Caramel Glazed Pear Bars
Delicious caramel glazed pear bars combine tender pear pieces, raisins, and warm cinnamon in a buttery base, topped with rich caramel glaze—perfect for a sweet snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the pears, reserving the syrup.
- Finely dice the drained pears.
- Cream the butter or margarine with the granulated sugar.
- Blend in eggs and vanilla extract.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture immediately, along with 1/2 cup of the reserved pear juice.
- Stir in the diced pears, raisins, and nuts.
- Turn the batter into a greased 15 5/8 x 10-inch baking pan.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While still warm, spread with caramel glaze.
- Cut into bars to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you don't have raisins, you can substitute with dried cranberries or chopped nuts for added texture. Ensure that the pears are well-drained to avoid a soggy batter. If you’re looking for a twist, add a teaspoon of nutmeg or ginger for warmth. These bars are also delicious when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Serving Suggestions
These Caramel Glazed Pear Bars are perfect for a sweet breakfast treat or a delightful dessert. Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent touch. They also pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or tea. For a festive twist, consider serving alongside Pumpkin Pie(2 Pies) during holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Caramel Glazed Pear Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or enjoy them cold as a snack. Make sure to let them cool completely before storing to maintain their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Caramel Glazed Pear Bars contains roughly 186 calories, with 2g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 8g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pears instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pears can be used as a substitute for canned pears. You'll need about 2-3 medium-sized pears, peeled and diced. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness accordingly, as fresh pears can vary in sweetness. If your fresh pears are not very ripe, you may want to add a bit more sugar to the batter.
How can I make the glaze for these bars?
To make a simple caramel glaze, melt 1 cup of brown sugar with 1/2 cup of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, then remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Allow it to cool slightly before spreading it over the warm bars for a delicious finish.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, Caramel Glazed Pear Bars can be frozen. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or enjoy cold.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).