Maple Sautéed Pears are an easy dessert that will be ready in about 15 minutes or less. The pears get sautéed in a skillet with butter, maple syrup, and cardamom until they are nicely caramelized and soft. And the addition of nuts adds crunch and nuttiness. These a taste just like the filling in a cozy fall pie – just easier and healthier.
Jump to Recipe
Hey folks – how are you doing? I hope this week has been treating you well so far. And if you week has been quite hectic, please be strong as the weekend is on its way!
Today I am going to keep it short and sweet, just like this recipe.
By the way, I keep posting recipes that I made last year because I have a huge archives of unpublished photos. And after quite a few savoury creations, I have decided it is a time for sweet break, first time this year :)
Maple Sautéed Pears
I love simple fruit desserts that are sautéed in a skillet – most commonly, apples, pears, or plums. They are perfect when you crave something sweet, without feeling too guilty. While the addition of butter and sweeteners does not make them super-healthy, this is still a good dessert option. Fruit deliver a good amount of fiber, so such desserts will satisfy you for a longer time. And you can always make it even healthier by reducing the use of butter and sweetener.
Here pears are get sautéed with butter, maple syrup, cardamom, and a pinch of salt (yes, salt is always important to balance the sweetness and accentuate the flavours!) The cooking time will depend on the type of pears and their ripeness. But overall, it should take between 5 to 10 minutes.
This recipe is super versatile, too. You can use waterer spices you have on hand or like – or the combination (just don’t be too generous with the total amount.) Think of cinnamon, ginger, and vanilla. You can use honey instead of maple syrup or even brown or coconut sugar; I would say about 1/3 cup will do. And of course nuts – skip them or use your favourite. My suggestion would be pecans or walnuts.
How to Use
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!
Maple Sautéed Pears
Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy2-4
servings5
minutes15
minutesMaple Sautéed Pears are an easy dessert that will be ready in about 15 minutes or less. The pears get sautéed in a skillet with butter, maple syrup, and cardamom until they are nicely caramelized and soft. And the addition of nuts adds crunch and nuttiness. These a taste just like the filling in a cozy fall pie – just easier and healthier.
Ingredients
4 ripe and juicy but firm pears (Bartlett/Williams pears and similar types would be perfect) – cored then sliced or cubed
~1/3 cup or slightly more (80-120 ml.) maple syrup
2 tbsp. (30 gr.) butter
1/4 tsp. ground cardamom or more, to taste
a tiny pinch of salt
1 tsp. vanilla extract (optional)
pine nuts, toasted, for sprinkling – optional
Directions
- Melt the butter in a skillet over high-medium heat. Add the maple syrup, cardamom, and salt and simmer for 2-3 minutes, to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the pears, cover, and simmer for 5-10 minutes, depending on their type and ripeness, gently stirring with a spatula few times. Uncover for the last 1-2 minutes for a better caramelization. If using, stir in the vanilla extract.
- Turn the heat off and let the pears cool a bit. You can serve them hot, warm, or room temperature. Sprinkle with the pine nuts before serving. Enjoy!
Hi – I’m Ben, a blogger, recipe developer, and food photographer. I’m glad you’re here! I hope you will enjoy hundreds of delicious recipes and a pinch of havoc in the kitchen.
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!
Ben | Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Maple Pecan Sautéed Apples
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 | Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Pasta with Sardines
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!
Ben | Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Pasta with Sardines
yes i love cardamom in sweets too! it adds such a hint of mystique.
That’s a good description of cardamom!
Ben | Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Pasta with Sardines
Beautiful! And I love the addition of the pine nuts.
Thank you Mimi!
Ben | Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Pasta with Sardines
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!
David @ Spiced recently posted…Mardi Gras Monkey Bread
Thank you David!
Ben | Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Pasta with Sardines
I just love the use of cardamom in desserts :)
It’s so good :)
Ben | Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Pasta with Sardines
So easy to make and so flavorful with that maple!! This would be fantastic on vanilla ice cream!
Or maple walnut ice cream :)
Ben | Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Pasta with Sardines
wow What a terrific recipe! I would have never thought preparing pears this way. Can’t wait to try it!
angiesrecipes recently posted…Hot Smoked Sprat Frittata
Thank you Angie!
Ben | Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Pasta with Sardines