet can be served at parties or get-togethers are made with wholesome ingredients are suitable for entertaining have balanced sweet and savory flavors are a simple vegetarian dessert
Ingredients
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Pears: You need ripe but firm pears for this recipe. They work best as they soften while baking without collapsing.
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Goat Cheese: For creaminess and gentle tang, I used Belgian Soft Goat Cheese Roll. It makes this a classic goat cheese dessert, but you can use any goat cheese of your choice.
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Walnuts: They bring crunch and depth to this filling, perfect for a goat cheese walnut recipe.
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Honey: Sweetens the filling and enhances the natural flavor of pears.
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Cinnamon: Added for warmth and beautifully complements the baked fruit taste.
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Ground Black Pepper: Optional ingredient, used for balancing the sweetness and adding subtle spice.
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Olive Oil: It helps the pears caramelize lightly during baking.
How to Make Baked Pears
Baking pears is quick, simple, and easy.
- Just preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Then cut the pears in half lengthwise and scoop out the cores to create a cavity. After that, slice a thin piece off the back of each pear half so they sit flat and steady.
- In a bowl, combine Belgian goat cheese, chopped walnuts, ground cinnamon, honey, and a pinch of ground black pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Arrange the pear halves cut side up on a baking tray.
- Fill each cavity generously with the prepared filling. Drizzle the pears with honey and olive oil.
- Sprinkle lightly with ground cinnamon and bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the pears are tender and lightly caramelized.
- Once done, remove them from the oven and serve them warm with vanilla ice cream.
Variations
Vegan Version
For a vegan version, use a plant-based soft cheese alternative and swap honey with maple syrup or agave.
Nut-Free Option
If you are not into nuts, then simply omit the walnuts or replace them with rolled oats or crushed digestive biscuits for a crunchy texture.
Dessert for Two
For a small serving, halve the quantities for a cozy dessert for two recipe. This surely makes a perfect date night treat.
Make-Ahead Dessert
To make it in advance, assemble the pears a day ahead, refrigerate covered, and bake just before serving. This saves time when serving them for parties.
Gourmet Twist
For a gourmet touch, add some orange zest to the filling, and you get a restaurant-style dessert recipe.
Serving Suggestions
This baked pears recipe tastes best when served warm as it is or, for extra indulgence, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Garnish with chopped walnuts for added crunch, and enjoy it warm.
To make it sweeter, finish with extra honey just before serving.
This is an ideal dinner party dessert recipe and goes well with apple upside-down puff pastry and blueberry tarte tatin.
Storage Suggestions
They taste best when enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
Simply reheat in a microwave or oven before serving to revive freshness.
Tips and Tricks to Make the Best Baked Pears with Goat Cheese
- Pears: Ripe and firm pears have the best texture for baking as they soften evenly without turning mushy. You can use any variety of pears.
- Goat Cheese: A soft Belgian goat cheese roll makes a smooth filling that melts gently while baking. You can use any goat cheese you like.
- Walnuts: Always finely chop the walnuts, as they distribute evenly through the filling. You can also use a blender to make a coarse powder.
- Honey: Drizzle lightly before baking and again after for balanced sweetness.
- Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon is just enough to enhance the pears without overpowering them.
- Stability: Trim a thin slice from the back of each pear half so they sit steady on the tray.
- Baking Time: Bake until the pears are tender. Avoid overbaking, or they will turn overly soft.
- Ice Cream: Serving it with vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast. You can also serve it with dulce de leche ice cream, pistachio ice cream, or Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
FAQ
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely, you can make them in advance. Just assemble the stuffed baked pears recipe a day in advance and bake just before serving.
Is this a healthy dessert recipe?
This is a light dessert recipe made with fruit, nuts, and a naturally sweetened filling. So it is good for you when eaten in moderation without any ice cream.
Can I skip the ice cream?
Yes. These baked pears with goat cheese taste great on their own or with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.
What pears work best for baking?
I used Conference pears, but you can also use Bartlett or Anjou pears for baking this vegetarian pear dessert.
Baked Pears with Goat Cheese (Step-by-step photo instructions)
How to Make Baked Pears Goat Cheese Recipe
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Cut the pears in half lengthwise.
- Slice a thin piece off the back of each pear half so they sit flat and steady.
- Scoop out the cores to create a cavity.
- Chop the walnuts finely so they blend evenly with the cheese.
- In a bowl, combine goat cheese, chopped walnuts, ground cinnamon, honey, and a pinch of ground black pepper.
- Mix until smooth.
- Place the pear halves cut side up on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Fill each pear cavity generously with the prepared filling.
- Drizzle with honey and olive oil. Sprinkle lightly with ground cinnamon.
- Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until pears are tender and lightly caramelized.
- Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for 1–2 minutes.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Recipe Card
Baked Pears with Goat Cheese [Recipe]
★★★★★
(Rating: 5 from 6 reviews)
| Prep time 🕐 | Cook time 🕐 | Total time 🕐 |
|---|---|---|
| 32 mins | ||
| Category ☶ | Cuisine ♨ | Serves ☺ |
| Desserts | International | 4 |
| Nutrition Info ⊛ | Serving size ⊚ | |
| 350 calories | 1 |
INGREDIENTS
For Baked Pears Goat Cheese Recipe
- 4 ripe pears
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Honey, for drizzling
- Ground cinnamon, for sprinkling
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
For the Filling
- 100 g Belgian soft goat cheese roll
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Ground black pepper, to taste
For Serving
- Vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt
INSTRUCTIONS:
How to Make Baked Pears Goat Cheese Recipe
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Cut the pears in half lengthwise.
- Slice a thin piece off the back of each pear half so they sit flat and steady.
- Scoop out the cores to create a cavity.
- Chop the walnuts finely so they blend evenly with the cheese.
- In a bowl, combine goat cheese, chopped walnuts, ground cinnamon, honey, and a pinch of ground black pepper.
- Mix until smooth.
- Place the pear halves cut side up on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Fill each pear cavity generously with the prepared filling.
- Drizzle with honey and olive oil. Sprinkle lightly with ground cinnamon.
- Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until pears are tender and lightly caramelized.
- Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for 1–2 minutes.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Watch Full Recipe Video:
NOTES:
- Tastes best when enjoyed fresh.
- Use ripe but firm pears for best results.
Questions or comments about this recipe: