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Honey-Baked Pears with Whipped Goat Cheese and Candied Pecans

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Sticky golden honey drips down warm, soft pears, pooling around clouds of whipped goat cheese and crunchy candied pecans. This easy, elegant dessert is naturally gluten-free and perfect for any occasion, from cozy weeknights to dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ripe pears (Bosc or Anjou, firm and fragrant)
  • 2 tablespoons honey, plus extra for drizzling
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 4 ounces (120g) goat cheese, soft, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream (or milk for lighter texture)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (60g) pecan halves
  • 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
  • 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking dish and set aside.
  2. Wash and halve the pears lengthwise. Use a small spoon or melon baller to scoop out seeds and create a shallow cavity in each half. Arrange pears cut-side up in the baking dish.
  3. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon softened butter, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Microwave for 10 seconds if needed to blend. Brush or spoon the mixture over the pears, coating each half. Reserve any extra glaze for serving.
  4. Bake pears for 25-30 minutes, basting with juices halfway through. Pears should be soft but hold their shape.
  5. While pears bake, heat 1/2 tablespoon butter in a small saucepan over medium-low. Add pecans, 1 tablespoon honey, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until nuts are glossy and honey thickens. Spread on parchment paper to cool.
  6. In a bowl, combine goat cheese, cream, 1 tablespoon honey, and vanilla. Beat with a hand mixer (or whisk) for 2-3 minutes until fluffy and smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
  7. Let baked pears cool for 5 minutes. Spoon or pipe whipped goat cheese into each cavity. Top with candied pecans. Drizzle with leftover glaze or extra honey if desired.
  8. Sprinkle with flaky salt or a dash of cinnamon if desired. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

Notes

Use pears that are just starting to soften at the stem for best results. If pears are underripe, bake a bit longer and cover with foil if browning too fast. For dairy-free, use plant-based cheese and coconut cream; for nut-free, substitute seeds or granola. Prep cheese and nuts while pears bake for efficiency. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey baked pears, baked pears dessert, whipped goat cheese, candied pecans, gluten-free dessert, easy pear recipe, fall dessert, elegant dessert, fruit dessert, holiday dessert

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/honey-baked-pears-recipe-easy-dessert-with-whipped-goat-cheese-and-candied-pecans/