Pears are a truly underrated gem in the world of desserts. Their delicate sweetness, tender texture, and subtle floral notes make them the perfect canvas for creative kitchen adventures.
When you pair ripe pears with the magic of vegan baking, the result is nothing short of extraordinary. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping finish to a dinner party, a cozy night-in treat, or just want to make the most of seasonal fruit, vegan pear desserts deliver comfort, elegance, and flavor—completely dairy- and egg-free!
In this blog post, I’m sharing the best vegan pear dessert recipes that will satisfy every sweet tooth. From classic baked pears to crumbly crisps and a charming pear upside-down cake, these recipes are simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for your next celebration.
Each one highlights the juicy, melting quality of pears and adds a plant-based twist for everyone to enjoy. Let’s dive into a world where pears are the star of the dessert table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally Sweet: Pears lend a subtle, natural sweetness, reducing the need for refined sugars.
- Easy to Make: These recipes use everyday pantry staples and are perfect for both novice cooks and experienced bakers.
- Impressively Elegant: Vegan pear desserts look stunning on any table and taste as good as they look.
- Allergy-Friendly: Completely plant-based—no dairy, no eggs, and easily made nut-free or gluten-free as needed.
- Versatile: These desserts work year-round and can be adapted with seasonal spices and toppings.
Recipe 1: Vegan Baked Pears with Maple Walnut Filling
Ingredients
- 4 ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Anjou work well)
- 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp rolled oats
- 1 ½ tbsp coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- Optional: vegan vanilla ice cream for serving
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Sharp knife and spoon (for coring)
- Mixing bowl
- Small saucepan (optional, for melting coconut oil)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the pears upright.
- Prepare the pears: Slice each pear in half lengthwise. Use a spoon or melon baller to gently scoop out the core and seeds, creating a small well in each half.
- Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine chopped walnuts, rolled oats, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, cinnamon, ginger, and sea salt. Stir until evenly mixed and sticky.
- Fill the pears: Spoon the walnut mixture into the wells of each pear half, pressing down slightly to pack.
- Bake: Arrange the pears in the baking dish, cut side up. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the pears are fork-tender and the filling is golden.
- Serve warm: Plate the baked pears and drizzle with extra maple syrup if desired. Add a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for a decadent touch.
Tips & Variations
- Nut-Free Version: Use sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead of walnuts.
- Add Dried Fruit: Mix in a few chopped dates or cranberries for extra sweetness and texture.
- Spice it Up: Try a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a different flavor profile.
- Make Ahead: Assemble pears in advance and bake just before serving for maximum freshness.
- Serving Ideas: These pears are delicious with coconut whipped cream or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate.
For perfectly tender baked pears, choose fruit that is just ripe—still a little firm to the touch. Overripe pears can become mushy when baked.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1/2 pear with filling) |
---|---|
Calories | 155 |
Fat | 7g |
Carbohydrates | 23g |
Fiber | 4g |
Sugar | 14g |
Protein | 2g |
Serving Suggestions
- Top with a scoop of vegan vanilla or cinnamon ice cream (like in our Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe).
- Pair with a mug of herbal tea or vegan hot chocolate for a cozy dessert experience.
- Drizzle with extra maple syrup or a spoonful of coconut yogurt for a creamy contrast.
Recipe 2: Vegan Pear Crisp
Ingredients
- 5 medium pears, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour (or oat flour for nut-free)
- 1/3 cup vegan butter or coconut oil, solid
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Pinch salt
Equipment
- 9-inch square baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Knife and cutting board
- Parchment paper (optional, for easier cleanup)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
- Prepare the pears: Core and thinly slice the pears. Toss them with lemon juice, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and ginger in a mixing bowl. Spread evenly in the baking dish.
- Make the crisp topping: In another bowl, mix oats, almond flour, salt, vegan butter, and maple syrup. Use your fingers or a fork to combine until crumbly.
- Assemble: Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the pears.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the pears are bubbling.
- Cool and serve: Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally with vegan ice cream or coconut yogurt.
Tips & Variations
- Mix-and-Match Fruit: Add apples or berries for a twist.
- Nut-Free: Swap almond flour for oat or all-purpose flour.
