Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries: A Simple Elegant Dessert

There are few desserts that feel as fancy as they are easy to make, and these Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries are exactly that. The natural sweetness of ripe pears, the creamy saltiness of feta, the crunch of toasted nuts, and the festive pop of dried cranberries come together in one warm, syrupy, irresistible bite. Whether you’re serving them as a holiday treat, a romantic dessert, or a cozy fall or winter indulgence, this recipe offers the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and satisfying.

What Are Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries?

Baked pears are halved, cored, and roasted until tender, then topped with crumbled feta cheese, chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), and dried cranberries. Everything is finished with a generous drizzle of honey before a quick broil or final warm bake. The result is a dessert that feels gourmet but takes minimal effort.

This dish is often served warm and slightly syrupy, making it perfect for cooler weather and festive occasions. The savory touch of feta contrasts the sweetness beautifully, while cranberries and nuts add both texture and visual flair.

this Recipe

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

• Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.
• Easy to make with only a few ingredients.
• Ready in 30 minutes or less.
• Beautiful enough for holidays and dinner parties.
• Sweet and savory in every bite.
• Customizable to suit different tastes or dietary needs.

How Do They Taste?

These baked pears are warm, soft, and slightly caramelized. The honey seeps into the fruit and mixes with the tangy, creamy feta and the chewy-sweet cranberries. Chopped nuts bring crunch and toasty depth, and each bite feels indulgent without being heavy. It’s like the cozy, rustic cousin of a fruit tart simple, warm, and totally comforting.

Every element brings balance: creamy, sweet, tangy, and crunchy.

Health & Ingredient Benefits

• Pears are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
• Feta cheese is lower in fat than many other cheeses and adds calcium and protein.
• Honey provides natural sweetness and antibacterial properties.
• Cranberries are high in antioxidants and vitamin C.
• Walnuts or pecans add omega-3s and healthy fats.

This dish is a naturally sweetened dessert you can feel good about serving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 ripe but firm pears, halved and cored
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for roasting)
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
• 2-3 tablespoons honey (plus extra for drizzling)
• Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
• Fresh rosemary (optional garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• Baking dish or sheet
• Paring knife and spoon
• Small bowl
• Pastry brush (optional)
• Foil (optional for covering)

Optional Substitutions & Additions

• Use goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier, tangier twist.
• Swap honey with maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
• Add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg for spiced warmth.
• Top with granola instead of nuts for extra crunch.
• Add a splash of balsamic reduction for sweet-tangy contrast.
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream to make it more decadent.

How to Make Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare pears: Halve the pears and scoop out the core with a spoon. Place cut side up in a baking dish. Brush with a little melted butter if using.
3. Roast: Bake the pears for 20-25 minutes or until tender but not mushy.
4. Add toppings: Remove pears from oven and top each half with crumbled feta, nuts, and cranberries. Drizzle with honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
5. Broil or bake again: Return to the oven for 5 more minutes, or place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to caramelize the toppings.
6. Serve warm: Garnish with fresh rosemary if desired and drizzle with more honey before serving.

What to Serve With Baked Pears

• A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream
• Greek yogurt for a healthier twist
• A glass of Moscato, Riesling, or spiced cider
• A cheese board or grazing platter
• As a sweet ending to a roasted chicken or holiday meal

Tips for Success

• Use ripe but firm pears so they hold their shape.
• Don’t overbake or they’ll fall apart.
• Core pears with a melon baller or spoon for clean cavities.
• Let guests drizzle their own honey at the table for fun.
• Broil briefly at the end for the perfect golden finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using overly ripe pears: They may turn mushy during baking.
• Overloading toppings: Keep a balance to prevent sogginess.
• Skipping the second bake: This step melts the cheese and brings everything together.
• Too much honey too early: It may burn under the broiler reserve some for after.

How to Store & Reheat

To store: Let pears cool completely. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

To reheat: Warm in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave briefly. Drizzle with fresh honey before serving.

To freeze: Not recommended. Pears change texture and topping gets soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of pears work best?
Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett pears all work well as long as they’re ripe but firm.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can bake the pears ahead and reheat just before topping and serving.

Is this dessert sweet or savory?
It’s a little of both sweet from honey and pears, savory from feta.

Can I use fresh cranberries?
You can, but they’ll be tart. Dried cranberries add sweetness and texture.

Nutritional Info (approximate per serving, 1 pear half)

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 17g
• Sodium: 160mg

Conclusion

Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries is the kind of dessert that feels fancy yet is so simple it could become a weekday treat. It’s warm, elegant, and full of beautiful textures and contrasts. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday table, an intimate dinner, or just treating yourself, this recipe makes an impression. It celebrates the natural sweetness of fruit with just enough flair to make it unforgettable.

Print

August 20, 2025 by Melissa