Embracing Autumn’s Sweet Bounty: Roasted Pears with Brown Sugar and Vanilla Ice Cream

The scent of ripening fruit always transports me back to my childhood, to crisp autumn afternoons spent in my grandmother’s orchard. Among the bounty, pears always held a special place, their subtle sweetness and yielding texture a true delight. This particular recipe, a delightful discovery from Giada De Laurentis, captures that essence perfectly. It’s a dish that speaks of simple pleasures, of the comforting warmth of home, and the joy of transforming humble ingredients into something truly magical. The first time I made it, the aroma that filled my kitchen was pure autumnal bliss, a prelude to the incredibly satisfying dessert that followed.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 6 roasted pear halves
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1⁄3 cup apple juice
• 1⁄3 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 firm Bosc pears, peeled, halved, and cored (about 1 pound total)
• Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Equipment Needed

• 8-inch square glass baking dish
• Small heavy saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Vegetable peeler
• Knife
• Apple corer or small spoon

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). This will ensure a nice, even bake and help caramelize the pears beautifully.
2. Prepare the pears. Carefully peel each pear, then halve them lengthwise. Use an apple corer or a small spoon to scoop out the core and seeds from each half. Aim for smooth, inviting cavities.
3. Arrange the prepared pear halves in your 8-inch square glass baking dish, ensuring they are cut-side up. This shape allows the sauce to pool nicely and glaze the flesh.
4. In a small heavy saucepan, combine the apple juice and firmly packed dark brown sugar. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat.
5. Whisk the apple juice and brown sugar together constantly until the sugar dissolves completely and the liquid begins to simmer.
6. Once the sugar has dissolved, whisk in the unsalted butter. Continue to whisk until the butter is fully melted and incorporated into the sweet liquid, creating a glossy sauce.
7. Pour this luscious sauce evenly over the pears in the baking dish. Make sure to get some of the sauce into the cored cavities as well.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35 minutes. During this time, you’ll want to baste the pears occasionally with the accumulating juices from the bottom of the dish. This basting is key to developing a rich, caramelized exterior and ensuring the pears are wonderfully moist. The pears are ready when they are crisp-tender – meaning they yield easily to a fork but still hold their shape – and have begun to brown nicely.
9. Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven.
10. To serve, gently spoon the roasted pears onto individual plates.
11. Top each pear half with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, spiced pears and the cold, creamy ice cream is simply divine.
12. Drizzle any remaining juices from the baking dish over the pears and ice cream. Serve immediately and savor this delightful autumn treat.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Choosing Your Pears: For this recipe, firm Bosc pears are ideal. They hold their shape well during roasting and have a wonderful texture. If Bosc pears are unavailable, Anjou pears are a good second choice. Avoid overripe or very soft pears, as they can become mushy.
• Uniformity is Key: When coring and halving your pears, try to make them as uniform in size and shape as possible. This ensures they roast evenly.
• The Magic of Basting: Don’t skip the basting! It’s what transforms the simple roasted pear into a glistening, caramelized masterpiece. Spooning the warm, syrupy juices over the pears multiple times during baking builds layers of flavor and creates a beautiful sheen.
• Checking for Doneness: A gentle poke with a paring knife or a fork is your best indicator. The pears should feel tender, but not so soft that they fall apart. They should also have a lovely caramel hue.
• Serving Temperature Play: While served warm, this dish is also delightful slightly cooled. The vanilla ice cream provides a perfect temperature contrast.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Roasted Pears with Brown Sugar and Vanilla Ice Cream are best served immediately after baking to enjoy the delightful interplay of warm, caramelized fruit and melting ice cream.

Leftovers: If, by some miracle, you have any roasted pears remaining, they can be stored. Cool the pears completely and transfer them to an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. While they are delicious cold, you can gently reheat them in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) or in a skillet over low heat before serving with fresh ice cream. The sauce can also be stored separately and drizzled over the reheated pears.

Freezing Option: The recipe mentions the pears can be served frozen. To achieve this, after roasting and cooling, arrange the pear halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, which typically takes about 8 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be enjoyed directly from the freezer as a refreshing frozen treat.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (approximate, without ice cream)	% Daily Value (approximate)
Calories	151.6	–
Calories from Fat	69	–
Total Fat	7.7 g	10%
Saturated Fat	4.7 g	23%
Cholesterol	19.7 mg	7%
Sodium	8.5 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	21.2 g	8%
Dietary Fiber	3.4 g	12%
Sugars	17.7 g	35%
Protein	0.5 g	1%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on ingredient brands and specific pear sizes. This calculation excludes the vanilla ice cream.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spiced Elegance: Introduce a touch of warmth by adding a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the brown sugar and apple juice mixture before heating. A small strip of cinnamon stick or a vanilla bean pod simmered in the sauce adds an extra layer of complexity.
• Citrus Zing: For a brighter flavor profile, substitute half of the apple juice with orange juice or add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce.
• Boozy Indulgence: A tablespoon or two of brandy, rum, or Calvados can be whisked into the sauce just before pouring it over the pears for an adult twist.
• Different Ice Cream Flavors: While vanilla is classic, consider caramel, maple walnut, or even a spiced pear sorbet to complement the roasted fruit.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle some toasted chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the finished dish for added texture.

FAQs

Q: What kind of pears work best for roasting?
A: Firm pears like Bosc or Anjou are ideal because they maintain their shape and texture during the roasting process.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: You can roast the pears and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat them gently before serving with fresh ice cream. The sauce can also be made ahead and gently warmed.

Q: How do I know when the pears are perfectly roasted?
A: They should be tender when pierced with a knife but still hold their shape, with a slightly browned, caramelized exterior.

Q: What if I don’t have glass baking dish?
A: A ceramic or oven-safe metal baking dish of similar dimensions (about 8×8 inches) will also work perfectly.

Q: Can I omit the butter?
A: While the butter adds richness and helps with caramelization, you could try substituting it with an equal amount of coconut oil for a dairy-free option, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Final Thoughts

There’s a profound simplicity and elegance to Roasted Pears with Brown Sugar and Vanilla Ice Cream. It’s a dessert that doesn’t shout for attention but whispers of comfort and quiet indulgence. Whether you’re looking for a way to use up a surplus of autumn fruit or simply craving a taste of pure, unadulterated sweetness, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. It’s a perfect ending to a hearty meal, a delightful afternoon treat, or a thoughtful gesture to share with loved ones. So, gather your pears, embrace the season, and let the magic of the oven transform them into something truly special. I encourage you to try it, perhaps with a small glass of late-harvest Riesling or a robust cup of coffee, and let the flavors transport you.