Transform ripe pears into a warm and indulgent dessert with this Gingersnap Pears recipe, a perfect blend of fall-inspired flavors and cozy textures. Juicy, tender pear halves are baked to perfection under a crispy, buttery topping made from crushed gingersnap cookies, brown sugar, and a touch of cinnamon. The addition of vanilla and a splash of lemon juice enhances the natural sweetness of the pears, while a bit of water in the baking dish ensures they stay moist. This easy yet elegant dessert is ready in under an hour and makes a delightful treat when served with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Ideal for autumn gatherings, holiday dinners, or simply when you crave something warm and spiced, Gingersnap Pears will become your go-to dessert for impressing guests with minimal effort.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Peel the pears, cut them in half lengthwise, and use a spoon or melon baller to remove the cores. Gently rub the pear halves with lemon juice to prevent browning and place them cut side up in a baking dish.
Crush the gingersnap cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a resealable plastic bag and rolling with a rolling pin.
Melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe dish. In a bowl, combine the crushed gingersnap cookies, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Spoon the gingersnap mixture generously over the pear halves, pressing the topping down lightly to adhere.
Pour 1/4 cup water into the baking dish around the pears to create steam while baking, which helps keep the pears moist.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pears are tender when pierced with a fork and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
Remove the pears from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Calories |
1484 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 66.0 g | 85% | |
| Saturated Fat | 34.9 g | 174% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 139 mg | 46% | |
| Sodium | 697 mg | 30% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 230.4 g | 84% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.4 g | 98% | |
| Total Sugars | 120.0 g | ||
| Protein | 9.9 g | 20% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 219 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 9.2 mg | 51% | |
| Potassium | 1327 mg | 28% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.