Move over apples, these pear recipes, from autumnal salads to cozy bakes, put the fall fruit front and center in sides, mains and desserts.
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Pear Bread Recipe
From the Recipe Creator:
When our tree branches are loaded with ripe and juicy fruit, I treat my family and friends to lots of easy pear recipes. I always receive raves and requests for this particular pear bread recipe because of the mix of fun ingredients. —Linda Patrick, Houston, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 168 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
2/44
Pear Tart
From the Recipe Creator:
My sister-in-law brought this pretty pastry to dinner one night, and we all went back for seconds. It is truly scrumptious. —Kathryn Rogers, Suisun City, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 199 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 112mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
3/44
Slow-Cooked Gingered Pears
From the Recipe Creator:
My slow cooker allows me to serve a heartwarming dessert without much effort. Topped with caramel sauce, these tender pears feature a surprise filling of nuts and brown sugar. —Catherine Mueller, St. Paul, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 263 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 43mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 6g fiber), 1g protein.
4/44
Pear Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
I entered this pie in a local baking contest and ended up winning! Bartlett pears hold up well when baked, adding a nice layer of texture. —Darlene Jacobson, Waterford, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 438 calories, 21g fat (6g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 317mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
5/44
Pear and Gorgonzola Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick, easy recipe really showcases pears. When I have leftover cooked chicken, I often add it to the recipe to make a main dish salad. —Candy McMenamin, Lexington, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups salad with about 3 tablespoons dressing: 315 calories, 23g fat (4g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 301mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 5g fiber), 5g protein.
6/44
Spiced Pear Upside-Down Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
The flavors of fresh, sweet pears and gingerbread blend beautifully in this intriguing variation on pineapple upside-down cake. Leftovers—if there are any—taste amazing with coffee or tea the next day. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 419 calories, 25g fat (13g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 347mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
7/44
Pear & Ginger Sparkler
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this twist on a Bellini when a friend gave me some Asian pears she grew in her backyard. If you like ginger and want more of a kick, try substituting ginger liqueur for the vodka. —Jacyn Siebert, San Francisco, California
8/44
Cranberry Pear Tart
From the Recipe Creator:
This homey tart looks and tastes like apple pie, except it uses pears! Each serving has half the calories of an average pie slice. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 203 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 104mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 fruit.
9/44
Caramel and Pear Pudding
From the Recipe Creator:
Here is a lovely winter dessert that uses fresh seasonal pears. It's easy to fix and a comforting treat after any meal. I enjoy snacking on it while sitting by the fireplace. —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 274 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 164mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
10/44
Hazelnut Pear Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
From the hazelnuts to the yummy browned butter glaze, this dessert is a little different from an everyday pound cake. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 533 calories, 30g fat (13g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 193mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (42g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
11/44
Pear Honey
From the Recipe Creator:
Pear honey is an old recipe that's been passed down through families. We especially like it with hot biscuits and butter. It's also good on pound cake or even ice cream. Make sure the pears you use are very firm. —Charlotte McDaniel, Jacksonville, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 91 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
12/44
Grilled Bistro Breakfast Sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
I used to make a classic breakfast sandwich when my kids were still at home. Now that it’s just my husband and me, I’ve jazzed it up with pear, smoked Gouda and spinach. —Wendy Ball, Battle Creek, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 629 calories, 33g fat (17g saturated fat), 461mg cholesterol, 1510mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 38g protein.
13/44
Orange and Pear Upside-Down Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
I love cooking with my cast-iron skillet, whether it's to make a main dish or dessert. This upside-down cake is a fall version of a typical summer favorite. —Linda Persall, Cullman, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 352 calories, 19g fat (14g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 283mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
14/44
Pear Waldorf Pitas
From the Recipe Creator:
Not all pear recipes are sweet! Here’s a guaranteed table brightener. Just stand back and watch these sandwiches vanish. For an eye-catching presentation, I tuck each one into a colorful folded napkin. —Roxann Parker, Dover, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 pita half: 67 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 86mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
15/44
Pear Crisp
From the Recipe Creator:
Since my husband is a livestock truck driver, he often starts work early in the morning. This pear crisp recipe will keep him going until breakfast. Our two boys love to have it for dessert and in their school lunches. —Joanne Korevaar, Burgessville, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 268 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 85mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 5g fiber), 2g protein.
16/44
Taste-of-Fall Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
My parents stayed with me at a friend’s beautiful ranch for the holidays and I made them this great salad. It turned into every night’s first course. —Kristin Kossak, Bozeman, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 228 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
17/44
Pear ‘n’ Fennel Pork
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh fennel has a large bulbous base and pale green stems with wispy foliage. Often mislabeled as sweet anise, it has a sweeter and more delicate flavor than anise. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 431 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 390mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein.
18/44
Red Wine & Cranberry Poached Pears
From the Recipe Creator:
While being poached, the pear absorbs the sweetness and spice from the sugar, wine, cinnamon and peppercorn. It makes an easy yet elegant dessert that's perfect for a special night. —Kiersten Atkinson, Birmingham, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 310 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (44g sugars, 6g fiber), 1g protein.
19/44
Pear Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
When pears are in season, I love to make this family favorite. It is moist and keeps well, and it makes a wonderful dessert as well as a breakfast or brunch cake. —Frances Lanier, Metter, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 424 calories, 22g fat (3g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
20/44
Apple and Pear Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
When my sister Catherine made her apple cake for me, I knew I needed the recipe. For my version, I added some pears from the trees on our acreage. The resulting apple-pear cake is so moist and tastes so good. Now every time I make it, people want my recipe. —Mary Ann Lees, Centreville, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 613 calories, 30g fat (6g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 306mg sodium, 84g carbohydrate (60g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
21/44
Deconstructed Pear Pork Chops
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll be tempted to eat this main dish right out of the pan, but try to resist. These chops are sure to wow guests at the dinner table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 3/4 cup stuffing mixture: 603 calories, 28g fat (14g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 1094mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 5g fiber), 38g protein.
22/44
Butterscotch Pears
From the Recipe Creator:
This grand finale simmers during dinner and impresses as soon as you bring it to the table. Serve it as is or with vanilla ice cream and a slice of pound cake. Leftover pear nectar is heavenly when added to sparkling wine or simply poured over ice. —Theresa Kreyche, Tustin, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pear half: 209 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 109mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein.
23/44
Almond Pear Tart
From the Recipe Creator:
I had never seen a pie without a pan until my daughter brought home this wonderful pear almond tart recipe from a Rotary Club exchange program in Belgium. It's still a family favorite after all these years. —Sherry LaMay, Capitan, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 269 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
24/44
Bacon Pear Salad with Parmesan Dressing
From the Recipe Creator:
This simple salad is an elegant side dish for any menu. With a blend of fresh pears and warm, comforting flavors, it’s perfect for special meals. —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 206 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 335mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
25/44
Glazed Pear Shortcakes
From the Recipe Creator:
Family and friends will savor every last crumb of this lickety-split dessert. The pound cake absorbs the apricot flavor and the warm sweetness of the pears. The treat is special enough to serve company—and cute too! —Fran Thomas, St. James City, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 256 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 161mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
26/44
Mushroom Pear Melts
From the Recipe Creator:
I really like mushrooms with cheese. Add pears, broil away and you have got a scrumptious open-faced sandwich. Serve with a salad and fruity tea. —Marla Hyatt, St. Paul, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2 open-faced sandwiches: 421 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 883mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 9g fiber), 19g protein.
27/44
Cherry Pear Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
Two of my family's favorite fruits appear in this splendid pie with a nutty streusel topping. I like to serve slices with cherry-vanilla frozen yogurt. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 531 calories, 22g fat (12g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 219mg sodium, 80g carbohydrate (45g sugars, 5g fiber), 5g protein.
28/44
Toffee-Pear Crisp Bread Pudding
From the Recipe Creator:
My son loves pear crisp, but one night I was making bread pudding. He asked if I could make both. I compromised by combining the two desserts into this one dish. It's absolutely fantastic! —Kurt Wait, Redwood City, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 331 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 260mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
29/44
Roasted Parsnip and Pear Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Although pears and parsnips may seem like an odd combination, the pears bring out the natural sweetness of the parsnips in this winter soup. Don't skip the topping; it's the best part! —Sara Petrie, Grassie, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 358 calories, 19g fat (10g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 911mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 7g fiber), 4g protein.
30/44
Gorgonzola-Pear Mesclun Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This pretty salad is a tasty way to get your greens. To change it up, swap in apples for the pears and pecans for the walnuts. —Joylyn Trickel, Helendale, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 204 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 247mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein.