- Crunchy Topping: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crisp topping.
- Extra Flavor: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg.
“For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free oats and oat flour.”
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1/8 of crisp) |
---|---|
Calories | 210 |
Fat | 8g |
Carbohydrates | 32g |
Fiber | 5g |
Sugar | 15g |
Protein | 3g |
Serving Suggestions
- Try it warm with a scoop of cinnamon pecan ice cream for a dreamy fall dessert.
- Sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes for extra crunch.
- Serve with a cup of spiced chai for the ultimate comfort food pairing.
Recipe 3: Vegan Pear Upside-Down Cake
Ingredients
- 3 large ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/4 cup vegan butter
- 1/3 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened plant milk (almond, soy, or oat)
- 1/3 cup neutral oil (like canola or melted coconut oil)
- 1/2 cup applesauce (unsweetened)
- 2/3 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Equipment
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the topping: Melt vegan butter in a saucepan. Stir in 1/3 cup coconut sugar and pour mixture into the cake pan. Arrange pear slices over the sugar mixture in a circular pattern.
- Make the cake batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, and cinnamon. In another bowl, combine plant milk, oil, applesauce, 2/3 cup coconut sugar, vanilla, and vinegar.
- Combine: Add the wet ingredients to the dry and gently mix until just combined—don’t overmix.
- Bake: Pour batter over the pears and smooth the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and invert: Let cake cool for 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a plate. Remove parchment and let cool for another 10 minutes before slicing.
Tips & Variations
- Spice Mix: Add a bit of ground ginger or nutmeg to the batter for depth.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Caramelized Pears: For extra luxury, sauté pears in a little vegan butter and sugar before arranging in the pan.
- Elegant Finish: Top with pomegranate seeds or a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch.
“For a perfectly moist cake, avoid overbaking—check at 35 minutes and remove when a toothpick has just a few moist crumbs.”
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1/10th of cake) |
---|---|
Calories | 245 |
Fat | 8g |
Carbohydrates | 40g |
Fiber | 3g |
Sugar | 21g |
Protein | 2g |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with vegan cinnamon pecan ice cream or coconut whipped cream.
- Pair with a glass of dessert wine or herbal tea for a sophisticated finish.
- Decorate with fresh berries for color and tartness.
More Delicious Vegan Pear Dessert Ideas
- Pear & Chocolate Tart: Layer sliced pears over a dairy-free chocolate ganache in a vegan tart shell. For more chocolate inspiration, see our Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe.
- Pear Chia Pudding: Stir diced pears into a cinnamon-spiced chia pudding for a quick, healthy treat.
- Spiced Pear Sorbet: Blend ripe pears with lemon juice, ginger, and maple syrup, then freeze for a refreshing sorbet.
- Caramelized Pear Parfaits: Layer caramelized pears, vegan yogurt, and granola for a beautiful dessert or breakfast. For more parfait ideas, check out our Christmas Parfait Dessert Recipes.
Conclusion
With these best vegan pear dessert recipes, you can celebrate the versatility and natural beauty of pears in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, treating yourself, or making use of a bumper crop of pears, these plant-based desserts are guaranteed to impress.
They are easy to make, deliciously satisfying, and showcase just how magical vegan baking can be.
Don’t be afraid to get creative—swap in your favorite spices, nuts, or toppings, and make each recipe your own. For more inspiration, check out our Cocktail On Tap Recipes for entertaining, or dive into decadent chocolate with our Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe.
However you serve them, these pear desserts will have everyone reaching for seconds. Happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Pear Crisp
Description: This easy vegan pear crisp features tender pears baked under a crunchy oat topping. It's comforting, wholesome, and perfect for any season.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT35M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 5 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Toss sliced pears with 1 tablespoon maple syrup and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Spread in a baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix oats, almond flour, walnuts, brown sugar, remaining cinnamon, and salt.
- Add melted coconut oil, vanilla, and remaining maple syrup to the oat mixture. Stir until crumbly.
- Sprinkle oat topping evenly over pears.
- Bake for 35 minutes, until topping is golden and pears are bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 270 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 13g | Carbs: 38g
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