Heavenly Pears
Heavenly Pears combines tender pear halves with a crunchy graham cracker topping and a rich, custard-like filling, perfect for elegant desserts or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. 13 oz. can pear halves ⓘ
- 2 egg yolks ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp plus 2/3 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp baking soda ⓘ
- 2/3 cup graham cracker crumbs ⓘ
- 1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts ⓘ
- 1/2 cup butter ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Drain the pear halves and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks with sugar until smooth.
- Add lemon juice, vanilla extract, salt, and soda to the egg yolk mixture and mix well.
- Stir in the flour gradually until combined to form a batter.
- Gently fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Place pear halves in a baking dish.
- Pour the batter over the pears evenly.
- In a separate bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter to make the topping.
- Sprinkle the topping over the batter and pears.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes or until golden and set.
- Serve warm or cooled, optionally with whipped cream or ice cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using egg whites instead of yolks and reducing the sugar. You can substitute almonds or pecans for walnuts, and for a gluten-free option, use almond flour in place of all-purpose flour. Make sure to drain the pears well to avoid excess moisture in the dish, which could affect the texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Heavenly Pears warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. They also pair well with a light salad for a balanced meal. For a fun twist, try serving alongside a slice of New York Style Cheese Cake for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the texture soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Heavenly Pears contains roughly 409 calories, with 12g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), protein (23% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1313mg per serving (57% 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, you can use fresh pears instead of canned. Just peel, core, and slice them, then poach them briefly in sugar and water to soften before adding them to the dish. This will enhance their flavor and texture in the recipe.
What can I substitute for walnuts?
If you have nut allergies or prefer not to use walnuts, you can substitute them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for added crunch. Alternatively, you can simply omit the nuts altogether for a nut-free version of the dish.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make Heavenly Pears vegan, substitute the egg yolks with flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg yolk). Use a plant-based butter alternative and ensure that the graham cracker crumbs are vegan-friendly as well.
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).