Maple Baked Pears with Whipped Cream {Vegan Option}

Baked pears with sweet bourbon glaze and homemade whipped cream are an impressive and delicious holiday dessert. This fruit dessert recipe appears fancy, but it is SO easy to make! Perfect to serve for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or holiday parties.

This is what I call a “faux fancy” dessert. Like when you want to make an impressive holiday dessert but you don’t have a lot of time, baked fruit is great “feeling so fancy” option. Haha, you get that right? Seriously, check out these dessert recipes –> Fruit Bake with Caramelized Apples or my family favorite Spiced Hot Fruit Bake. Well my friends,  these Baked Pears with whip cream are right up there with it! Quick to make and SUPER easy to make, too!

Before we chat about the recipe, I’ll let you in on my FAUX FANCY dessert tip!  Arrange pears in a bowl with the whipped cream and garnish with fresh greenery or pine and you got yourself a Martha Stewart looking dessert. I aim to please. 😉

How to Make Baked Pears

I have a few simple tips that will help you create the best baked pears. Because there is a vegan option for this recipe, I’ll explain how to make regular whipped cream and vegan whipped cream. Both are equally delicious! But first, let’s talk about what type of pears to use.

Selecting the Pears

We’re trying to keep the baked pears dessert on the healthier side. As a result, it is low in sugar. One way to sweeten this fruit dessert naturally is by using a sweeter variety of pears.

Sekel pears are smaller and a little sweeter than most other pears. So, you don’t need a ton of sugar; just a little maple syrup in the glaze! Of course, the recipe works with any type of pear. If you use another type, keep in mind that the dessert won’t be as sweet.

Prepping the Pears

One reason that this recipe is so easy to make is that there isn’t much prep to do.  You do need to wash the pears, of course, but you don’t have to peel them unless you want to. I like the rustic look and the extra fiber in the skin, so I keep it on.

Also, I keep the core intact because you can eat that as well! The seeds are easy to remove, especially after the pears are baked.

You just need to slice 6 to 8 pears in half, from the top to the bottom. Cut straight through the core and be sure to use a sharp knife – it’s much easier and safer that way!

*Bonus Baked PEAR recipe –> Honey Roasted Pear Sparkling Wine Cocktails/Mocktails

Maple Bourbon Glaze (with or without alcohol)

Making the sweet bourbon glaze couldn’t be any easier!

NOTE: If you want to keep the recipe completely gluten free and/or kid-friendly, you can make the glaze without bourbon.

Whipped Cream or Vegan Whipped Cream

The key to making whipped cream EASILY is to chill the cream (or coconut cream). Dairy creamer is always refrigerated, but coconut cream is shelf stable. To make it whip up, the coconut cream has to be VERY cold. It needs to chill in the fridge for at least 24 hours.

Oh, and before you whip the coconut cream, you need to drain the water from the top. You can watch the recipe video in my vegan coconut cream frosting post for more details.

The sugar is optional in the whipped topping. But honestly, it doesn’t need any. The baked pears are sweet enough, especially with the maple bourbon glaze on them.

Oh and lastly, feel free to top the baked pears with toasted nuts, granola, etc. It’s all good! Simple. Healthyish. EASY!

Baked Pears with Maple Bourbon Glaze (vegan option)

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★★★★★

5 from 6 reviews

• Author: Lindsay Cotter
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 – 10 servings 1x

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Description

Baked pears with sweet bourbon glaze and homemade whipped cream are an impressive and delicious holiday dessert. This fruit dessert recipe appears fancy, but it is SO easy to make! Perfect to serve for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or holiday parties.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6–8 Seckel pears, cut into half from top to bottom

Maple Bourbon Glaze

• ⅓ cup maple syrup, divided
• 1 Tablespoon butter or refined coconut oil
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• optional: 2 Tablespoon amaretto or bourbon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 oz. chilled heavy cream or 26 oz. coconut cream, chilled 24 hours
• 1 dash ground ginger and/or cinnamon
• 1 pinch sea salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. Combine maple syrup, butter/oil, spices, bourbon (if using), and vanilla extract in a small pot. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Place sliced pears on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan, cut side facing up.
4. Brush the maple bourbon glaze onto the pears with marinade brush. Place pan in oven and bake at 400F for 20-25 minutes, or until pears are tender, soft, and golden. 
5. Remove from the oven and cool slightly before plating.
6. To make whipped cream (can be made a day ahead of time and chilled in the fridge, covered). Place chilled heavy cream in a bowl. Mix in 3 tablespoons maple syrup and any additional spices. Using a hand or stand mixer, whip for 2-5 minutes until whipped cream is formed.
7. If using coconut cream- discard the water and only whip the chilled coconut cream portion. See coconut whip frosting post for more information. 

Notes

• If you don’t have sekel pears, I recommend using red anjou pears. They are similar in taste. Not as tart. Baking times may vary.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: desserts
• Method: oven
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 pear with ¼ c whip
• Calories: 195
• Sugar: 16.5 g
• Sodium: 267.9 mg
• Fat: 11.3 g
• Saturated Fat: 7.4 g
• Carbohydrates: 22.9 g
• Fiber: 3.2 g
• Protein: 1.1 g
• Cholesterol: 29.9 mg

Keywords: baked pears, maple bourbon glaze, vegan desserts, baked fruit

By the way, you have full permission to feel fancy and sophisticated with this baked pears dessert. Now go impress those holiday guests, mm k?

Cheers! Holiday Cheers!

LC