Caramelized pears in the oven
Delicious Baked Caramelized Pears Recipe
Pears are true treasures of nature, full of sweetness and nutrients. These wonderful fruits not only offer a refined taste but also have many health benefits, being rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. In this recipe, we will prepare baked caramelized pears with a fluffy and aromatic dough, perfect to be served warm alongside vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce. Let’s discover together how we can transform pears into an irresistible dessert!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 6
Necessary ingredients:
For caramelized pears:
- 3 ripe but firm pears
- 4 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 30 g of butter
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
For the dough:
- 1/2 packet of dry yeast (about 7 g)
- 250 g of flour
- 10 cl of warm milk
- a pinch of salt
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 50 g of butter, at room temperature
- powdered sugar for decoration
Step-by-step preparation:
1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour with the dry yeast. It is important to have the flour at room temperature to activate the yeast. Add the warm milk (not hot, so as not to kill the yeast) and mix well. If you have a dough mixer, now is the time to use it.
2. Kneading: Add the sugar, salt, and egg to the flour mixture. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and pulls away easily from the sides of the bowl. When the dough is ready, add the butter cut into cubes in two stages, continuing to knead until the butter is completely incorporated.
3. Letting it rise: Cover the bowl with a clean, damp towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 60 minutes until it doubles in volume. It is essential for the dough to have enough time to rise to achieve a fluffy texture.
4. Preparing the pears: Meanwhile, wash the pears under cold running water, then cut them in half and remove the cores. With a sharp knife, make a few shallow cuts on the surface of the pears to allow the caramelization to penetrate better.
5. Caramelizing the pears: In a medium skillet, add the brown sugar and heat it over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar melts and becomes golden. Add the butter and stir until it is completely melted and the mixture is homogeneous. Place the pears in the skillet, add the cinnamon, and cook them for a few minutes, gently turning them to coat with caramel.
6. Forming the dessert: On a floured work surface, roll out the dough with a rolling pin until you get a thin sheet. Using a knife or a cutter, cut circles from the dough. Place a half pear on each dough circle and cut out the outline to achieve a beautiful shape. Place the cut shapes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 °C. Place the caramelized pear halves on top of the dough and add a few tablespoons of caramel sauce on each. Bake for 15 minutes or until the dough is golden and fluffy.
8. Serving: Once the dessert is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant look. Serve warm, ideally alongside vanilla ice cream or additional caramel sauce.
Useful tips:
- Choosing the pears: Choose firm pears, as they will hold up better during cooking. Overripe pears may break down and not provide the desired texture.
- Variations: You can experiment with other spices such as nutmeg or ginger to give a different flavor to the dessert. Additionally, adding toasted nuts or almonds can add a crunchy touch.
- Freezing the dough: If you want to prepare the dough in advance, it can be frozen. Let it rise, then wrap it well in plastic wrap and freeze. When you want to use it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Nutritional benefits:
Pears are an excellent source of dietary fiber, helping to maintain digestive health. They also contain vitamins C and K, which contribute to strengthening the immune system and bone health. With a low calorie content, this dessert can be an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy something sweet without compromising their diet.
It is a perfect dessert for a weekend evening, a special occasion, or simply to treat the family. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 3 pears 4 tablespoons brown sugar 30 g butter cinnamonFor the dough: 1/2 packet dry yeast 250 g flour 10 cl milk salt 1 egg 3 tablespoons sugar 50 g butter powdered sugar