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
Scale
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.
