If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, you’ve got to try my Spiced Baked Apples and Pears with Pomegranate and Pecans Recipe. It’s the perfect harmony of tender, spiced fruit combined with the vibrant pop of juicy pomegranate seeds and the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans. This dish feels both indulgent and wholesome, delivering seasonal comfort with every bite while making your kitchen smell like a fragrant autumn orchard.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: just a handful of fresh, thoughtfully chosen ingredients that come together effortlessly yet create unforgettable layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s bringing sweetness, spice, brightness, or crunch to the dish.
- 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp recommended): Honeycrisp apples give the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, holding their shape beautifully when baked.
- 2 Bosc pears: Choose ripe but firm pears for a tender, juicy bite without getting mushy.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: The warm spice that infuses the dish with comforting autumn vibes.
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger: Adds a subtle zing and depth to the fruit’s sweetness.
- Juice of 1/2 a lemon: Provides brightness and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 2 Tbsp coconut oil (melted): Imparts a gentle richness and helps the spices cling to the fruit slices.
- 1/2 a pomegranate (seeded): These ruby jewels add vibrant color and a tart crunch to the finished dish.
- 1/2 cup pecans (raw/unsalted): Optional but highly recommended for that toasty, nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft fruit.
How to Make Spiced Baked Apples and Pears with Pomegranate and Pecans Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Slice the Fruit
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it heats, core the apples and pears and slice them lengthwise into roughly half-inch thick pieces. Getting the slices even ensures they cook uniformly and present nicely. Place your slices directly into a large mixing bowl or a baking dish if you prefer.
Step 2: Spice and Coat the Fruit
Next up, sprinkle the cinnamon and ground ginger over the fruit, then drizzle with the fresh lemon juice. Melt your coconut oil in the microwave—about 30 seconds is usually perfect—and pour it over the fruit mixture. Use a spoon or your hands to gently toss everything until each slice is luxuriously coated with those fragrant spices and warm coconut oil.
Step 3: Bake the Fruit
Transfer the coated fruit to your baking dish if you started in a bowl. Pop it into the oven for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’re aiming for the fruit to soften and develop a lovely golden color but still hold its shape. The kitchen will fill with the most delightful scent during this step.
Step 4: Add the Pomegranate and Pecans
While the fruit bakes, extract the seeds from your pomegranate. A little tip I love is to do this underwater in a colander to avoid the pomegranate juice splattering everywhere — it’s quick and clean. Once the fruit is tender, sprinkle the pomegranate seeds and pecans evenly over the top. Return everything to the oven for an extra 7 to 8 minutes to toast the pecans lightly and allow the pomegranate seeds to warm slightly without losing their juicy crunch.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Remove your Spiced Baked Apples and Pears with Pomegranate and Pecans Recipe from the oven and serve immediately while still warm. It’s the perfect time to savor the mingling scents and tastes that will make you grateful you took the time to bake this treat.
How to Serve Spiced Baked Apples and Pears with Pomegranate and Pecans Recipe
Garnishes
Some extra pomegranate seeds scattered on top add a jewel-like sparkle to the dish. A dash of freshly chopped mint or a light drizzle of honey can also enhance the flavors and presentation beautifully. If you’re indulging, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream balances the spices and warmth wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This baked fruit dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider a lightly spiced oatmeal for a comforting breakfast or alongside vanilla yogurt for a refreshing snack. For dessert, it complements cakes or can be served with a simple shortbread cookie to add a buttery crunch contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the Spiced Baked Apples and Pears with Pomegranate and Pecans Recipe in individual ramekins or hollowed-out apple bowls to impress your guests. You can also layer it in a glass parfait with Greek yogurt and granola for a layered treat that looks as good as it tastes. The vibrant colors and textures make it a show-stopping addition for any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (and you might!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep fresh for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to meld even more beautifully over time.
Freezing
This dish freezes well for up to 1 month. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to retain that perfect texture.
Reheating
Warm your leftovers in a microwave or reheat in the oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. The spices will bloom again, making your second helping just as delicious as the first.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples or pears for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples and Bosc pears are ideal for their texture and flavor, feel free to experiment with Fuji, Gala, Bartlett, or Anjou pears depending on your taste and what’s seasonally available.
Is coconut oil necessary, or can I substitute it?
You can substitute melted butter or a mild vegetable oil if you prefer. Coconut oil adds a subtle richness and a hint of tropical flavor, but the recipe is flexible enough to handle swaps.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegan as long as you choose vegan-friendly pecans and use coconut oil or any plant-based oil—no dairy involved. It’s a fantastic dessert option for everyone!
How do I remove pomegranate seeds quickly and without the mess?
Fill a large bowl with water and submerge the pomegranate cut into sections. Gently pry seeds out underwater. The pith floats, and seeds sink, making it easier and less sticky to separate them.
Can I prepare the recipe ahead of time and bake it later?
You can prep the fruit and spice mixture a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. When ready, stir the mixture before baking. Adding pomegranate seeds and pecans is best just before the final bake to maintain their texture.
Final Thoughts
Cooking the Spiced Baked Apples and Pears with Pomegranate and Pecans Recipe is like creating a little cozy celebration in your kitchen. The way the warm spices, juicy fruit, crunchy pecans, and bright pomegranate come together is pure magic. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy every comforting spoonful as much as I do. Trust me, this will quickly become one of your favorite seasonal treats to share and savor!
Print
Spiced Baked Apples and Pears with Pomegranate and Pecans Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Spiced Baked Fruit combines tender apples and pears with warm cinnamon and ginger, brightened with lemon juice, and topped with crunchy pecans and juicy pomegranate seeds. This cozy, wholesome dessert or side dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting fall or winter treat.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp preferred)
- 2 Bosc pears (ripe but firm)
- 1/2 a lemon (juice only)
- 1/2 a pomegranate (seeds only)
Spices & Flavorings
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
Oils & Nuts
- 2 Tbsp coconut oil (melted)
- 1/2 cup pecans (optional; raw and unsalted)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F to get it ready for baking the fruit mixture.
- Prepare Fruit: Core the apples and pears and slice them lengthwise into approximately 1/2-inch thick pieces. Place the sliced fruit into a large mixing bowl or directly into a baking/casserole dish.
- Add Spices and Oil: Sprinkle the ground cinnamon and ground ginger over the fruit, then drizzle with the juice of half a lemon. Melt the coconut oil in the microwave for about 30 seconds and pour it evenly over the fruit. Stir well to ensure all fruit slices are coated with the spices and coconut oil.
- Bake the Fruit: If you mixed the fruit in a bowl, transfer it now to a baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the fruit is tender and slightly browned on the edges.
- Prepare Pomegranate Seeds: While the fruit bakes, remove the seeds from half a pomegranate. Using a colander filled with water can help minimize mess and speed up the process.
- Add Toppings and Toast Pecans: Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle the baked fruit evenly with the pomegranate seeds and pecans. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 7 to 8 minutes to toast the pecans lightly.
- Serve Warm: Take the dish out of the oven and serve immediately while the baked fruit is warm, enjoying the contrast of tender fruit, crunchy nuts, and juicy pomegranate seeds.
Notes
- You can substitute the coconut oil with melted butter or another preferred oil if desired.
- For a vegan version, ensure pecans and all ingredients are certified vegan-friendly.
- Try serving this dish warm alongside yogurt, oatmeal, or vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
- Adjust sweetness by adding a drizzle of honey or maple syrup before baking if sweeter fruit is preferred.
- The pecans are optional but add a nice toasted crunch complementing the soft fruit.
