Pear-Stuffed Baked Apples
Apples, pears and dried fruit make a great combination in this pear-stuffed baked apple recipe. This easy recipe is perfect for a yummy dessert! Kids and adults alike will love this fresh tasting dessert- my kids ask for seconds every time!
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There are few desserts as homey and delicious as pear-stuffed baked apples. This humble dish is the perfect combination of sweet and savory, and is sure to please any crowd.
But what makes pear-stuffed baked apples so special? First, the pears add a lovely sweetness to the dish, while the apples provide a “just the right tartness” counterpoint. Second, the stuffing itself is simply divine. A mix of brown sugar, nuts, and spices, it’s the perfect complement to the fruit. Finally, baking the apples brings out their natural sweetness and gives them a beautiful caramelized flavor.
So if you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to please all, look no further than pear-stuffed baked apples.
FAQs About Our Pear-Stuffed Baked Apples
This dessert couldn’t be easier to put together, but we understand that some people have some questions about it. Not to worry! We’re answering everything you could possibly want to know below.
How ripe should my apples be to make this dessert?
For this recipe, you’ll want to use apples that are just ripe enough to be soft when cooked. If they’re too ripe, they’ll fall apart during baking. But if they’re not ripe enough, they’ll be too firm and won’t absorb the flavors of the filling as well.
What kind of pears should I use?
We used Bartlett pears, but you could also use Anjou or Bosc pears. Just make sure they’re ripe enough to be soft when cooked.
Do I have to use dried fruit in this recipe?
No, you don’t have to use dried fruit if you don’t want to. We just think it adds a nice touch of sweetness and flavor.
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can definitely use walnuts instead of pecans. Or, you could even use a mix of both!
Does the lemon juice have to be fresh or can I use bottled lemon juice?
You can use either fresh or bottled lemon juice for this recipe. We prefer fresh because it just has a brighter flavor, but either will work fine.
What kind of apples should I use?
For this recipe, we used Gala apples. But you could really use Granny Smith or any type of apple that you like. Just make sure they’re ripe enough to be soft when cooked.
Do I have to use light brown sugar?
No, you don’t have to use light brown sugar. You could use any regular brown sugar or even white sugar if you prefer. We just think the light brown sugar gives the filling a nice, caramel-like flavor. Like all our recipes, you can make any changes you would prefer.
Can I top it with vanilla ice cream?
Absolutely! We think these Pear-Stuffed Baked Apples are even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. You could also top with sugar free vanilla ice cream, vanilla frozen yogurt, chilled vanilla Greek yogurt, or even just a bit of real whipped cream. Feel free to top them with whatever you like!
How long will the Pear-Stuffed Baked Apples last once I make them?
These Pear-Stuffed Baked Apples will last for 3-4 days in the fridge. We recommend reheating them in the oven or microwave on a low heat setting before serving again.
Help! My apples got too mushy! What did I do wrong?
Some ovens run hotter than others. You might want to add a thermometer to test how hot it’s getting and adjust cooking times if needed.
Equipment Needed to Make These Pear-Stuffed Baked Apples
You’ll need a few things from your kitchen to make this dish including
Why apples are so great as a dessert option
Apples are a great option for dessert because they’re:
– Sweet
– Juicy
– Soft when cooked
– A classic flavor that everyone loves
Not only are apples delicious, but they’re also nutritious! Apples are a good source of fiber, they contain antioxidants, can help lower cholesterol, may help protect against some types of cancer, and they can help regulate blood sugar levels.
These Pear-Stuffed Baked Apples are the perfect dessert for any occasioned audience! So easy to make, and so delicious! The combination of apples, pears and dried fruit is just heavenly. Trust us!
If you and your family love this apple recipe, try this amazing Apple Galette!
Pear-Stuffed Baked Apples
Ingredients
- 4 large Gala apples
- 3 Bartlett pears peeled, chopped
- 1/2 lemon juiced
- 1/4 cup pecans finely chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons caramel dip
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Remove tops from apples and core, leaving apples whole. Sprinkle inside with lemon juice.
- Mix pear, pecans, dried fruit, cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar in bowl.
- Tightly pack apples with pear mixture. Place in baking dish and add water to fill pan ½-inch. Bake 30-40 minutes, or until apples are soft.
- Drizzle with caramel dip.