Okay, so real talk. Cinnamon Maple Baked Pears totally saved my dessert life last fall. You ever stand in your kitchen, already tired, craving something sweet but just can’t stomach a fussy recipe after a long day? I was right there. Cinnamon Maple Baked Pears are my secret weapon for when I want something warm, cozy, and honestly kinda healthy (it definitely beats any store-bought muffin). If you’ve ever made baked fruit desserts like these baked nectarines with cinnamon honey sauce then you already know – the oven just does magic with fruit and minimal effort. Let’s get right to it. 
Ingredients in Maple Cinnamon Baked Pears
Listen, this’ll be quick, and you probably have most of it already:
- Pears: You need ones that aren’t rock-hard but not mushy either. Goldilocks territory.
- Maple syrup: The real stuff if you’re feeling fancy, but I won’t judge if you don’t.
- Cinnamon: Ground, basic pantry staple.
- Butter: Salted or unsalted. Don’t overthink it.
- Nuts: Walnuts or pecans, chopped roughly. Totally optional.
- Pinch of salt: Trust me, just a teeny pinch.
That’s seriously it. No elusive weird things like almond extract or star anise lurking here. Simple is the best.
All About Pears
So, a weird thing about pears? They ripen from the inside out. I learned this after biting into what looked like a beautiful Bartlett, and instead I got unripe-crunch surprise. For this recipe, go for Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou, but make sure they give a little when you press your thumb near the stem. Overripe pears just turn into fruit soup (I don’t recommend that experiment). Oh, and don’t bother peeling them. The heat softens the skin, plus—it’s where all the vitamins hang out.
Fun fact: pears are big in the Midwest, but I’m a lifelong New Englander and I swear every family has a “secret baked pear trick.” My aunt just pours honey and hopes for the best. Not to roast her, but maple syrup’s way better.
Baked Pear Toppings
This is the fun part—riff as much as your heart wants. Pears baked like this LOVE toppings, and honestly I go a little off the rails sometimes.
- Ice cream is classic, especially vanilla, but caramel is next-level.
- Dollop of Greek yogurt, for breakfast action.
- Sprinkle extra cinnamon, or go wild with cardamom or ginger if you’re fancy.
- Light drizzle of honey or a swirl of almond butter for a little drama.
Serving up a plate of these with toasted nuts sprinkled on top? Not to brag, but you’ll look like you walked out of a five-star restaurant. Nobody needs to know how low-effort this actually was.
More Fruit Desserts
If you’ve made it this far, I’m guessing you have a thing for gooey, cinnamon-kissed fruit. Who wouldn’t? This is one of those “gateway” recipes—after you taste Cinnamon Maple Baked Pears, there’s no going back to bland fruit cups. Just recently, I tried swapping pears for apples. They came out pretty tasty, but I’ll always be team pear (just has that mellow sweetness, ya know?). And hey, if you need more baked fruit inspiration, check out my apple crisp with double the crumb topping—dangerously good.
Oh, and next on my list? Maybe a plum concoction, or something wild like blueberries and honey. Never know where things lead when the fruit drawer starts looking sad.
“These baked pears are my favorite lazy dessert. Even my husband, who swears he doesn’t like ‘cooked fruit,’ asks for seconds every dang time.”
— Andrea, loyal taste-tester
10 thoughts on Oh She Glows Cookbook: Maple-Cinnamon Apple and Pear Baked Oatmeal
That cookbook has been everywhere lately, huh? I first found the maple-cinnamon apple and pear baked oatmeal because a friend recommended it in some group chat (you know those spiral chats that never die). I just have to say: Cinnamon Maple Baked Pears are the simpler sibling. Oatmeal version is hearty, sure, but if you’re after a straight-up, sweet treat without the commitment, pears win. There’s no laborious mixing oatmeal and baking for an hour. Just quick prep and a short wait.
One thing I will say, though—if you’re looking for a breakfast-turned-dessert or want the best of both worlds, slice up some of these pears and stir into that oatmeal. Holy smokes, you’ll thank me later.
Common Questions
Can I make Cinnamon Maple Baked Pears ahead of time?
Yep, you can prep and bake, then chill in the fridge. Just let them come up to room temp or zap them in the microwave for thirty seconds.
Which pear type is best?
Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc. Stay away from the super-hard or super-squishy ones.
What if I don’t have maple syrup?
You can swap with honey, but the flavor’s a little different. Definitely skip “pancake syrup.” (It’s not the same.)
How long do leftovers keep?
About two days in the fridge before the pears surrender and turn mushy. Cover ’em.
Can I freeze these?
I tried once. Didn’t love the results. The texture goes wonky, so I’d say fresh is best.
Give Your Dessert Routine a (Lazy) Upgrade
Can’t believe how easy Cinnamon Maple Baked Pears are? It really is one of those toss-together recipes that blows the fancy stuff outta the water. Real food, no fuss, and it actually looks impressive. If you want even more cozy inspiration, pop over to Easy Maple Baked Pears – Sally’s Baking Addiction for a different twist on the classic. Hungry for more baked ways to beat your sweet tooth? Dive into this recipe for baked nectarines with cinnamon honey sauce. Now, go grab those pears—your kitchen’s about to smell like heaven. 
Cinnamon Maple Baked Pears
A simple yet delicious dessert that features baked pears drizzled with maple syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon. It’s warm, cozy, and a healthier alternative to store-bought options.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 medium pears (Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter (salted or unsalted)
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans (chopped, optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Wash the pears and slice them in half, removing the core.
- Place the pear halves in a baking dish, cut side up.
- Drizzle with maple syrup and sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Dot each pear half with butter and add a pinch of salt.
- If using, sprinkle the chopped nuts on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the pears are soft but not mushy.
- Serve warm, optionally topped with ice cream, yogurt, or extra spices.
Notes
Feel free to customize with toppings like Greek yogurt or drizzled honey for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pear half
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg