Caramelized Pears

I love the simplicity of a simple bowl of berries or a perfectly ripe pear for dessert. Fruit is a nutritious way to satisfy a sweet tooth, especially if you crave something sweet every night after dinner (hi, it’s me). These caramelized pears take fruit for dessert to the next level. With just four simple ingredients and one pan, you can transform plain pears into a warm sugar-and-spice glazed treat that seems super fancy but comes together with little effort.

Learning how to caramelize pears is as simple as chopping fresh pears and sauteing them in butter, brown sugar and cinnamon until warm and tender. The fruit becomes sweeter as it cooks, and the natural juices combine with the butter and sugar to create a lovely, caramel-like sauce. These pears are satisfying on their own and perfect for topping other dishes. Impress guests by serving caramelized pears with ice cream or use them to bring autumnal fruit flavor to yogurt bowls, cheesecake, pound cake, pancakes and more.

How to Caramelize Pears

Caramelizing pears is quick, easy and done entirely on the stovetop. Start by cutting the pears and removing the core. This recipe instructs you to chop the pears, but you can slice, quarter or half them depending on how you serve them. The bigger you cut them, the longer they need to cook to soften.

Then, heat butter and brown sugar in a skillet until melted. Add the pears and saute them until tender and golden. We include a bit of ground cinnamon for a hint of warmth, but you can add any baking spice you like or even a splash of vanilla extract to the pears for extra flavor. Enjoy the pears warm, and don’t forget to serve them with the buttery pan sauce for maximum flavor.

Ingredients for Caramelized Pears

• Brown sugar: Brown sugar combines with melted butter to create a thickened caramel syrup that coats the pears with sweetness. You can use light or dark brown sugar, depending on how much molasses flavor you want.
• Butter: Either salted or unsalted butter works here to infuse the pears with rich flavor. For a vegan swap, saute the pears in coconut oil instead of butter.
• Cinnamon: Warm and cozy ground cinnamon complements the fruit’s sweetness and the brown sugar’s caramel flavor.
• Pears: For the best texture, choose firm pears that are just ripe and not overly soft. This pear recipe calls for peeled and chopped fruit, but you can leave the peels on for more color and texture and cut the pears into quarters or halves, if you prefer.
• Ice cream: We love the contrast of warm caramelized pears with cool vanilla ice cream, but you can serve the pears on their own or as a topping on cheesecake, fruit trifles and more.

Directions

Step 1: Melt the butter and sugar

Combine the brown sugar, butter and cinnamon in a large skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter melts and the sugar fully dissolves, four to five minutes.

Editor’s Tip: For a salted caramel vibe, use salted butter or add a pinch of salt to the mixture.

Step 2: Cook the pears

Add the chopped pears to the skillet. Stir to coat the fruit in the sauce and continue cooking over medium heat until the pears are tender, 5 to 10 minutes longer. Serve the pears warm over a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Editor’s Tip: If your pears stick to the pan, add a little water (about 1 tablespoon) to help them simmer without scorching.

Recipe Variations

• Customize the fruit to the season: Pears are available year-round, but they’re at their peak during fall and early winter. Switch up the fruit to reflect the best flavors of the season. Swap in apples for pears after a fall orchard visit, or try peaches and plums in the summer.
• Make an elegant presentation: If you want to showcase the caramelized pears, cut them in half instead of chopping them. Use a paring knife or melon baller to remove the core, then cook the pear halves, cut side down. Top each half with a scoop of ice cream or dollop with whipped cream or creme fraiche.
• Add crunch: A crunchy topping delivers textural contrast with the warm, tender pears. Try sprinkling toasted walnuts, pecans or your favorite granola on top. You could also whip up a quick oat and nut topping in the same skillet you cooked the pears. Transfer the fruit to a bowl and toast 1/4 cup each of the oats and nuts in the skillet until fragrant and golden, about five minutes.
• Mix in dried fruit: Toss dried cranberries, raisins or chopped dates into the pan with the pears for a chewy texture and extra fruit flavor.
• Try boozy caramelized pears: Give the pears a deeper, adults-only flavor with a splash of brandy, bourbon or rum. Add 1 tablespoon of liquor to the pan during the final two to three minutes of cooking.
• Switch up the spices: Customize the cozy flavor with other warming spices, like ground nutmeg, cardamom or ginger. You could also add a splash of vanilla extract to the pears during the last minute of cooking.

How to Store Caramelized Pears

Allow the caramelized pears to cool, then transfer them with any remaining sauce to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Can you freeze caramelized pears?

Yes, you can freeze caramelized pears for up to three months. Once cooled, transfer the pears and any remaining sauce to a freezer-safe container or resealable storage bag. Thaw the pears overnight in the fridge the day before you want to use them, then reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave. They may be a bit softer after freezing, thawing and reheating, but they’ll still be a delicious topping for ice cream, oatmeal, pancakes and the like!

How do you reheat caramelized pears?

To reheat caramelized pears, heat them in a saucepan over low heat or toss them in a microwave-safe bowl and nuke until warm.

Caramelized Pear Tips

What pears are good for caramelizing?

The best types of pears for caramelizing are Anjou, Bartlett, Bosc and Concorde. These varieties taste sweet and hold their shape when cooked, so they won’t fall apart or turn into pear sauce. For the best texture, choose firm, slightly under-ripe or just-ripe pears and avoid overly soft fruit.

Do you have to peel pears before cooking?

Peeling the pears before cooking is entirely up to you. If you’re not a fan of skin on fruit or prefer a smooth texture, go ahead and peel them. Some people also like peeling them for a neater aesthetic, but leaving the skin on gives the pears a rustic vibe. Most of the dietary fiber in pears is in the skin, so keeping it on gives your dessert a nutritional boost.

Can you caramelize pears with honey?

Yes! You can caramelize pears with honey (or even maple syrup!) instead of brown sugar. Depending on the type of honey you use, it’ll bring a unique fruity or floral flavor to the pears, while maple syrup will deepen this dish’s toasty, caramel-like flavor. Both are sweeter than brown sugar, so you’ll need to use slightly less in this recipe—substituting 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup for 1/2 cup brown sugar should be perfect.

How can you serve caramelized pears?

We love serving warm caramelized pears with ice cream or fluffy whipped cream. Their cozy fruit flavor also makes these pears an excellent topping for pancakes, waffles, French toast and oatmeal, or layer them into yogurt parfaits. If you’re feeling fancy, add a small dish of caramelized pears to a cheese board—it pairs beautifully with creamy Brie.