The best pear recipes
From tart tatin to sweet crumbles and even a cheesy tart, these are our favourite recipes to use pears.
Pears are in season from late September through to January (although you'll likely be able to find them outside of this window) but are at their best over the festive period.
When looking for ideas on how to use them in cooking, certain varieties are better for certain dishes. If you're wanting to poach a pear for a sophisticated dinner party dessert, opt for a firmer variety such as a conference pear. For cakes and crumbles, you can opt for classic varieties, or even tinned pears to keep sweet bakes moist.
We've compiled all our favourite pear recipes (that's 16 ways to serve this humble fruit), with our personal favourites being the pear and white chocolate crumble and the pear and cider roast pork for a spectacular Sunday lunch with friends.
Pear flan Bourdaloue
Sweet pears and nutty frangipane combine in this decadent flan which uses affordable tinned pears, too.
Recipe: Pear flan Bourdaloue
Pear tatin
Our pear tatin recipe is so easy to make but looks really technical. we've used pre-made puff pastry to speed up the process. Serve with vanilla ice cream.
Recipe: Pear tatin
Parsnip and pear soup
For a hearty and flavoursome soup, give this parsnip and pear soup recipe a go. It's subtly spiced with curry powder and chilli flakes which goes really well with parsnips.
Recipe: Parsnip and pear soup
Perry poached pears with chocolate sauce
This is a super sophisticated (and really easy) dessert to try for your next dinner party. We'd also add crushed up shortbread on top for added texture, too.
Pear and almond cake
This fruity cake is incredibly moist and pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee at the end of a meal. Plus, you only need 25 minutes to prep.
Recipe: Pear and almond cake
Pear and blackberry crumble
You can't beat a fresh crumble and this fragrant one is filled with pear and tart blackberries. Divine!
Recipe: Pear and blackberry crumble
Pear, plum and chocolate crumble
Served in individual pots, these pear, plum and chocolate crumbles are moreish and decadent when served with cream on the side.
Recipe: Pear, plum and chocolate crumble
Stilton and pear quiche
If you've got leftover Stilton from your Christmas cheeseboard, try your hand at this delicious Stilton and pear quiche. Sweet and savoury works brilliantly in this recipe.
Recipe: Stilton and pear quiche
Pear and ginger Christmas puddings
If you're after a subtle twist on a classic Christmas pudding, this sweet pear and fiery ginger version is a lovely alternative. There's even a tip if you want to flambee it too!
Pear, blue cheese and walnut puff
Pear, blue cheese and walnut is a match made in heaven and even better when it's wrapped in pastry.
Pear and chocolate pudding
This baked pudding is so easy to make and only requires 10 minutes of prep time and can be on the table in under 30 minutes! It's also lower in sugar, if you're trying to cut down.
Recipe: Pear and chocolate pudding
Poached pears in syrup
A classic recipe, these pears are poached in grape juice, cinnamon and orange for a subtly spiced and festive taste.
Recipe: Poached pears in syrup
Pear and white chocolate crumble
If you're after an individual dessert to serve to guests at a dinner party, these pear and white chocolate crumbles only take 40 minutes in total.
Recipe: Pear and white chocolate crumble
Pear and cider roast pork
Looking for a superb Sunday lunch option? This roast pork with crispy crackling is served with caramelised pears and a cider gravy. Yum!
Recipe: Pear and cider roast pork
Whipped blue cheese and pear crostini
For a simple canape option, why not give this whipped blue cheese and pear crostini a try? Salty and sweet pear (see what we did there?) perfectly with a fizzy glass of Champagne.
Spiced pears in mulled red wine syrup
For a festive feel, these pears are poached in a mulled wine syrup until tender. Serve with vanilla ice cream or warm custard.
Mel is the Senior Food & Drink Writer for Good Housekeeping UK, covering all the delicious new product launches that come her way, writing about food and drink topics, and curating gift guides for the best foodie products to buy. Alongside that, she can be found developing and creating cocktails for GH and holds her WSET Level 2 in Wine and Spirits. She was part of the Good Housekeeping Institute food testing team for over four years before moving over to the digital side, so knows a thing or two about great food products. You'll find her scouring the supermarket shelves in her spare time for new and exciting ingredients to experiment with in her kitchen.
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