Maple Sautéed Pears are a simple yet elegant skillet dessert where ripe pears are gently cooked in butter and maple syrup until tender, glossy, and lightly caramelized. Warmly spiced with cardamom and finished with optional vanilla, this cozy dish comes together quickly and highlights the natural sweetness of the fruit.
Hey, folks – if you’re craving something comforting but effortless, this one is for you. These maple sautéed pears are one of those recipes that feel special without any fuss. Whether you’re making a quick dessert, a brunch topping, or a sweet side for breakfast, this is an easy way to make the most of ripe pears.
Why You’ll Love These Maple Sautéed Pears
- Quick and simple: Ready in about 15 minutes from start to finish.
- Naturally sweetened: Maple syrup enhances the pears without overpowering them.
- Versatile: Perfect on their own or paired with yogurt, pancakes, oatmeal, or ice cream.
- Cozy and aromatic: Cardamom and vanilla add gentle warmth and depth.
Flavour and Texture Profile
These maple sautéed pears are soft and tender while still holding their shape. The flavour is gently sweet with buttery richness, balanced by warm cardamom and a subtle hint of vanilla. A pinch of salt keeps everything rounded and prevents the dish from tasting overly sweet.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe
For these maple sautéed pears, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients.
- Pears: Ripe but firm pears work best; Bartlett (Williams) and similar varieties soften beautifully without turning mushy.
- Maple syrup: Pure maple syrup provides natural sweetness and caramel depth; adjust the amount to taste.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create a glossy, caramel-like sauce.
- Cardamom: Warm and aromatic, it pairs exceptionally well with pears and maple.
- Salt: Just a tiny pinch to balance the sweetness.
- Vanilla extract (optional): Adds a soft, rounded finish to the sauce.
- Pine nuts (optional): Toasted pine nuts add a delicate crunch and nuttiness.
How to Make Maple Sautéed Pears
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the maple syrup, cardamom, and salt, and simmer for a couple of minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the pears, cover, and cook until tender, gently stirring occasionally. Uncover for the final minute or two to encourage light caramelization, then stir in the vanilla if using. Let the pears cool slightly and serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled, topped with toasted pine nuts if desired.
How to Enjoy
These Maple Sautéed Pears are already a great dessert. Add a scoop of ice cream, if you prefer, and it will be just perfect. Or serve as a topping with crepes, cottage cheese, yogurt, or oatmeal. Personally, I love to enjoy warm pears with hot aromatic tea. So cozy on a cold winter night!
I hope you like these hearty and tasty Maple Sautéed Pears, and you will give it a try soon. If you make it, let me know in this post or send me an Instagram message or share you photos adding the hashtag #havocinthekitchen.
Cheers!

Your Maple Sauteed Pears look absolutely delightful and perfect for a cozy winter dessert. I love how simple and quick this recipe is, yet it yields such delicious and comforting results
Thank you Raymund!
What a lovely treat on a cold winter’s day. The pears look so soft and delicious. I love the addition of nuts in this recipe.
Thank you Eva!
Ben,
Yes please!!! Of course the first thing I thought was ice cream (laugh). You are right, lots of great ideas for this fruit style compote. My favorite warm spice is cardamom.
Have a great Sunday.
Velva
Ice cream makes everything better haha!
yes i love cardamom in sweets too! it adds such a hint of mystique.
That’s a good description of cardamom!
Beautiful! And I love the addition of the pine nuts.
Thank you Mimi!
Oh this looks and sounds delicious, Ben! I’ve sauteed apples like this on more than one occasion, but I don’t think I’ve ever done it with pears. Putting this on the list ASAP – I love that you included cardamom. You know how I feel about cardamom when combined with the other classic baking spices!
Thank you David!
I just love the use of cardamom in desserts :)
It’s so good :)
So easy to make and so flavorful with that maple!! This would be fantastic on vanilla ice cream!
Or maple walnut ice cream :)
wow What a terrific recipe! I would have never thought preparing pears this way. Can’t wait to try it!
Thank you Angie!