Roasted Maple Kissed Pear

I used to think parfaits were just something you ordered at brunch until a rainy October morning when I had overripe pears browning on the counter and no plan for breakfast. Tossing them with maple syrup and roasting them filled the kitchen with a scent so warm and sweet that my neighbor texted asking what I was baking. That accident became my favorite way to start a slow weekend.

The first time I served this to friends, I pretended it was complicated. They oohed over the caramelized edges and asked for the recipe like I had spent hours in the kitchen. I smiled and let them believe it, knowing I had been watching a movie while the oven did all the work.

Ingredients

• Ripe but firm pears: Too soft and they turn to mush, too hard and they stay crunchy even after roasting. Give them a gentle squeeze near the stem.
• Pure maple syrup: The real stuff makes all the difference here. Pancake syrup just tastes like sugar, but maple syrup brings that deep, almost smoky sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: Melted butter helps the pears caramelize and adds a richness that syrup alone cannot give.
• Ground cinnamon: Just enough to make the kitchen smell like fall without overpowering the pear flavor.
• Plain Greek yogurt: Full-fat is creamier, but low-fat works if you want to keep it lighter. Either way, it balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Granola: I like the kind with big clusters and no raisins, but use whatever makes you happy. Homemade is lovely if you have it.
• Toasted pecans or walnuts: Optional, but the crunch and nuttiness add another layer of texture that feels fancy.

Instructions

Prep the oven:

Preheat to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment so the sticky maple does not glue itself to the pan. I learned that one the hard way.

Coat the pears:

Toss your sliced pears with maple syrup, melted butter, cinnamon, and a tiny pinch of salt in a bowl. The salt is not optional, it makes everything taste more like itself.

Roast until golden:

Spread them in a single layer and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You want edges that look caramelized and a little wrinkled, that is where the flavor lives.

Sweeten the yogurt:

Stir honey into your Greek yogurt if you like things a little sweeter. Taste as you go, you can always add more.

Layer with love:

Spoon roasted pears into glasses, add yogurt, then granola, and repeat. I like ending with yogurt and a few pretty pear slices on top so it looks intentional.

Garnish and serve:

Sprinkle nuts if using and drizzle a little extra maple syrup. Serve right away for crunch or chill it for softer granola and colder layers.

Save

One Sunday I made these for my mom and she ate hers so quietly I thought something was wrong. Then she looked up and said it tasted like the pear tarts her grandmother used to make, just easier. That is when I knew this recipe was a keeper.

Make It Your Own

Swap the pears for apples if that is what you have, Honeycrisp or Granny Smith both roast beautifully. You can also try coconut yogurt if you want to keep it dairy-free, though the tang will be a little different. A pinch of cardamom or ginger in the roasting mix brings a warmth that feels almost exotic.

Storing and Timing

You can roast the pears a day ahead and keep them in the fridge, then assemble the parfaits in the morning. The granola will soften if you build them too far in advance, so add it just before serving if you want maximum crunch. I have also eaten leftovers straight from the jar at midnight and regretted nothing.

Perfect Pairings and Little Extras

This pairs beautifully with a glass of chilled Moscato or a mug of spiced chai if you are serving it for breakfast. I have also crumbled a little dark chocolate over the top when I wanted it to feel more like dessert.

• Use a mix of pear varieties for different textures and flavors in each bite.
• Try drizzling tahini over the yogurt layer for a nutty, savory twist.
• If you are serving a crowd, set up a parfait bar and let people build their own.

Save

This is the kind of recipe that makes you look like you have your life together even when you absolutely do not. Serve it with confidence and enjoy every sweet, crunchy, creamy bite.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you achieve perfectly roasted pears?

Toss pear slices in maple syrup, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt, then roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden and tender.

→ Can I use a different fruit instead of pears?

Yes, apples can be used as a delightful alternative offering a similar texture and sweetness.

→ What type of yogurt works best?

Plain Greek yogurt provides creamy richness, but coconut yogurt is a good dairy-free substitute.

→ How can I keep the granola crunchy?

Serve immediately after assembling or enjoy a chilled version within 30 minutes to maintain granola’s crunch.

→ Are there optional garnishes to enhance flavor?

Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts and an extra maple syrup drizzle add texture and depth to the layers.