Pears in Puff Pastry Dessert

Pears in puff pastry is an elegant, simple dessert that combines ripe, juicy pears with warm cinnamon sugar and a golden, flaky crust. Whether you’re entertaining guests or craving something sweet on a chilly evening, this recipe delivers charm and flavor without the fuss. With just a handful of ingredients, this baked treat feels both rustic and refined.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Only a few steps and simple pantry staples.
• Warm and comforting: Cinnamon-spiced pears wrapped in crisp pastry.
• Visually stunning: A dessert that looks as beautiful as it tastes.
• Perfect for all occasions: Elegant enough for dinner parties, easy enough for weeknights.
• Kid-friendly and customizable: A great way to introduce fruit-forward sweets to little ones.

What Is Pears in Puff Pastry?

This dessert is a playful twist on classic baked pears, where the fruit is wrapped in buttery puff pastry and caramelized with cinnamon sugar. Originating from French influences like poires en croûte, it brings together the soft sweetness of roasted pears and the irresistible crunch of pastry. It’s a comfort food that feels gourmet but remains incredibly approachable.

Cooking Tips

• Choose firm-ripe pears like Bosc or Anjou to hold their shape during baking.
• Don’t skip the slits: Cutting the tops allows the pears to bake evenly and look decorative.
• Chill your puff pastry before baking to ensure a flakier crust.
• Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a bakery-style finish.
• Optional twist: Add a dab of honey or a few chocolate chips under each pear before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned pears instead of fresh?

Fresh pears are recommended for the best texture, but you can use canned—just drain them well and reduce baking time slightly.

What kind of puff pastry should I use?

Use store-bought all-butter puff pastry for the flakiest result. Make sure it's fully thawed before unrolling.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

You can prep the pears and cut the pastry in advance. Bake just before serving for the best texture.

What’s the best way to serve them?

Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar. They're delicious on their own or paired with vanilla ice cream.

Can I use other fruits instead of pears?

Absolutely! Apples or plums work well. Just adjust baking time based on fruit size and firmness.

How to Store

Allow the pears in puff pastry to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes to re-crisp the pastry without overcooking the fruit.

How to Freeze

While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze unbaked pastries. Assemble the pears on puff pastry, place them on a tray to freeze until solid, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) and add 5–10 extra minutes. Freezing after baking isn’t recommended, as the pastry may lose its texture.

How to Make Pears in Puff Pastry

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Slice thin slits across the top of each pear half to help them bake evenly and look elegant.

Combine sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Dip the cut sides of the pear halves into the mixture to coat.

Lay out the puff pastry sheet and place the sugared pears on top. Using a small knife, cut around each pear to create individual pastry bases, slightly larger than the fruit.

Place the pastry with pears onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden.

Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar and enjoy warm.