Cream Cheese Pears
Cream Cheese Pears offer a delightful combination of sweet pears, creamy cheese, and crunchy graham cracker topping, perfect for a sophisticated dessert or elegant snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Whip the cream cheese with honey until smooth and set aside.
- Place the halved pears in a casserole dish.
- Spoon 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pear half.
- Crush the graham crackers and sprinkle over the pears.
- Drizzle the syrup from the canned pears over the top.
- Bake in the oven at 350°F until the top of the pears is light brown, about 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of regular cream cheese. You can substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor profile. If graham crackers are unavailable, crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies can work well. Make sure to whip the cream cheese thoroughly with honey to achieve a smooth consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cream cheese pears warm as a delightful dessert or a sweet snack. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside a fresh green salad or as part of a brunch spread with other American recipes like Mother'S Sugar Cake With Blueberries.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pears in a baking dish and cover with foil, then warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, until heated through. The topping may lose some crunch, but the flavors will still shine.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cream Cheese Pears contains roughly 1031 calories, with 16g protein, 212g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (113% of the Daily Value), iron (35% of the Daily Value), and protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1480mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).
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! Simply peel and slice them in half, removing the core. You may want to poach them briefly in syrup or water to soften them before filling with the cream cheese mixture to ensure they cook evenly in the oven.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the graham crackers with gluten-free cookies or almond flour-based crusts. Ensure that any other ingredients, such as cream cheese and honey, are certified gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this delightful dessert without worry.
What can I add to the cream cheese mixture for extra flavor?
You can enhance the cream cheese mixture with vanilla extract, cinnamon, or even a pinch of nutmeg for added warmth. A tablespoon of lemon juice can provide a nice balance to the sweetness. Feel free to experiment with spices to customize it to your taste!
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).