31/44
Pear Jam
From the Recipe Creator:
A neighbor of mine passed along this favorite recipe. I've given many jars of this jam as gifts. We enjoy it on toast with ham and eggs, or on hot rolls with meat. —Karen Bockelman, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 78 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 20g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
32/44
Ginger-Lime Pear Cobbler
From the Recipe Creator:
We have a huge pear tree in our yard, which is why I came up with this recipe. The tart lime, sweet pears and tangy ginger are a winning combination. —Heather Naas, Lompoc, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 281 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 184mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
33/44
Caramelized Pears
From the Recipe Creator:
After picking an abundant crop of pears, I was looking for new ways to enjoy them. A friend suggested warming them with butter and brown sugar. This tasty recipe was the result! We like them with vanilla bean ice cream, but plain vanilla or cinnamon ice cream is also quite delicious! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 96 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 33mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
34/44
Vanilla Pear Berry Jam
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the first jam that I came up with on my own—and I love the flavor combo! —Rachel Creech, Marion, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 91 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 23g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
35/44
Pear Pandowdy
From the Recipe Creator:
I pulled out this recipe one night when my husband was craving something sweet, and it was a big hit with both of us. It's a superb last-minute dessert that almost melts in your mouth. —Jennifer Class, Kirkland, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 594 calories, 32g fat (20g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 572mg sodium, 76g carbohydrate (45g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein.
36/44
Autumn Pear Bread
From the Recipe Creator:
Pears give these little loaves delicious flavor and help keep them nice and moist. They make lovely gifts to share too. —Mary Lynn Wilson, Linden, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 173 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 208mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
37/44
Caramel Apple-Pear Crisp
From the Recipe Creator:
This crisp is packed with a combination of healthy pears and apples, and just the right amount of tasty walnuts in the topping. You'll love it! —Amanda Pettit, Logan, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 181 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 51mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
38/44
Pear Bundt Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
Next time you make cake from a mix, try my easy and delicious recipe. The pears and syrup add sweet flavor and prevent the cake from drying out. And since there's no oil added to the batter, this tender fall-perfect cake is surprisingly low in fat. —Veronica Ross, Columbia Heights, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 149 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 232mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
39/44
Pear Harvest Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
We came up with this delicious salad trying to use up leftover turkey after Thanksgiving. We think you'll love it too! —Nancy Prewitt, Beaverton, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 438 calories, 23g fat (4g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 549mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 5g fiber), 34g protein.
40/44
Pear Puff Pastry
From the Recipe Creator:
A honey of a salute to late-summer pear season, this cozy dessert looks both elegant and decadent. Wrapped in puff pastry, the pears resemble little beehives. —Heather Baird, Knoxville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 pear with 3 tablespoons syrup: 518 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 205mg sodium, 92g carbohydrate (49g sugars, 9g fiber), 5g protein.
41/44
Rustic Pear Tart
From the Recipe Creator:
I saw a recipe for this rustic tart in a cookbook and wanted to try my own version of it. I changed the spices and chose my own fruits. It is a perfect dessert for fall. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 239 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 107mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
42/44
Spiced Tea Poached Pears
From the Recipe Creator:
Pears are among my favorite fall fruits. This lovely dessert makes them especially spectacular. These pears provide easy elegance at its best—and that's important around the holidays. —Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 poached pear with 2 teaspoons syrup and 2 teaspoons sauce: 175 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 13mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 5g fiber), 1g protein.
43/44
Roquefort Pear Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Guests at a barbecue we hosted one summer brought this cool, refreshing salad. Now it’s a mainstay at many of our gatherings year-round. The mingling of zesty tastes and textures instantly wakes up the taste buds. —Sherry Duval, Baltimore, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 171 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 303mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fruit.
44/44
Poached Pears with Vanilla Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
This dessert makes a great ending to an indulgent feast—elegant and delicious but not too heavy. Whole pears are lightly spiced and chilled, then served with a heavenly custard sauce. —Al Latimer, Bentonville, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 539 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 174mg cholesterol, 33mg sodium, 107g carbohydrate (96g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
Pear Recipes FAQ
What can I do with a lot of pears?
If you have a lot of pears to use up, try making a big double-crusted pie, which can hold several pounds of sliced pears, or cook down a mound of chopped fruit into a jam or chutney. You can also simmer a combination of pears and apples together to make a big batch of pear applesauce that you can spoon over ice cream, Greek yogurt or pork chops.
What are the best pears for baking?
You can bake with most types of pears, though the most common choices are Bosc, Bartlett and Anjou. Start with pears that are ripe yet still slightly firm so they soften during baking without becoming shapeless or mushy. Stir chopped pears into quick bread or muffin batters or slice them for pies, tarts and galettes.
What flavors go well with pears?
Pears taste delicious with a wide variety of sweet and savory flavors, including creamy and sharp cheeses, berries, nuts, bitter vegetables, vanilla, maple, honey and warm fall spices. The sweetness of pears blends with the flavor notes in red and white wine for classic and elegant poached pears and can also stand up to the sharpness of lemons and limes. My favorite combination is pears and dark chocolate, a duo that seamlessly balances the floral, fruity and sugary notes of each.
