Honey-Roasted Pears with Mascarpone and Cranberry Drizzle – Elegant, Simple & Cozy

Hello, I’m Sam. Since retiring, I’ve come to appreciate meals that feel comforting without being complicated. This recipe is one of my reliable go-to dishes, easy steps, warm flavors, and nothing fussy. If you enjoy simple, everyday cooking, this one will fit right into your routine.

These Honey-Roasted Pears with Mascarpone and Cranberry Drizzle are the kind of dessert that feels both rustic and elegant. Warm roasted pears, caramelized honey, creamy mascarpone, and a light drizzle of cranberry syrup, it’s balanced, beautiful, and quietly comforting.

If you like fruit-forward desserts, you might also enjoy my Blueberry Peach Crumble for something more classic, or my Log Lemon Meringue Tart for a bright citrus variation.

Why This Recipe Works

• Simple ingredients, no mixer or dough needed
• Naturally sweetened with honey
• Mascarpone adds creamy richness
• Cranberry drizzle gives color and tart contrast
• Elegant enough for holidays, easy enough for weeknights
• Works with any pear variety

Ingredient Breakdown

Ripe pears – Choose Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou pears. They hold shape beautifully when roasted while staying tender inside.

Honey – Adds natural sweetness and caramelizes as the pears roast, forming a glossy glaze.

Unsalted butter – Helps the pears roast evenly and enhances the caramelized flavor.

Ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth without overpowering the fruit.

Mascarpone cheese – Rich, smooth, and slightly sweet; balances the honey and fruit with a creamy contrast.

Heavy cream (optional) – Loosens mascarpone for a softer, spoonable texture.

Cranberries – Fresh or frozen; cooked briefly into a simple syrup for tart flavor and color.

Sugar – Balances the cranberries’ tartness in the drizzle.

Orange zest (optional) – Adds brightness and subtle citrus aroma to the cranberry sauce.

Step-by-Step Method

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a small baking dish.

Halve the pears lengthwise and scoop out the seeds using a spoon or melon baller. Place them cut-side up in the dish.

In a small bowl, stir together honey, melted butter, and cinnamon. Brush this mixture over each pear, making sure to fill the hollowed center.

Roast for 25–30 minutes, basting once or twice with the pan juices, until the pears are tender and golden around the edges.

While the pears roast, make the cranberry drizzle. In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and a few tablespoons of water. Bring to a simmer and cook until the berries pop and the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Strain through a fine sieve to remove skins if you prefer a smooth drizzle. Add a touch of orange zest if desired.

To serve, spoon a dollop of mascarpone onto each plate or into the pear’s center. Place the roasted pears on top, then drizzle lightly with the warm cranberry sauce.

Serve immediately while the pears are still warm and the mascarpone is gently melting.

Helpful Tips

• Use firm, ripe pears : soft pears may fall apart while roasting.
• Don’t over-roast : the pears should be tender but still hold their shape.
• Warm the honey-butter glaze before brushing for easy coating.
• Make the cranberry drizzle ahead, it keeps for up to a week in the fridge.
• Substitute mascarpone with ricotta or Greek yogurt if needed for a lighter version.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is elegant but relaxed, a lovely finish to a cozy dinner or small gathering.

Serve these Honey-Roasted Pears after something hearty and comforting, like my Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole or Creamy Cheddar Potato Chowder. The light sweetness of the pears balances the richness of those meals beautifully.

You can also add this recipe to a winter dessert board alongside my Red Velvet Truffles or Bakery-Style Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookies. The colors and textures together make a stunning display for holidays.

For a simple brunch option, serve the pears with a drizzle of maple syrup and toasted almonds, next to coffee and my Homemade Sandwich Bread.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Store leftover pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.

The cranberry drizzle keeps well for up to a week in a sealed jar and can be served cold or slightly warmed.

If you’re making this for guests, roast the pears and prepare the drizzle ahead, then warm both just before serving and add the mascarpone fresh.

FAQs

Can I use apples instead of pears?
Yes, though the texture will be firmer. Adjust roasting time to 20–25 minutes.

Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes, it adds a deeper caramel flavor that works nicely with cranberries.

What’s the best way to soften mascarpone?
Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving or stir in a teaspoon of cream.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Swap butter for coconut oil and mascarpone for whipped coconut cream.

Conclusion

These Honey-Roasted Pears with Mascarpone and Cranberry Drizzle are a calm, elegant dessert with a cozy feel. They come together easily but look and taste refined, the kind of dish that makes a meal feel complete without extra effort.

Soft fruit, creamy mascarpone, and a touch of tart cranberry create perfect balance. Simple, seasonal, and beautifully satisfying.