Baked Pears with Mascarpone Cream

Half a baked pear with cream and pepper on a white plate beside a spoon.

5 from 1 vote

Baked Pears with Mascarpone Cream

Sweet, tender baked pears are roasted with butter, honey, and lemon, then topped with a light mascarpone cream flavored with almond and fresh nutmeg. This elegant yet easy dessert is perfect for weeknights or entertaining.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: French

Keyword: baked pears, baked pears with mascarpone, mascarpone pears

Servings: Servings

Author: Pat Nyswonger

Ingredients

2 pears
1 lemon
2 tablespoons butter cut into 4 cubes
2 tablespoon honey

For the Mascarpone Cream:

8 ounces mascarpone cheese
¾ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon almond extract
freshly grated nutmeg

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Working with one pear at a time, cut it in half from stem to base and scoop out the core. Slice a thin sliver off the pear to allow to sit level.
Squeeze lemon juice over the pear and place on the parchment lined baking sheet. Repeat with each remaining pear.
Add a butter cube to each pear half and drizzle with honey.
Bake 15-20 minutes until tender when a knife tip slides into the thickest part easily. (The roast time will be determined by the size and firmness of your pears. Begin checking after 15 minutes).
Remove from the oven and allow to cool at room temperature.

The Mascarpone Cream:

In a small dish, whip the mascarpone and sugar together until creamy. Add the whip cream, almond extract and a pinch of salt and whip to a thick, creamy consistency.
Place a pear half on each of 4 plates and top with a scoop of mascarpone cream. Garnish each serving with nutmeg gratings.

Notes

Choose the right pears: Bosc and Anjou pears are the best choices because they hold their shape well during baking. Choose pears that are ripe but still firm.

Leave the skin on: The peel helps the pears hold their shape and keeps them from becoming too soft as they bake.

Watch the baking time: Baking time will vary depending on the size and ripeness of the pears. Start checking after 15 minutes and remove them when a knife slides easily into the thickest part. They'll continue to soften slightly as they cool.

Broil for extra color (optional): For more caramelized edges, broil the pears for 1 to 2 minutes after baking. Watch them closely, as the honey can burn quickly.

Nutrition