Baked Pears with Honey-Cream Cheese Topping
Indulge in the comforting and delightful flavors of our Baked Pears with Honey-Cream Cheese Topping. This breakfast dish transforms ripe pears into a warm, inviting treat, accented by a rich blend of honey, vanilla, and cinnamon cream cheese. Topped with pecans and baked to golden perfection, it's a dish that promises a unique and satisfying start to your day. Share this recipe with family and friends during brunch or enjoy it as a special weekend breakfast.
16
Servings
200
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
ripe pears
8 (peeled, halved, and cored)
butter
2 tablespoons (divided into dots)
brown sugar
1/4 cup (for sprinkling)
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
honey
1/2 cup (blended with cream cheese)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (mixed with other ingredients)
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
water
1/4 cup (to thin the mixture)
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (mixed into cream cheese blend)
pecans
1/4 cup (chopped for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Arrange the pear halves, cored side up, in two baking pans. Trim the rounded side slightly so each piece sits flat.
3
Place a dot of butter in each hollow of the pears, then sprinkle with brown sugar.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and honey until smooth. Stir in the vanilla, lemon juice, water, and cinnamon.
5
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the pears evenly.
6
Bake for 30 minutes, then sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top. Continue baking for an additional 30 minutes or until the sauce turns golden.
7
Serve the baked pears warm, spooning any extra sauce over each serving.
Nutrition Information
11.25g
Fat
25g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of Baked Pears with Honey-Cream Cheese Topping?
This dish features a comforting blend of warm, ripe pears, rich honey, vanilla, and cinnamon-infused cream cheese, finished with toasted pecans.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 16 people, based on 8 pears being halved.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking the pears.
What type of pears should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for ripe pears. Common varieties like Bosc or Anjou work well as they hold their shape during baking.
How should I prepare the pears before baking?
Pears should be peeled, halved, and cored. It is also recommended to trim the rounded side slightly so they sit flat in the baking pan.
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time is approximately 60 minutes: 30 minutes initially, and another 30 minutes after adding the pecans.
When do I add the pecans to the dish?
The chopped pecans should be sprinkled over the top after the first 30 minutes of baking.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
Is there a specific way to arrange the pears in the pan?
Yes, arrange the pear halves cored side up in two baking pans, ensuring they sit flat.
What goes into the cream cheese topping mixture?
The topping is a blend of softened cream cheese, honey, vanilla extract, lemon juice, water, and ground cinnamon.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of butter, which is divided into dots and placed in the hollow of each pear.
What is the purpose of adding water to the cream cheese mixture?
A 1/4 cup of water is added to the mixture to help thin it so it can be poured evenly over the pears.
Can I serve this dish cold?
While it can be eaten cold, the recipe recommends serving the baked pears warm, spooning extra sauce over each serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 11.25 grams of fat per serving in this dish.
How much fiber does this recipe provide?
Each serving provides 5 grams of dietary fiber.
Does this recipe contain many carbohydrates?
Each serving contains 25 grams of carbohydrates.
Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?
While honey provides a specific flavor, you could likely use maple syrup as a substitute, though it may change the consistency slightly.
Is the cream cheese topping supposed to be smooth?
Yes, you should combine the softened cream cheese and honey until the mixture is smooth before adding other ingredients.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used if necessary.
What should the sauce look like when it's done?
The sauce should turn a golden color by the end of the 60-minute baking period.
Is this dish considered a breakfast or a dessert?
The recipe is categorized as Breakfast, making it ideal for brunch, but its sweetness also makes it a great fruit-based dessert.
How much protein is in each serving?
There is a small amount of protein, approximately 2.5 grams per serving.
Can I use other nuts if I don't have pecans?
Yes, walnuts or sliced almonds would make excellent substitutes for pecans in this recipe.
How much brown sugar is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of brown sugar, which is sprinkled over the buttered pears before the cream cheese mixture is added.
Is it necessary to peel the pears?
Yes, the recipe specifies peeling the pears for a softer, more uniform texture once baked.
Can I make this recipe for a smaller group?
You can easily halve the ingredients to serve 8 people instead of 16.
What makes this dish 'comfort food'?
The combination of warm fruit, cinnamon, and a creamy, sweet topping creates a classic comfort food experience.
Is this a good recipe for a holiday brunch?
Absolutely! Its unique presentation and warm flavors make it a special addition to any brunch or holiday gathering.
How do I ensure the cream cheese blends well?
Make sure the cream cheese is properly softened at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
What is the primary spice used in the topping?
Ground cinnamon is the primary spice, used to add warmth and depth to the honey-cream cheese mixture.