When it comes to effortless elegance, Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cranberries always steal the show. Soft, roasted pears meet creamy goat cheese and a drizzle of golden honey for a dessert (or appetizer!) that’s both rustic and refined. With just a few ingredients, this recipe transforms seasonal fruit into something truly special — perfect for dinner parties, date nights, or cozy holiday gatherings.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Baked Pears
This dish has that sweet-and-savory balance that makes every bite unforgettable.
- Elegant yet incredibly simple
- Naturally sweet and refined without heavy sugar
- Beautiful presentation for holidays or dinner parties
- A perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and caramelized flavors
- Ready in 30 minutes or less
- Delicious warm or room temperature
I first made this recipe one Thanksgiving when my mom’s oven was full of casseroles, and I needed a simple dessert that didn’t take much space or attention. The pears came out caramelized at the edges, the goat cheese softened just enough, and the honey tied it all together. Ever since then, it’s been a go-to when I want something that feels fancy but takes almost no effort — just heart and good ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient brings its own texture and flavor, making this simple dish shine.
Main Ingredients
- 3 ripe but firm pears (Bartlett or Bosc) – halved and cored for perfect roasting texture
- 3 oz goat cheese – creamy and tangy contrast to the sweet fruit
- ⅓ cup fresh cranberries – tart pop that brightens every bite
- 2 tbsp honey – for natural sweetness and caramelization
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter – helps roast the pears evenly and adds richness
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional) – a hint of warmth and spice
- Fresh mint leaves (optional) – for garnish and color
Optional Add-Ons or Substitutes
- Swap goat cheese for ricotta or mascarpone for a milder taste
- Use dried cranberries if fresh aren’t available
- Drizzle maple syrup instead of honey for deeper flavor
- Add toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch
- Sprinkle sea salt flakes for contrast
- Add a spoonful of Delicious Honey Cranberry Butter on top for a festive twist
Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe is as easy as it is beautiful.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Halve and core the pears. Use a spoon or melon baller to gently remove the seeds and center. Arrange cut side up in the dish.
- Brush each pear with melted butter and drizzle lightly with honey. Sprinkle with cinnamon if using.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until pears are tender and lightly golden at the edges.
- Remove from the oven and spoon a small amount of goat cheese into the center of each pear half.
- Top with cranberries and a drizzle of warm honey. Return to the oven for 5 more minutes to soften the cheese slightly.
- Garnish with mint leaves before serving.
Quick Reminders:
- Don’t overbake — pears should be soft but not mushy
- Warm honey before drizzling for easy flow
- Use small baking dishes to keep juices close to the fruit
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor
Expert Tips for Success
This recipe looks elegant, but small tweaks make it unforgettable.
- Choose firm pears — Bosc hold their shape best when baked
- Warm the goat cheese slightly before adding — it melts smoother
- Roast on parchment for easy cleanup and even browning
- Use high-quality honey — its flavor carries the dish
- Add nuts or granola for crunch and texture
- Balance with salt — a small sprinkle makes the sweetness shine
- Serve warm — the flavors bloom when slightly heated
For another sweet, cozy dessert that complements this one, try Easy Nantucket Cranberry Pie or my comforting Milk Baked Rice Pudding — both perfect for fall and winter gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
These baked pears are incredibly versatile — serve them sweet, savory, or somewhere in between.
- As a light dessert with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
- As an appetizer on a holiday charcuterie board
- With a drizzle of balsamic reduction for depth
- Paired with Cinnamon Sugar Blondies for a dessert duo
- Alongside Sparkling Cranberry White Chocolate Cupcakes for festive flair
- Topped with crushed pistachios for added crunch
When I serve this dish at gatherings, I usually add a small cheese board on the side — a mix of sharp cheddar, nuts, and honey — to balance the sweet pears. It turns a simple dessert into a full-on experience.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers store surprisingly well and can be enjoyed warm or chilled.
How to Store It
- Cool completely before storing
- Place in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3 days
- Keep the honey separate if you plan to reheat
How to Reheat It
- Oven: 350°F for 10 minutes until warmed through
- Microwave: 20–30 seconds for a quick single portion
- Drizzle with fresh honey before serving to refresh the flavor
Estimated Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 230 | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Carbs: 32g | Sugar: 26g | Fiber: 4g | Protein: 5g | Sodium: 90mg | Cholesterol: 20mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other fruits instead of pears?
Yes! Apples work beautifully — just slice them thicker to prevent over-softening.
What’s the best goat cheese for baking?
A soft, spreadable variety melts evenly and balances the fruit’s sweetness.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can use coconut oil instead of butter and a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Final Thoughts
These Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cranberries embody everything I love about fall cooking — simple ingredients that turn into something elegant and deeply comforting. The sweetness of the pears, the tang of the goat cheese, and the pop of tart cranberries come together in harmony with every warm, honeyed bite.
It’s the kind of recipe that makes you slow down, savor, and share. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just yourself, this dish proves that simplicity is often the most beautiful kind of luxury.
- Use firm pears for perfect texture
- Drizzle warm honey right before serving
- Serve with pride — it’s rustic elegance at its best
Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cranberries
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Halve and core the pears. Arrange cut side up in the dish.
- Brush each pear with melted butter and drizzle lightly with honey. Sprinkle with cinnamon if using.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until pears are tender and lightly golden at the edges.
- Remove from oven and spoon goat cheese into the center of each pear half.
- Top with cranberries and drizzle with warm honey. Return to the oven for 5 more minutes to soften cheese.
- Garnish with mint leaves before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use coconut oil and dairy-free cheese for a dairy-free version.
