Oven-Roasted Pears with Honey and Mascarpone
Tender oven-roasted pears drizzled with honey and paired with smooth mascarpone cream, accented by toasted almonds and a sprinkle of cinnamon. This mediterranean-inspired desserts ready in about 40 minutes layers halved and cored ripe but firm pears, plus extra for drizzling honey, ground cinnamon into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4, halved and cored ripe but firm pears
- 1/4 cup, plus extra for drizzling honey
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Place 4 halved and cored pears cut-side up in a baking dish.
- Step 2: Drizzle 1/4 cup honey evenly over the pears and sprinkle 1 tsp ground cinnamon on top.
- Step 3: Roast the pears for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized around the edges, checking softness by piercing with a fork.
- Step 4: While pears roast, in a small bowl, combine 1 cup mascarpone cheese with 1/2 tsp vanilla extract and 1 tbsp lemon juice; whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Step 5: Remove pears from oven and let cool slightly.
- Step 6: Serve each pear half topped with a dollop of the mascarpone cream and sprinkle with 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds.
- Step 7: Drizzle additional honey over the assembled pears for extra sweetness before serving warm or at room temperature.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Oven-Roasted Pears with Honey and Mascarpone take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Oven-Roasted Pears with Honey and Mascarpone?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Oven-Roasted Pears with Honey and Mascarpone?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Oven-Roasted Pears with Honey and Mascarpone for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Oven-Roasted Pears with Honey and Mascarpone?
Mediterranean desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
Equipment for this recipe
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