Easy Baked Pears with Walnuts
These Cinnamon–Nutmeg Baked Pears with Walnuts are a naturally sweet, fibre-rich dessert made without refined sugar. This gluten-free, plant-based, and heart-healthy recipe is perfect for fall gatherings or a simple diabetes-friendly snack or dessert.
- Suitable for diets:
- Gluten Free
- Heart-Healthy
- Vegetarian
Servings:
Why Diabetes Friendly?
- No Added Sugar: This recipe is naturally sweetened with whole fruit and contains no refined sugars.
- High Fibre: Pears provide dietary fibre, which helps slow glucose absorption and reduce blood sugar spikes.
- Healthy Fats: Walnuts add heart-healthy fats and a small amount of protein to improve glycemic balance.
- Blood Sugar Support: Cinnamon may help support insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.
- Balanced Macronutrients: The combination of fibre and healthy fats promotes steadier energy levels.
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Equipment
- Small baking dish
Ingredients
- pears (halved and cored) 2 medium
- olive oil 1 tsp
- ground cinnamon ½ tsp
- ground nutmeg ⅛ tsp
- ground ginger (optional) ¼ tsp
- sea salt 1 pinch
- lemon juice 1 tsp
- walnuts (chopped) 2 tbsp
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Cooking Tips
- Pear Selection: Choose pears that are firm but slightly ripe to prevent them from becoming overly soft during baking.
- Best Varieties: Bosc or Anjou pears hold their shape especially well when baked.
- Flavour Infusion: Lightly score the cut surface of the pears so the spices absorb more deeply.
- Enhanced Flavour: Toast the walnuts briefly before adding them for a richer, nuttier taste.
- Protein Boost: Serve with unsweetened Greek yogurt if additional protein is desired and dairy is allowed.
- Extra Warmth: Add a splash of vanilla extract for deeper flavour without adding sugar.
- Prevent Browning: Brush pears with lemon juice immediately after cutting to reduce oxidation.
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Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place pear halves cut-side up in a small baking dish.2 medium pears
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), salt and lemon juice.1 tsp olive oil, ½ tsp ground cinnamon, ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg, ¼ tsp ground ginger, 1 pinch sea salt, 1 tsp lemon juice
- Spoon chopped walnuts into the centre of each pear and over the tops.2 tbsp walnuts
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until pears are tender and lightly caramelized at the edges.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
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FAQ
- Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Bake and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. - Can I use a different nut?
Yes. Pecans or almonds work well. Adjust if allergies are a concern. - Are these pears suitable for weight management?
Yes. They are nutrient-dense, fibre-rich, and naturally sweet without added sugar. - Can I air-fry instead of bake?
Yes. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes, checking for tenderness. - How can I make this vegan?
The recipe is already fully vegan. - Will baking increase the sugar content?
Baking concentrates natural sugars slightly but does not add additional sugar. The fibre remains intact, helping moderate blood sugar impact.
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Nutrition
Per serving
Calories: 93.9kcal
Carbohydrates: 14.6g
Fiber: 3.3g
Sugar: 8.9g
Fat: 4.4g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Trans Fat:
Protein: 1.1g
Nutrition Facts
Easy Baked Pears with Walnuts
Serving Size
0.5 pear
Amount per Serving
Calories
93.9
% Daily Value*
Fat
4.4
g
7
%
Saturated Fat
0.5
g
3
%
Sodium
10.8
mg
0
%
Potassium
129.5
mg
4
%
Carbohydrates
14.6
g
5
%
Fiber
3.3
g
14
%
Sugar
8.9
g
10
%
Protein
1.1
g
2
%
Vitamin C
4.4
mg
5
%
Calcium
15.8
mg
2
%
Iron
0.4
mg
2
%
Magnesium
14.7
mg
4
%
Zinc
0.3
mg
2
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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