Healthy Apple Stuffed Pears – A Cozy, Naturally Sweet Dessert

Pears and apples make great partners, especially when warm, spiced, and gently baked. This simple dessert feels cozy and special without being heavy or fussy. You get tender pears filled with cinnamon-kissed apples, nuts, and a touch of maple.

It tastes like a lighter version of apple pie, with way less work. Serve it on a cool evening, or make it ahead for a brunch that looks fancy but is secretly easy.

Healthy Apple Stuffed Pears - A Cozy, Naturally Sweet Dessert

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  

• 4 ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Anjou work well)
• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji)
• 2–3 tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey, plus more to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (or pumpkin seeds for nut-free)
• 2 tablespoons raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1–2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
• Pinch of sea salt
• Water for the baking dish
• Plain Greek yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt (optional, for serving)

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish big enough to hold the pears upright.
• Prep the pears: Halve the pears lengthwise and use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out the core and seeds. Create a small well for the filling. Brush the cut sides with lemon juice to keep them from browning.
• Make the filling: In a bowl, combine the diced apples, maple syrup or honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, nuts, raisins or cranberries (if using), melted coconut oil or butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the apples are evenly coated.
• Stuff the pears: Arrange the pear halves cut side up in the baking dish. Spoon the apple mixture into each well, mounding it slightly.
• Add moisture: Pour about 1/3 cup water into the bottom of the baking dish to create steam and keep the pears tender.
• Bake: Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 15–20 minutes, until the pears are tender when pierced and the apples are soft and glossy. If they look dry, drizzle on a little extra maple syrup.
• Finish and serve: Let the pears rest 5 minutes. Serve warm with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt. Add a light drizzle of maple syrup if you want more sweetness.

What Makes This Special

• Simple ingredients, big flavor: You only need everyday pantry items and a few fresh pieces of fruit.
• Naturally sweet: The fruit does most of the work. A small drizzle of maple syrup or honey brings everything together.
• No fuss baking: The pears soften in the oven while the apple filling gets tender and fragrant.
• Flexible: Works with different pears, apples, nuts, and spices.

  Easy to adjust for dietary needs.

• Great warm or cold: It’s lovely right from the oven, and just as good chilled the next day.

Ingredients

• 4 ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Anjou work well)
• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji)
• 2–3 tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey, plus more to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (or pumpkin seeds for nut-free)
• 2 tablespoons raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1–2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
• Pinch of sea salt
• Water for the baking dish
• Plain Greek yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt (optional, for serving)

How to Make It

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish big enough to hold the pears upright.
2. Prep the pears: Halve the pears lengthwise and use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out the core and seeds. Create a small well for the filling.

   Brush the cut sides with lemon juice to keep them from browning.

3. Make the filling: In a bowl, combine the diced apples, maple syrup or honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, nuts, raisins or cranberries (if using), melted coconut oil or butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the apples are evenly coated.
4. Stuff the pears: Arrange the pear halves cut side up in the baking dish. Spoon the apple mixture into each well, mounding it slightly.
5. Add moisture: Pour about 1/3 cup water into the bottom of the baking dish to create steam and keep the pears tender.
6. Bake: Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

   Remove the foil and bake another 15–20 minutes, until the pears are tender when pierced and the apples are soft and glossy. If they look dry, drizzle on a little extra maple syrup.

7. Finish and serve: Let the pears rest 5 minutes. Serve warm with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt.

   Add a light drizzle of maple syrup if you want more sweetness.

Keeping It Fresh

• Storage: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–12 minutes, or microwave in short bursts until heated through.
• Make-ahead: Prep the filling a day ahead and refrigerate. Core the pears right before baking to keep them from browning.
• Freezing: Not ideal. The pears can turn watery.

  If needed, freeze the apple filling only and stuff fresh pears later.

Why This is Good for You

• Fiber-rich: Pears and apples are both high in fiber, which supports digestion and helps you feel satisfied.
• Natural sweetness: You rely mostly on fruit, so you can keep added sugars low.
• Healthy fats: Nuts add heart-healthy fats and a bit of protein for better balance.
• Micronutrients: You get vitamin C, potassium, and polyphenols from the fruit and spices.
• Portion-friendly: Half a stuffed pear can be plenty for a snack; a whole half feels like dessert.

Pitfalls to Watch Out For

• Overripe pears: They turn mushy fast. Choose pears that yield slightly at the stem but still feel firm.
• Dry baking dish: No water means the fruit may burn or dry out. Keep a little water in the pan.
• Too sweet: Taste the filling before baking.

  If your apples are very sweet, cut back on maple syrup.

• Uneven cooking: Dice apples evenly and keep pear halves similar in size to cook at the same rate.
• Skipping the fat: A small amount of butter or coconut oil helps the filling turn glossy and flavorful.

Recipe Variations

• Oat crumble: Add 1/3 cup rolled oats to the filling and a pinch more cinnamon for a crisp vibe.
• Ginger spice: Mix 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger into the filling.
• Citrus pop: Add orange zest to the apples and finish with a squeeze of orange juice after baking.
• Nut-free crunch: Use pumpkin or sunflower seeds instead of nuts.
• Dairy-free: Use coconut oil and a plant-based yogurt for serving.
• Protein boost: Stir 1–2 tablespoons hemp seeds into the filling or top with a dollop of skyr or high-protein yogurt.
• Savory-sweet twist: Add a tiny pinch of black pepper and a few fresh thyme leaves to the filling.

FAQ

What kind of pears work best?

Bosc and Anjou hold their shape well when baked. Bartlett can work if they’re just barely ripe. Choose pears that feel firm with a little give at the stem.

Do I have to peel the pears?

No.

The skin helps the halves keep their structure and adds fiber. If you prefer a softer texture, you can peel them, but handle gently.

Can I make this without added sugar?

Yes. Skip the maple syrup and rely on the apples and pears.

If you still want more flavor, add extra cinnamon and a splash of vanilla.

How do I know the pears are done?

They should pierce easily with a fork but not collapse. The apples will look tender and glossy, and the edges may caramelize slightly.

What apples are best for the filling?

Use apples that hold shape but turn tender, like Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Pink Lady. Avoid very tart varieties unless you balance with a bit more sweetener.

Can I cook this in an air fryer?

Yes.

Place stuffed pears in a foil-lined basket and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 12–18 minutes, checking for tenderness. Add a spoonful of water to the foil for moisture.

Is there a way to add more protein?

Top with Greek yogurt, skyr, or stir hemp seeds into the filling. A small scoop of cottage cheese on the side also works.

How can I make it more indulgent without going overboard?

Drizzle with a little warm almond butter, or add a few dark chocolate shavings after baking.

A tiny scoop of vanilla yogurt “ice cream” keeps it lighter than traditional ice cream.

In Conclusion

Healthy Apple Stuffed Pears bring cozy flavor with minimal effort and wholesome ingredients. They’re sweet, spiced, and satisfying without feeling heavy. Keep this recipe in your back pocket for weeknights, brunches, or any time you want a dessert that checks both the comfort and health boxes.

Simple, flexible, and always a crowd-pleaser.