Description
Tender baked pears infused with warm spices and brown sugar, served with creamy ricotta, crunchy candied almonds, and a drizzle of honey. This elegant yet simple dessert balances soft fruit, gentle sweetness, and nutty crunch.
Ingredients
- 6 medium Bosc pears
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 1/4 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2–3 tablespoons honey for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the pears in half lengthwise and remove the cores and seeds with a spoon.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, lemon juice, and almond extract.
- Spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Arrange the pear halves cut side down over the spice mixture.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 30 minutes until the pears are tender.
- While the pears bake, prepare the candied almonds by heating honey, olive oil, and salt in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the slivered almonds and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fragrant.
- Transfer the almonds to parchment paper and allow them to cool completely.
- To serve, spread ricotta onto a plate or shallow bowl.
- Place one or two baked pear halves on top, cut side up.
- Spoon some baking syrup over the pears, sprinkle with candied almonds, and drizzle with honey.
Notes
- Bosc pears hold their shape best during baking.
- Bartlett or Comice pears can be used but may soften more quickly.
- Keep candied almonds separate until serving to maintain their crunch.
- Mascarpone, Greek yogurt, or labneh can replace ricotta.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
