Baked Pears with Cranberries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese
Baked Pears with Cranberries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese is a sophisticated yet simple dessert that balances sweet, tart, nutty, and creamy flavors in one elegant dish. The natural sweetness of baked pears is elevated by tart cranberries, the crunch of toasted walnuts, the richness of honey, and the bold creaminess of blue cheese. This dessert feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or a cozy treat at home. The combination of textures and flavors creates a harmonious bite that’s both comforting and memorable.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
4 ripe but firm pears, halved and cored
½ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
60 g blue cheese, crumbled
3 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of ½ lemon (optional)
Pinch of salt
Optional garnish: fresh mint or parsley
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a baking dish.
Place pear halves cut side up in the dish.
In a small bowl, mix cranberries, walnuts, cinnamon, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt.
Spoon the cranberry-walnut mixture evenly into the hollowed centers of the pears.
Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the top of each pear half.
Drizzle honey generously over each pear, letting it fall over the filling.
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil to prevent excessive browning.
Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake another 5–10 minutes until pears are tender and cheese begins to melt.
Remove from oven and let cool slightly for 5 minutes.
Garnish with fresh mint or parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Tips
Choose pears that are ripe but still firm to hold their shape while baking.
Toast walnuts lightly for extra depth of flavor before adding.
Use a milder blue cheese if you prefer a less intense flavor.
Drizzle honey over the filling and pears for a sticky, rich finish.
Covering with foil prevents the cheese from burning.
Let pears cool slightly before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Add a pinch of sea salt to the topping to balance sweetness.
Lemon zest brightens the dish and complements the blue cheese.
Serve immediately for best texture, though leftovers can be reheated gently.
Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt for extra indulgence.
Variations
Swap cranberries for pomegranate seeds for a fresh burst.
Replace blue cheese with gorgonzola or feta for a milder bite.
Add a sprinkle of chopped pistachios instead of walnuts.
Drizzle maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper sweetness.
Incorporate a pinch of nutmeg or allspice into the filling.
Use poached pears instead of baked for a softer texture.
Add a layer of fig preserves under the walnut mixture.
Serve in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation.
Mix orange zest into the filling for citrus brightness.
Add a splash of balsamic reduction before serving for tangy richness.
Q&A
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, assemble pears and refrigerate for a few hours before baking.
What type of pears are best?
Bosc or Anjou pears hold shape well and bake nicely.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, just thaw and drain them first.
Is blue cheese necessary?
It adds the signature sharpness, but you can use feta or goat cheese.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can omit additional sugar since honey provides sweetness.
Can this dessert be vegan?
Replace blue cheese with a plant-based cheese and use agave syrup instead of honey.
How should I store leftovers?
Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days, then reheat gently.
Can I bake pears whole?
Yes, core them but leave the stem for presentation; increase baking time slightly.
Are the walnuts optional?
Yes, they add crunch but can be omitted for a softer texture.
What wine pairs well?
A sweet white like Riesling or a lightly sparkling wine complements the dish.
Nutrition
(Approximate per serving)
Calories: 310
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Protein: 6 g
Fat: 16 g
Sugar: 26 g
Fiber: 5 g
Conclusion
Baked Pears with Cranberries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese is a show-stopping yet simple dessert that marries sweet, savory, tart, and nutty flavors effortlessly. The combination of textures—from tender pear to crunchy nuts and creamy blue cheese—makes every bite satisfying. Its versatility allows for adjustments to sweetness, cheese intensity, and presentation, so it can feel rustic or elegant depending on your occasion. Quick to prepare and ideal for sharing, this dessert is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a quiet, indulgent moment at home.