These Maple-Butter Baked Apples & Pears with Pomegranate are a simple yet cozy taste of fall, with tender apples and pears baked in warm spices, maple syrup, and butter until lightly caramelized. Tart pomegranate arils and toasted pecans add a bright, crunchy contrast, while the whole dessert comes together with very little hands-on work.
The combination of apples and pears makes this baked fruit especially delicious. Apples hold their shape and bring a little tartness, while pears become soft and buttery as they bake. The maple-butter mixture coats the fruit with just enough sweetness, and a little orange zest and lemon juice keep the flavors bright rather than overly rich.
This is one of those recipes that works beautifully for both everyday meals and special occasions. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for an easy fall dessert, or spoon it over Greek yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, or waffles for a cozy breakfast or brunch. It’s also a beautiful addition to a holiday table when you want something seasonal without making another complicated dessert.
Best For
This baked fruit is especially nice for:
- Thanksgiving & Christmas: A beautiful seasonal addition to a holiday table that doesn’t require the work of a pie or other elaborate dessert.
- Holiday breakfast or brunch: Serve it over oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, or Greek yogurt.
- Christmas morning: Prepare the fruit ahead of time and bake it while everyone is waking up.
- An easy dessert: Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a simple dessert that still feels special.
- Entertaining: The colorful pomegranate, toasted pecans, and beautifully arranged apples and pears make this look impressive with very little hands-on work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different apples?
Yes. Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Fuji, and Gala all work well. I especially like Honeycrisp because it holds its shape and has enough tartness to balance the maple.
Can I use a different type of pear?
Yes. Bosc pears are my first choice because they hold up well in the oven, but another firm pear can be used. Avoid pears that are already very soft and ripe.
Do I need to peel the apples and pears?
No. I recommend leaving the skins on. They add a beautiful appearance and color as well as fiber! Plus, there’s no need for the extra step.
Can I make baked apples and pears ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the fruit and maple-butter mixture several hours ahead, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Since the fruit will be cold, it may need a few additional minutes in the oven.
What should I serve with baked apples and pears?
For dessert, serve the fruit warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a spoonful of Greek yogurt. For breakfast or brunch, try it over oatmeal, pancakes, or waffles. The juice at the bottom will be better than maple syrup drizzled over!
Are baked apples and pears good for Thanksgiving or Christmas?
Yes. They’re an easy, beautiful addition to a holiday table without the work of a pie or other elaborate dessert, and you can prepare the fruit ahead of time and bake it while everyone is waking up on Christmas morning.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven, on stovetop, or microwave.
However you serve them — with vanilla ice cream, Greek yogurt, or warm oatmeal — these baked apples and pears are such a simple, cozy way to enjoy the flavors of fall 🍁
Watch the Maple-Butter Baked Apples & Pears with Pomegranate recipe video below
Maple-Butter Baked Apples & Pears with Pomegranate
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the fruit. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Core the apples and pears and cut them into approximately ½-inch slices or wedges. Arrange the apple and pear slices in a large casserole dish, alternating them somewhat evenly so the different fruits are visible.
- Make the maple-butter mixture. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, orange zest, lemon juice, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Drizzle the maple-butter mixture over everything. Gently toss or turn the fruit with your hands or a spatula to coat without breaking the slices.
- Bake the fruit. Bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes, gently turning the fruit once or twice during baking, until the apples and pears are tender but still hold their shape and the edges are beginning to caramelize.
- Add the pomegranate and pecans. Remove from the oven and sprinkle pomegranate arils and chopped pecans over the fruit or save them to serve individually.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, Greek yogurt, whipped cream, warm oatmeal, pancakes, or waffle
Notes
- Leave the skins on: The apple and pear skins add texture, fiber, and nutrients, while also making the finished dish especially pretty.
- The maple: A small amount of maple syrup gives the butter and spices a beautiful caramelized quality without making the fruit overly sweet.
- Pomegranate: Adding the pomegranate at the end keeps the arils bright and juicy rather than allowing them to soften during baking. Same with the pecans.
- Make ahead: The fruit can be prepared and coated with the spices and maple-butter mixture several hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake, then allow a few additional minutes of baking time since the fruit will be cold.
- Leftovers: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
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