Oven-Roasted Spiced Pears with Mascarpone Cream

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender oven-roasted pears spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, served warm with a luscious mascarpone cream topping. This French-inspired recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, layers ripe pears, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg 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 280 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 French cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Peel 4 medium pears and cut each in half lengthwise, removing the core with a spoon to create a hollow center.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, and 2 tbsp maple syrup, then brush this spice mixture evenly over each pear half.
  3. Step 3: Arrange the pears cut side up in a baking dish and roast for 25 minutes until tender and caramelized around the edges.
  4. Step 4: While the pears roast, whisk together 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 tbsp lemon juice in a chilled bowl until smooth and slightly fluffy.
  5. Step 5: Remove the pears from the oven, spoon a dollop of mascarpone cream onto each half, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately while warm for a cozy, spiced dessert.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Oven-Roasted Spiced Pears with Mascarpone Cream take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Spiced Pears with Mascarpone Cream?

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 Spiced Pears with Mascarpone Cream?

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 Spiced Pears with Mascarpone Cream 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 Spiced Pears with Mascarpone Cream?

French 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.

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