Perfect Easy Cinnamon Vanilla Pear Halves in 15 Minutes
Tender pear halves cooked in a buttery cinnamon-vanilla syrup, ready in just 15 minutes. A quick, impressive dessert or breakfast treat that feels indulgent but uses simple ingredients.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 ripe but firm pears (Bartlett or Bosc)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure)
- 1/4 cup water or apple cider
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Optional: Fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash pears, cut in half lengthwise, and scoop out cores. Pat cut sides dry.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt butter, swirling to coat the pan.
- Place pear halves cut-side down in the hot butter. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip pears cut-side up. Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture over cut sides. Add water or apple cider and a pinch of salt to the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Baste pears with the syrup every minute for 5-7 minutes until tender but still holding shape. Add more water if liquid evaporates too quickly.
- Remove pan from heat. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Let pears rest in the pan for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to plates, spoon syrup over the top, and serve warm.
Notes
Use room-temperature pears for best results. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if doubling. Baste frequently for maximum flavor. For a vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil or plant-based butter and use maple syrup instead of honey. For a lower-sugar version, reduce brown sugar to 1 tablespoon or use a sugar substitute.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pear halves with s
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 3.5
- Carbohydrates: 34
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 1
Keywords: cinnamon vanilla pear halves, quick pear dessert, easy pear recipe, 15 minute dessert, skillet pears