Description
Baked Pears with Almonds, Honey, and Ricotta is a delightful dessert featuring tender, spiced pears baked to perfection, topped with crunchy honey-glazed almonds and creamy whole milk ricotta. This warm, comforting dish combines fragrant spices and the natural sweetness of pears, making it an elegant yet simple treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pears and Spices
- 6 medium Bosc pears
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Juice from half a lemon
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Candied Almonds
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 1/4 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
Serving
- Whole milk ricotta cheese
- Honey (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Heat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pears promptly and evenly.
- Prepare the pears: Slice each pear in half lengthwise and carefully use a spoon to scoop out the tough cores and seeds to create a hollow center for even cooking.
- Prepare the sauce: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, lemon juice, and almond extract. Stir well to mix and spread this thinly along the bottom of the dish to infuse the pears with rich flavors.
- Bake the pears: Arrange the pears cut side down onto the brown sugar and spice mixture. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the pears are tender and a knife inserted into them meets little resistance.
- Make the candied almonds: While the pears bake, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the honey, olive oil, and salt, swirling to combine. Add the slivered almonds and stir with a rubber spatula to coat evenly. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until almonds turn a deep golden brown and release a fragrant aroma. Be vigilant to prevent burning. Remove almonds and transfer to a parchment-lined plate to cool.
- To serve: Spoon whole milk ricotta into a shallow bowl, spreading it slightly. Place one or two pear halves cut side up on the ricotta. Drizzle some of the spiced sauce from the baking dish over the pears, sprinkle with the candied almonds, and finish with an additional drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
Notes
- Use Bosc pears for their firm texture and sweet flavor that holds well when baked.
- Be sure to watch the almonds closely during caramelization to avoid burning.
- The recipe can be served warm or at room temperature depending on preference.
- Whole milk ricotta adds creaminess and balances the sweetness; substitute with part-skim ricotta for a lighter option.
- Leftover spiced sauce can be drizzled over ice cream or yogurt for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
