Vanilla-Infused Baked Pears with mascarpone cheese

One of my favorite dishes that embodies the warmth is baked pears infused with real vanilla pods, served alongside a dollop of silky whipped mascarpone cheese and topped with delicate almond flakes. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The sweetness of the baked pears, enhanced by the floral notes of vanilla, combines beautifully with the creamy mascarpone and the crunchy almond flakes. Every bite offers a mix of textures and flavors, from warm and juicy to cool and creamy, with the delicate crunch of the toasted almonds adding the final flourish. It’s a light yet indulgent dessert, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a cozy night in.

One of the key components of this dish is real vanilla pods. While vanilla extract is often used in baking, there’s nothing quite like the depth of flavor that comes from scraping out the seeds of a real vanilla pod. Mascarpone is a creamy Italian cheese that’s less tangy than cream cheese, with a smooth, velvety texture. When whipped, it becomes light and airy, providing the perfect contrast to the soft pears.

Preparation time: 15-20 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Serves:5-6

Ingredients

• Pears 4-5
• Vanilla pod 1
• Honey or maple syrup  2 tbsp
• Butter 2 tbsp
• Thyme sprigs
• Mascarpone cheese 250 gms
• Powdered sugar 2 tbsp
• Vanilla extract 1 tsp
• Almond flakes (lightly toasted) 1/4 th cup

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Halve the pears and remove the core using a spoon. Place them in a baking dish with the cut side up.
2. Slice the vanilla pod lengthwise and scrape out the seeds with the back of a knife. Rub the seeds over the pears, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
3. Then, add the empty vanilla pod to the dish for extra flavor. Drizzle the pears with honey or maple syrup and dot them with small pieces of butter.
4. Scatter the thyme sprigs over the pears. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pears are soft and caramelized.
5. While the pears are baking, whip the mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy. Set aside.
6. Once the pears are done, remove them from the oven. Serve each pear half with a generous spoonful of whipped mascarpone, and sprinkle with toasted almond flakes.