Easy Baked Pears (to Share with the Kids)

With a super simple method and a most delicious flavor, these Baked Pears are a favorite snack for babies, toddlers, and us parents. I love that they are yummy both warm and cold, and that they’re a great way to use up pears.

Baked Pears

I’ve been making sliced Baked Apples for years and years and recently started to use the same method on pears. Oh my gosh, I wish I’d tried this sooner because it’s both easy and so darn yummy!

I love that it’s such an easy way to transform fruit, even if it’s a little underripe, and that I love it as much as my kids do.

Plus, you can serve them warm or cold, on their own or with other foods. Win, win!

We honestly love them as a stand alone snack or as a side dish with a meal. They’re so good with oatmeal and yogurt, but also work well with something like roasted chicken. (Similar to our Sauteed Pears.)

And you can make them with any type of pears you might have.

Ingredients You Need

To make this recipe, you need just three simple ingredients. Here’s a look:

• Pears: I use Bartlett usually, but any kind will work.
• Butter or coconut oil: There’s not much flavor difference here, so use the one you have or prefer.
• Cinnamon: This adds a nice bit of spice.

TIP: You can add a little vanilla extract or other warm spices such as ground ginger if you like.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a look at how to make this recipe. Scroll down to the bottom of this post for the full information.

1. Wash and dry the pears.
2. Cut into 1/2-inch thick slices. Discard the stems. (I leave the peel on but you could peel them if your kids prefer it that way.)
3. Toss with melted butter or oil and cinnamon. Spread the pears flat in a baking dish.
4. Bake until soft when poked with a fork. Different varieties and ripenesses of pears may make the baking time a little different.

TIP: If your pears are super firm, they may take a little longer to cook. That’s totally fine, no worries!

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Pear Recipes to Try

If you have extra pears or just love pears, you might also like:

Serving Suggestions

You can offer this recipe with Oatmeal, Yogurt, or as part of a simple kid’s lunch. You can also serve them as a side dish alongside Chicken Tenders, Fish Sticks, or Pan-Seared Chicken.

How to Store

Store, once cooled, in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can reheat them briefly in the microwave (about 15-30 seconds is usually plenty) or serve them cold.

You could also freeze them in a freezer bag with as much air removed as possible for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Best Tips for Success

• Serve warm or cold, either on their own or with yogurt, oatmeal, or as a side for something like roasted chicken.
• I prefer to leave the skin on both because it’s easier and because my kids don’t mind it. You can remove it if you prefer.
• Any variety of pear will work for this recipe. I usually use Bartlett.
• You can add a little vanilla extract or other warm spices such as ground ginger if you like.
• To serve them baby led weaning style, offer a cooked slice to baby and let them feed it to themselves. (Usually, they’ll simply spit out the skin.)

I’d love to hear your feedback on this recipe if you try it for your family, so please comment and rate the recipe below!

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

• Place the butter or oil into a pie plate or baking dish. Warm in the oven for a few minutes to melt. Remove from oven.

• Slice the pears into approximately 1/2-inch slices and discard the cores. Place into the baking dish with the oil.

• Add the cinnamon and toss to combine.

• Bake for 24-26 minutes, or until tender when poked with a fork. (Under ripe pears may take a few extra minutes; very ripe pears may take a little less.)

• Serve warm or store to serve later.

• Store, once cooled, in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Serve warm or cold, either on their own or with yogurt, oatmeal, or as a side for something like roasted chicken.
• I prefer to leave the skin on both because it’s easier and because my kids don’t mind it. You can remove it if you prefer.
• Any variety of pear will work for this recipe. I usually use Bartlett.
• You can add a little vanilla extract or other warm spices such as ground ginger if you like.
• To serve them baby led weaning style, offer a cooked slice to baby and let them feed it to themselves. (Usually, they’ll simply spit out the skin.)

 

Calories: 138kcal, Carbohydrates: 27g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 8mg, Sodium: 2mg, Potassium: 182mg, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 17g, Vitamin A: 138IU, Vitamin C: 8mg, Calcium: 19mg, Iron: 1mg

This post was first published October 2021.