Name: Roasted Pears with Balsamic and Honey Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 large (slightly under-ripe pears – Firmer pears hold their shape better when roasting.); 2 1/2 teaspoons unsalted butter – Helps caramelize the pears without adding too much saltiness.; 3 tablespoons cinnamon pear aged dark balsamic – Adds a warm (tangy sweetness that complements the fruit.); 4 teaspoons runny honey (or more to taste – Drizzle generously for that perfect glossy finish.)

Do Share Recipe

I absolutely love making desserts that feel fancy but are incredibly simple. Roasted Pears with Balsamic and Honey Recipe is one of those recipes that instantly feels special. The first time I tried it, the aroma of sweet pears caramelizing in the oven had me hooked. The balsamic adds a tangy depth while honey drizzled on top creates the perfect sweet finish.

It’s a dessert that’s elegant enough for guests yet easy enough for a cozy night in. I can honestly say, this has become my go-to dessert during pear season. You can also enjoy similar recipes like Pizza Burgers Recipe or Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe for a sweet-and-savory twist.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delightful dish:

2 large, slightly under-ripe pears – Firmer pears hold their shape better when roasting.
2 1/2 teaspoons unsalted butter – Helps caramelize the pears without adding too much saltiness.
3 tablespoons cinnamon pear aged dark balsamic – Adds a warm, tangy sweetness that complements the fruit.
4 teaspoons runny honey (or more to taste) – Drizzle generously for that perfect glossy finish.

Note: several servings

Variations

You can tweak this recipe based on dietary preferences or flavor ideas:

Dairy-free: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
Sugar-free: Use a sugar-free honey alternative or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Flavor-enhancing: Sprinkle crushed pistachios or toasted almonds on top for texture.
Spice twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the balsamic before roasting.

Cooking Time

Short and sweet, this recipe doesn’t take long at all:

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

Here’s what makes this recipe easy to execute:

Cast-iron skillet or ovenproof pan – Ideal for stovetop sautéing and oven roasting.
Small saucepan – If you want to warm honey slightly before drizzling.
Knife and cutting board – For halving and coring pears safely.

How to Make Roasted Pears with Balsamic and Honey Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pears

Start by preheating your oven to 400 ℉. While it’s heating, halve and core your pears. I like leaving the skin on—it keeps the pears intact and adds a lovely texture after roasting.

Step 2: Sauté Pears in Butter

Melt the butter in your skillet over medium heat. Place the pear halves cut side down and sauté for about two minutes. This step gives a light caramelization before roasting.

Step 3: Roast Pears

Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast the pears for 20 minutes. I find this creates a tender, juicy interior while the exterior gets slightly golden.

Step 4: Add Balsamic Flavor

Flip the pears and drizzle the cinnamon pear dark balsamic over them. Roast for another 5 minutes. The balsamic intensifies the flavor and creates a glossy coating.

Step 5: Drizzle Honey and Serve

Remove the pan from the oven and drizzle honey over each pear. Let them rest for a few minutes to soak up the pan juices. I love serving mine warm with vanilla ice cream for a decadent touch.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

From my experience, these small tweaks elevate the dish:

I always choose slightly under-ripe pears—they hold their shape better.
Warm the honey slightly before drizzling for an even coating.
Don’t skip sautéing on the stovetop; it adds a beautiful caramelized flavor.
Serve immediately to enjoy the pears at their juiciest.

How to Serve Roasted Pears with Balsamic and Honey Recipe

Presentation makes this dessert extra special. Serve the pears on a small plate, drizzle extra balsamic and honey on top, and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired. A sprinkle of crushed nuts or a fresh mint leaf adds color and texture. I sometimes use a drizzle of aged balsamic reduction for a restaurant-style finish.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the main nutritional facts per serving:

Calories: 180 – A light and satisfying dessert.
Protein: 0.5g – Minimal, mainly from the pear.
Carbohydrates: 30g – Mostly natural sugars from the fruit and honey.
Fat: 4g – From the butter, enough for a rich flavor without being heavy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing: Let the pears cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: While not ideal for texture, you can freeze roasted pears for up to 1 month. Reheat gently in the oven to avoid sogginess.
Reheating: Warm in a preheated oven at 350 ℉ for 5–10 minutes before serving. I find this brings back the original softness and aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this dessert keeps me coming back:

Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute dessert cravings.
Versatile: Works as a simple treat or an elegant dessert for guests.
Dietary Friendly: Can easily be made dairy-free or sugar-free.
Flavor-Packed: The sweet-tangy combination of honey and balsamic enhances natural pear sweetness.
Customizable: Add spices, nuts, or ice cream for extra flair.

Ben Carraoli