Maple Fried Pears

Fried Pears are a delicious comforting dessert recipe that is super quick and easy to make. Sliced pears are seared in butter and maple syrup until soft, then they can be eaten with a scoop of ice cream, as-is, or used in other dishes like cakes, oatmeal, or as a topping for other desserts!

Pears can be very versatile. I love making fried pears as an easy dessert, or to put on top of our morning oatmeal.

Slice up your pears (ripe or slightly underripe both work), then fry them in butter and maple syrup. Just a few humbe ingredients turn pears into something super special.

Simple fruit desserts are always one of my favorite dishes to create. I love making fruit compote, or even simple stewed pears or stewed plums. Poached pears is another favorite, as well as fried bananas.

Cooking fruit allows the natural flavors to come through while the natural sweetness shines.

Pears are used in desserts because they have a nice, mild taste and can be paired with other flavors.

Slightly ripe pears also hold up well when cooked leaving a nice soft texture that is warming and comforting.

Pears also have great health benefits! They’re a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. They have much less sugar than other store-bought desserts making this recipe an option for a healthy lifestyle.

You can use fried pears in a variety of different ways including adding to pastries and baked goods, chopped up as a jam or jelly, or as a topping on ice cream or yogurt or over pancakes or waffles!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

The entire recipe takes under 20 minutes to make from start to finish.

A great way to use up pears that are getting ripe too fast.

This dessert is great for entertaining or just when you want a sweet treat.

It's versatile! You can use it as a topping, add it to baked goods, or eat it as-is with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

• Ripe Pears - You can use any pears you enjoy, but it's best to have the pears just a little soft yet firm so they will give off more of their natural juices and keep their texture.
• Butter - The butter helps to add buttery flavor and richness while searing the pears.
• Maple Syrup - The maple syrup helps to add a touch of sweetness and natural maple flavor while enhancing the natural sweetness. You can also use honey as an alternative.
• Vanilla Ice Cream - Topping pears with vanilla ice cream is a great way to add another level of creamy and sweet flavor.
• Nutmeg - Adds an additional hint of warming flavor to the pears that gives them a touch of comfort.

Please see the recipe card below for quantities.

How to fry pears

Wondering how to make this Fried Pears recipe? It's easy! Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then, scroll down for the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.

Prepare the pears: Wash the pears thoroughly in cold water to remove any impurities. Slice the pear in half and remove the core. Slice into thick slices using a sharp knife.

Cook the syrup: To a skillet, add the butter and maple syrup. Allow it to melt over medium-high heat. Add the pear slices.

Cook the pears: Let the mixture bubble in the pan and cook the pears until they turn golden as the syrup reduces. Turn the pears over with tongs halfway once to brown the other side.

Serve hot: Once the pears are golden and caramelized, remove from the heat and distribute into serving dishes along with a scoop of ice cream and a pinch of nutmeg.

Top tips

Use a sharp knife when slicing the pears to ensure even, clean slices.

Make sure the slices are thick enough so they don't break down too quickly in the pan.

Cook in batches if necessary, adding a little more butter and syrup if required.

If your pears are ripe and releasing juice as you slice them, that's okay! The added syrup will help to enhance their flavor.

The best type of pears to use for this recipe are Bosc pears as they are more firm and hold their shape well when cooked.

Serving Suggestions

Use as a topping for Fluffy vegan pancakes or Waffles.

Serve with a dollop of Coconut Cream Frosting for a quick dessert.

Layer a few slices into this Walnut Granola Breakfast Parfait.

Use as a topping for Carrot Cake Oatmeal with Pecans.

Variations

Don't like pears? Try using apples, peaches, or your favorite stone fruit.

If you want a sweeter flavor, try using brown sugar or honey in place of the maple syrup.

Try using half pears and half apples.

Add a pinch of pumpkin pie spice, chai spice or speculoos (biscoff) spice.

Add a cinnamon stick to the pan while cooking for an extra warm and comforting flavor.

You can also add some raisins or chopped nuts to the pears before serving for added texture and flavor.

For a grown-up flavor, add a shot of rum to the syrup.

Storage

Storing: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

Reheating: To reheat, place pears in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through. You could also reheat in a skillet over medium heat.

Freezing: Leftovers can be frozen for up to three months in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

More Fruit Dessert Recipes

• Strawberries and Cream
• Grilled Apple Celeriac Cake
• Peaches and Cream
• Grilled Nectarines with Brown Sugar and Maple Syrup

More Pear Recipes

I hope you love this simple dish of fried pears. Be sure to use up your pears with these other recipes too!

Pear and Gorgonzola Salad
Stewed Pears
Poached Pears in Red Wine with Cinnamon Cream
Gingerbread Pear Parfait
Ginger and Pear Polenta Cake

📖 Recipe