If you’re craving something that perfectly balances sweet and savory with an elegant twist, look no further than Baked Pears with Brie, Walnuts, and Cranberries – A Sweet & Savory Dessert or Brunch Treat Everyone Will Love! Recipe. This delightful dish offers juicy, tender pears warmed to perfection, creamy melted Brie cheese, the satisfying crunch of walnuts, and bursts of tart cranberries, all accented with honey and a hint of cinnamon. It’s a recipe that feels fancy enough for guests yet simple enough for a casual weekend brunch or an indulgent dessert. Trust me, once you try this, it will become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Baked Pears with Brie, Walnuts, and Cranberries – A Sweet & Savory Dessert or Brunch Treat Everyone Will Love! Recipe starts with just a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating a dish that’s richly textured, deeply flavored, and naturally beautiful.
- Ripe pears: Choose firm but ripe pears for the best balance of softness and structure after baking.
- Melted butter or olive oil: This adds a lovely golden finish and subtle richness to the pears.
- Honey or maple syrup: For a gentle sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory elements.
- Cinnamon: Just a pinch adds warmth and spice to elevate the pear’s natural flavor.
- Brie cheese: The creamy, mild cheese melts perfectly inside the pears for a luscious contrast.
- Dried cranberries: Their tartness cuts through the richness, providing a refreshing bite.
- Walnuts: Roughly chopped for crunch and a nutty depth that complements the softness.
- Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional): Adds an herbal note and a pop of color that makes the dish feel special.
- Extra honey: For drizzling at the end to tie all the flavors together beautifully.
- Fresh mint or thyme: For an inviting garnish that adds a burst of freshness on top.
How to Make Baked Pears with Brie, Walnuts, and Cranberries – A Sweet & Savory Dessert or Brunch Treat Everyone Will Love! Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect temperature to gently soften the pears while melting the cheese and toasting the walnuts without drying anything out.
Step 2: Prepare the Pears
Carefully halve the pears and scoop out their cores to create little bowls ready for stuffing. Arrange the halves cut-side up in a baking dish. This simple prep ensures the pears stay intact and ready to hold the delicious fillings without spilling.
Step 3: Add the Flavor Base
Brush each pear generously with melted butter or olive oil, then drizzle with honey, and sprinkle with cinnamon. This creates a golden, fragrant crust on the pears as they bake, enhancing the natural sweetness and adding a cozy aroma to your kitchen.
Step 4: Initial Baking
Bake the pears for 15 minutes so they start to soften but still hold their shape. This step is key—it makes the texture tender without turning mushy, setting the stage for the melty filling.
Step 5: Stuff the Pears
Remove the pears from the oven and fill each hollow with cubes of brie, a sprinkle of dried cranberries, and a handful of roughly chopped walnuts. This combination bursts with flavor contrasts—creamy, tart, and crunchy—that take the dish to the next level.
Step 6: Final Bake
Return the stuffed pears to the oven for another 8 to 10 minutes. This allows the brie to melt luscious and gooey while the walnuts toast lightly, adding a toasty aroma and satisfying crunch in every bite.
Step 7: The Finishing Touch
Just before serving, drizzle extra honey over the warm pears and garnish with fresh mint or thyme leaves. This adds a beautiful shine, a fresh herbal note, and makes your dish look as stunning as it tastes.
How to Serve Baked Pears with Brie, Walnuts, and Cranberries – A Sweet & Savory Dessert or Brunch Treat Everyone Will Love! Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like mint, thyme, or rosemary are the perfect finishing touches to this dish. Not only do they add a vibrant pop of color, but their fragrance elevates the overall sensory experience. A light drizzle of honey right before serving adds shine and an extra touch of sweetness that ties all the flavors together wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Pair these baked pears with a crisp green salad dressed in a citrus vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast, or serve alongside crusty bread to soak up the gooey melted brie and honey. For brunch, consider adding a light cheese platter or smoked salmon for a beautiful spread that balances savory and sweet effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these pears right in the baking dish for a rustic, family-style approach or plate each pear individually on small serving dishes with a handful of fresh greens and extra nuts scattered around. For a festive touch, sprinkle some pomegranate seeds or edible flowers on top to boost the visual appeal and add unexpected bursts of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, but keep in mind the pears may soften further, so they’re best enjoyed within a couple of days.
