Indulge in the rustic charm of this Pear Mincemeat Dessert, a perfect blend of autumnal flavors and heartwarming sweetness. Juicy, ripe pears are halved and filled with a rich, spiced mincemeat mixture made from raisins, dried cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and a hint of orange zest. This delightful filling, infused with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, is cooked to perfection with a touch of butter, brown sugar, and fresh orange juice for a sticky, aromatic base. The dessert is elegantly topped with flaky pastry, brushed with a golden egg wash, and baked until the pears are tender and the crust is irresistibly crisp. This easy-to-make yet impressive recipe is ready in under an hour, making it ideal for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or simply for savoring with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Warm, comforting, and utterly delicious, this dessert is a celebration of seasonal flavors!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Peel the pears, slice them in half lengthwise, and scoop out the cores with a spoon to create a cavity for the filling.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, raisins, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, orange zest, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Stir well to combine.
Add the fresh orange juice and vanilla extract to the saucepan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture is thick and sticky. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Place the pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish. Fill each pear cavity generously with the mincemeat mixture.
Roll out the pastry dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into strips or shapes (such as stars or lattice) to decorate the top of the pears as desired.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush the pastry pieces with the egg wash for a golden finish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the pastry is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let the pears cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
Calories |
2881 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 116.3 g | 149% | |
| Saturated Fat | 41.9 g | 209% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 323 mg | 108% | |
| Sodium | 1244 mg | 54% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 439.4 g | 160% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 47.2 g | 169% | |
| Total Sugars | 257.5 g | ||
| Protein | 38.9 g | 78% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.1 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 350 mg | 27% | |
| Iron | 10.7 mg | 59% | |
| Potassium | 2647 mg | 56% | |
*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.