🍐 Mediterranean Baked Pears with Honey, Fresh Berries, Walnuts & Feta Crumble
Description
This elegant Mediterranean-inspired dessert (or breakfast) combines warm, oven-baked pears drizzled with golden honey, topped with fresh berries, toasted walnuts, and a savory-sweet feta crumble. It strikes a beautiful balance between sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy—perfect for a light dessert, brunch dish, or healthy indulgence.
⏱ Time & Yield
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: ~40 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
🛒 Ingredients
For the Baked Pears
- 4 ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Anjou work best)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
- 3 tbsp honey (plus extra for drizzling)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Toppings
- 1 cup fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries)
- ½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- ⅓ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare pears: Slice pears in half lengthwise and remove cores.
- Season: Place pears cut-side up in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and honey. Sprinkle cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt.
- Bake: Roast uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until tender and lightly caramelized.
- Toast walnuts: While pears bake, toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
- Assemble: Remove pears from oven. Top with fresh berries, toasted walnuts, and feta crumble.
- Finish: Drizzle with extra honey, add lemon zest, and garnish with mint if desired.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
💡 Chef’s Notes & Tips
- Pear choice matters: Firmer pears hold shape better during baking.
- For extra crunch: Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or pistachios.
- Sweeter version: Swap feta for ricotta or mascarpone.
- Vegan option: Use plant-based feta and maple syrup instead of honey.
- Meal idea: Serve with Greek yogurt for breakfast or alongside grilled halloumi for a savory twist.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- As a healthy dessert
- With Greek yogurt for breakfast
- Paired with espresso or herbal tea
- As part of a Mediterranean brunch spread
🧮 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 260–290 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
🌿 Health Benefits
- Pears: High in fiber, support digestion and gut health
- Walnuts: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants
- Berries: Loaded with vitamin C and polyphenols
- Feta cheese: Provides calcium and protein with lower fat than many cheeses
- Honey: Natural sweetener with antimicrobial properties
- Mediterranean-style eating: Supports heart health and balanced nutrition
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Bake pears ahead and add toppings just before serving.
Q: Can I use canned pears?
A: Fresh pears are best, but canned (drained well) can work in a pinch.
Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes, naturally gluten-free.
Q: Can I serve it cold?
A: Absolutely—it’s delicious chilled or at room temperature.
Q: What can replace feta?
A: Goat cheese, ricotta salata, or vegan feta alternatives.