Freezing
While freezing baked pears with Brie, Walnuts, and Cranberries isn’t ideal because the cheese and fruit textures can change, you can freeze the pears separately if you want to prep ahead. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to a month, then bake fresh with fillings when you’re ready.
Reheating
To warm leftovers, place them in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through and the brie is once again soft and melty. Avoid microwaving as it can make the walnuts soggy and the pears overly soft.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese if I don’t have Brie?
Absolutely! Soft cheeses like Camembert or even a mild goat cheese will work beautifully. The key is to use a cheese that melts well and complements the sweet and nutty flavors.
Are there substitute nuts that work well in this recipe?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of walnuts or have allergies, pecans or almonds are great alternatives. They provide a similar crunch and slightly different but tasty nutty profile.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Definitely! Substitute the Brie with a plant-based cheese that melts well, use maple syrup instead of honey, and ensure the butter is replaced with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative. The pears and walnuts will still shine beautifully together.
Is this recipe suitable for preparing in advance for guests?
Yes, you can prep the pears and fillings in advance and store them separately. Assemble right before baking to ensure the best texture and flavor when serving guests.
What type of pears is best for baking?
Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou pears are perfect for baking since they hold their shape well and become tender without turning mushy, making them ideal for this recipe.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend Baked Pears with Brie, Walnuts, and Cranberries – A Sweet & Savory Dessert or Brunch Treat Everyone Will Love! Recipe enough. This dish beautifully combines contrasting textures and flavors into one irresistibly charming plate that feels both indulgent and comforting. Whether you’re looking to impress at brunch, need a simple yet elegant dessert, or just want to treat yourself, give this recipe a try. It’s certain to win hearts and become one of those special dishes you return to again and again.
Print
Baked Pears with Brie, Walnuts, and Cranberries – A Sweet & Savory Dessert or Brunch Treat Everyone Will Love! Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Baked Pears with Brie, Walnuts, and Cranberries, a luscious sweet and savory dessert or brunch treat. The warm, tender pears pair perfectly with creamy brie, crunchy walnuts, and tart cranberries, enhanced by a touch of cinnamon and honey. This elegant and easy-to-make recipe is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy homemade treat.
Ingredients
Pears
- 3 ripe pears, halved and cored
- 1 tbsp melted butter or olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Filling
- 4 oz brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
Garnish
- Extra honey for drizzling
- Fresh mint or thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pears evenly and perfectly.
- Prepare Pears: Halve the pears and carefully scoop out the cores. Place the pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish, arranging them so they don’t touch.
- Coat and Season Pears: Brush the cut sides of the pears with melted butter or olive oil. Drizzle honey evenly over the pears and sprinkle with cinnamon for warmth and sweetness.
- Initial Bake: Place the pears in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, until they start to soften but still hold their shape.
- Add Fillings: Remove the pears from the oven and stuff each half with cubed brie cheese, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts, and if using, sprinkle fresh rosemary or thyme.
- Finish Baking: Return the filled pears to the oven and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes until the brie melts beautifully and walnuts toast lightly.
- Serve: Once baked, drizzle extra honey over the pears and garnish with fresh mint or thyme sprigs. Serve warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Choose ripe but firm pears like Bosc or Anjou for best baking results.
- For a vegan version, substitute brie with a plant-based cheese alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- To amplify flavors, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before serving.
- These baked pears are excellent served with vanilla ice cream or alongside a light salad for brunch.
- Leftovers can be stored refrigerated for up to 2 days and gently reheated.
