Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Bake Time: 25 minutes
These Baked Pears Are So Simple and So Good
If you’ve never had a warm pear stuffed with creamy cottage cheese and drizzled with honey, get ready.
This recipe is cozy, lightly sweet, and a little fancy-feeling without being fussy. It’s one of those things that looks impressive but takes almost no time to make.
I love this one for brunch, a light dessert, or when I want something warm and comforting but still feel kinda healthy.
🍐 What You’ll Need
- 2 ripe but firm pears (like Bosc or Anjou), halved and cored
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat works best for creaminess)
- 2 tbsp honey (plus more for drizzling)
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp chopped walnuts (optional)
- Pinch of salt
💡 Why I Love This Recipe
This is one of those recipes I go back to again and again when I want something cozy and feel-good. It started as a breakfast idea and quickly turned into a go-to dessert too.
- It’s sweet but not too sweet
- Warm pears taste like pie without the work
- You can dress it up or keep it super simple
- Great for last-minute company
🧠 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Baking the pears brings out their natural sugars and makes them soft and caramelized. The heat gently melts the cottage cheese, making it creamier and richer. Adding honey boosts sweetness and ties everything together with that classic warm flavor. Cinnamon helps balance the tangy cheese with cozy spice notes. It’s simple food chemistry with a comfort-food payoff.
🛠 Tools You’ll Need
- Sharp knife
- Spoon (for scooping and filling)
- Small bowl
- Baking dish
- Measuring spoons
- Small cutting board
🔁 Substitutions and Variations
- Dairy-free? Use almond or coconut-based yogurt
- No walnuts? Try pecans, pistachios, or skip the nuts
- Add-ins: A few chocolate chips or a sprinkle of granola for crunch
- No honey? Maple syrup or agave both work great
⏰ Make Ahead Tips
- Core the pears ahead and keep them wrapped in lemon water in the fridge for up to a day.
- Mix your cottage cheese filling ahead and keep it chilled until you’re ready to bake.
👩🍳 Let’s Make It
Step 1: Prep the Pears
Use a small spoon to scoop out the seeds and core from each pear half. Make a small divot in the center so there’s room for filling.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a small bowl, stir together the cottage cheese, 1 tbsp honey, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Fill the Pears
Spoon the cottage cheese mixture into each pear half, mounding it just a bit.
Step 4: Bake
Place the pears in a baking dish. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tbsp honey. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes until pears are soft and slightly golden.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle with chopped walnuts and an extra drizzle of honey if you like. Serve warm.
✅ Pro Tips
- Don’t overbake—check for fork-tender pears after 20 minutes
- Full-fat cottage cheese gives the creamiest texture
- Use ripe but firm pears so they don’t fall apart
- Want them sweeter? Add a little brown sugar under the filling
- Let them cool for 5 minutes before topping—they’re hot!
🥡 Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days
- Reheat in the oven at 325°F for 10 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds
- Best enjoyed warm!
😍 Meal Plan Ideas
- Breakfast: Pair with scrambled eggs or a slice of whole grain toast
- Brunch: Serve with a spinach frittata or mini quiche
- Dessert: Add a scoop of vanilla Greek yogurt or a few dark chocolate chips
- Light Dinner: Pair with a fresh salad and crusty bread
🧯 Common Mistakes
- Using pears that are too soft—they’ll get mushy
- Not hollowing out enough space—filling will slide off
- Overfilling—can bubble over and get messy
- Using low-fat cottage cheese—it gets watery
🍽 What to Serve With
- Warm tea or a chai latte
- Crunchy granola on top for extra texture
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze for a gourmet twist
- Greek yogurt on the side
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
Yes! Ricotta is creamier and also works beautifully.
Q: What if I don’t have cinnamon?
Try nutmeg, cardamom, or a little pumpkin spice mix.
Q: Can I bake them ahead and reheat?
Totally. Just don’t top with nuts or extra honey until right before serving.
🍯 Let’s Bake It Together
This is one of those recipes that feels like a treat but is easy enough to make any day. It’s warm, sweet, and satisfying without being heavy. Give it a try and let me know how it goes in the comments—I’d love to hear if you tried a fun variation or have questions. Let’s make something cozy today. 💛
