Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese

Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese is a simple, elegant dessert that balances sweet, tart, crunchy, and creamy in one warm bite. It works for weeknight dinners and small gatherings alike, and you can put it on the table in under 30 minutes.

In case you want a quick breakfast pairing, try a creamy spread like a bagel with cream cheese alongside these pears for a delightful contrast.

What makes this recipe so appealing

This dish feels seasonal and special without much fuss. Ripe pears roast quickly and soften into a sweet, tender base. Fresh or frozen berries add a tart pop, walnuts bring crunch, honey ties flavors together, and a bit of blue cheese gives a savory, creamy finish. You can serve it as dessert, a warm brunch item, or a showy starter for a casual dinner. The method keeps things easy: halve the pears, top, and bake until tender.

I also like that the recipe scales well. For a single-serving dessert, halve one pear and halve the toppings. For a larger table, bake a tray of pears and let guests help themselves. If you need a different kind of morning treat, pair the pears with a soft spread and fresh bread, like a warm bagel with cream cheese, for a comforting twist.

Ingredients and smart swaps

Below is what you’ll need and simple swaps to match tastes or dietary needs.

What You’ll Need for Baked Pears with Berries

• 3 ripe but firm pears (Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett), halved and cored
• 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen; blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries)
• 2 tablespoons honey (plus more for drizzling)
• 3 tablespoons chopped walnuts
• 2–3 ounces blue cheese, crumbled (gorgonzola or local blue)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon butter or neutral oil
• Pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: a splash of vanilla or a pinch of cinnamon

For a sweet, soft contrast, serve with a dollop of yogurt or mascarpone.

Smart Swaps for Dietary Needs

• For dairy-free: replace blue cheese with a tangy vegan cheese or a nut-based ricotta, and use coconut yogurt as a garnish.
• For nut-free: omit walnuts and use toasted oats or pumpkin seeds for crunch.
• For lower sugar: swap honey for a light maple syrup or a sugar substitute and use fewer berries.

Smart Variation (Optional)

Try swapping pears for halved apples in fall, or use toasted pecans instead of walnuts for a deeper, butter-like crunch. For a cozy spice note, sprinkle a little cinnamon before baking.

To see a different way to pair sweet fruit and creamy cheese in a baked dish, you might enjoy this recipe for pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting on a cool morning.

How to make Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese

Here’s a clear, step-by-step method so you get tender pears and perfectly warmed toppings every time.

Step-by-step cooking instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Halve and core the pears. Brush the cut sides with lemon juice to prevent browning.
3. Place pears cut-side up on the sheet. Dot each half with a bit of butter or oil.
4. Scatter the berries into the hollowed centers and around the pears.
5. Sprinkle chopped walnuts over pears, then drizzle honey across everything.
6. Roast for 18–25 minutes, until pear flesh yields to a skewer but still holds shape.
7. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Crumble blue cheese over warm pears.
8. Finish with a final drizzle of honey and a pinch of black pepper. Serve warm.

Step	Details
1	Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2	Prep pears and assemble with berries, walnuts, and honey.
3	Roast 18–25 minutes; top with blue cheese and serve.

Tips for texture, timing & tools

• Use ripe-but-firm pears so they hold their shape. Overripe fruit will collapse in the oven.
• If using frozen berries, don’t thaw fully; toss them frozen onto the pears to avoid a mushy mix.
• A rimmed baking sheet keeps juices from spilling. Parchment makes cleanup easy.
• For a softer cheese melt, pop the finished pears under the broiler for 30–60 seconds, watching closely.

You can also try adding warm spices or a splash of vanilla before baking. For a richer sauce, stir a tablespoon of butter into the honey before drizzling.

How to Store It Right

Place cooled baked pears in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3 days. Keep garnishes like blue cheese separate if you want to preserve texture.

Reheating Without Losing Flavor

Reheat gently in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 8–10 minutes. Microwaving works for a quick warm-up but may soften the berries too much. Add fresh walnuts or a quick crumble of cheese after reheating.

A Dish Worth Making Again and Again

This recipe stays fresh by changing small elements: swap nuts, try different berries, or serve with yogurt for breakfast. It’s flexible and reliable.

For a warm, spiced loaf that pairs well with creamy toppings, see this take on pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting.

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FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Roast pears without the blue cheese, cool, and store airtight. Rewarm and add cheese and honey just before serving.

What type of blue cheese works best?

Gorgonzola dolce or a milder blue gives a creamy tang without overwhelming the fruit. Use a sharper blue if you prefer more contrast.

Are other fruits okay?

Absolutely. Apples, quince, or halved figs work well. Adjust roast time based on fruit density.

Can I skip the nuts?

Yes. For nut-free guests, swap in toasted oats, seeds, or a crunchy crumble topping.

Warm the kitchen with the scent of roasting fruit and the satisfying mix of textures. Try one change at a time so you learn which tweak you like best.

Final Thoughts

If you want another version of fruit , this Sweet Cherry and Nectarine Crostini Recipe page has a lovely, related idea that you might read for inspiration.