Perfectly tender and subtly spiced pears in just 8 minutes? Yes, please! These caramelized sautéed pears are a warming, versatile addition to porridge (recipe coming soon), oatmeal, waffles, pancakes, yogurt, ice cream, and more.
Made with just 5 simple ingredients in 1 pan, they’re the perfect quick and classy treat. Let us show you how it’s done!
How to make caramelized pears
The key to caramelized pears? Cooking them at medium heat or higher in a little oil or (vegan) butter to encourage browning. Covering the pan helps them become perfectly tender.
Once they’re browned on one side, we add maple syrup (or brown sugar) for sweetness, cinnamon for spice, and lemon juice for a little brightness. Flip the pears to cook them on the other side, and in a minute or two, you have tender pears coated in saucy, cinnamon-spiced goodness!
We hope you LOVE these caramelized sautéed pears! They’re:
Tender
Sweet
Cinnamon-spiced
Quick & easy
Versatile
& SO delicious!
Enjoy them on their own as a nourishing dessert or add to porridge (recipe coming soon), oatmeal, waffles, pancakes, yogurt, or ice cream. You really can’t go wrong!
More warming fruit recipes
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo @minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!
Servings 2 (Servings)
- 1 large ripe pear*, peeling optional (we like Bosc and Bartlett — organic when possible)
- 1 tsp vegan butter, coconut oil, or neutral oil such as avocado (dairy butter works, too)
- 2 tsp maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp lemon juice
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Quarter pears and optionally peel them (we prefer to leave the skin on for ease and nutrition, but the texture is slightly more enjoyable peeled). Carefully remove and discard the cores and stems. Then cut each quarter in half or thirds to create ~1/2-inch wedges (see photo).
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Heat a large rimmed skillet over medium heat. Add oil or (vegan) butter and swirl to coat.
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Add pears in a single layer, being careful not to crowd the pan. Cover with a lid. Cook for ~2 minutes, or until the pears are beginning to brown. Slightly reduce heat if browning too quickly.
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Remove lid, add brown sugar or maple syrup and cinnamon, and use a spatula to flip / gently toss the pears to begin caramelizing on the other side. Cook uncovered for ~1-2 minutes more, allowing them to sit undisturbed for short periods to achieve proper caramelization — just be careful not to burn. Pears should be tender and slightly caramelized on the edges.
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Add the lemon juice to deglaze the pan and balance the flavors, stir, and remove from heat.
*Prep time does not include peeling pears — we like the ease and health benefits of leaving the skin on.
*Loosely adapted from our Easy Baked Pears.
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate.
Serving: 1 serving Calories: 153 Carbohydrates: 40.1 g Protein: 0.8 g Fat: 0.3 g Saturated Fat: 0.1 g Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2 g Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2 g Trans Fat: 0 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 4 mg Potassium: 278 mg Fiber: 7.1 g Sugar: 27 g Vitamin A: 9.5 IU Vitamin C: 11 mg Calcium: 36 mg Iron: 0.4 mg
