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Healthy Apple Stuffed Pears - A Cozy, Naturally Sweet Dessert

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

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)

Method
 

  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.