Pear Bars Recipe

If you’re searching for a delightful dessert that combines the comforting warmth of spices with the natural sweetness of fruit, look no further than these fabulous Pear Bars. Bursting with juicy diced pears nestled in a rich, brown sugar filling atop a buttery graham cracker crust, Pear Bars bring a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will captivate your taste buds. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack, a festive gathering, or simply craving something sweet yet wholesome, these bars offer a scrumptious treat you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for just a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a vital role in crafting the perfect Pear Bars. From the crumbly graham cracker crust to the warmly spiced pear filling, every component adds its own special touch to the overall flavor and texture.

• Graham cracker crumbs: Forms the buttery, crunchy base layer that holds everything together beautifully.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps bind the crust, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Sugar: Provides just enough sweetness to balance the natural fruit flavors and spices.
• Dark brown sugar: Imparts a deep, caramel flavor that enhances the pear filling and keeps it moist.
• Eggs: Act as a binder, giving the filling its luscious, thick consistency.
• All-purpose flour: Stabilizes the filling so it sets perfectly without being too dense.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant warmth that complements the spices and fruit.
• Ground cinnamon and ginger: Infuse the filling with cozy spices that awaken the senses.
• Salt and baking powder: Balance the sweetness and help the filling rise slightly for a tender crumb.
• Peeled, diced pears: The star ingredient providing juicy bursts of sweetness and freshness.

How to Make Pear Bars

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine the graham cracker crumbs, softened unsalted butter, and sugar in a medium bowl. Use a fork or pastry cutter to blend the mixture until it’s crumbly yet holds together when pressed. Then, firmly press this mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to create an even layer. Bake the crust for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. This pre-baking step ensures a crisp base that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling.

Step 2: Mix the Spiced Filling

While the crust is baking, prepare the filling in the same bowl to save on cleanup. Combine the dark brown sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and flour, mixing them well to create a smooth base. Then add the warm spices—cinnamon and ground ginger—along with salt and baking powder. Stir everything together so the flavors are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients and Pears

Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture turns into a thick, luscious batter. This is where the magic begins to happen, as the batter becomes smooth and rich. Gently fold in the peeled and diced pears, taking care not to break them up too much—these juicy pieces bring delightful pops of flavor and tender texture to every bite.

Step 4: Bake the Assembled Bars

Spread the pear batter evenly over the warm, pre-baked crust. Make sure to distribute it so every slice will have that perfect balance of crust and filling. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know the Pear Bars are ready when the center feels set and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This resting time is crucial because it helps the filling firm up, making slicing easier and preventing the bars from falling apart. After cooling, cut into squares or rectangles, and prepare to enjoy a truly irresistible treat.

How to Serve Pear Bars

Garnishes

Elevate your Pear Bars with some beautiful garnishes that complement the flavors and add a touch of elegance. A light dusting of powdered sugar creates a pretty, snow-kissed effect that’s perfect for entertaining. For a richer experience, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce enhances the caramel notes from the brown sugar, adding a silky sweetness. Freshly chopped nuts like toasted pecans or almonds can be sprinkled on top for a delightful crunch and an extra layer of texture.

Side Dishes

Pear Bars shine on their own, but pairing them with a few thoughtfully chosen sides takes the dessert to new heights. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream adds cool creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the warm spices and tender pears. Alternatively, freshly whipped cream infused with a hint of cinnamon can be dolloped beside the bars for an indulgent touch. For an afternoon treat, serve them with a hot cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee, which complements the spices perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress your guests or simply make the occasion feel special, get creative with how you present Pear Bars. Cut the bars into bite-sized squares and serve them on a decorative platter with edible flowers or fresh pear slices for a visually stunning platter. You can also layer pieces of Pear Bars in a clear glass trifle vase with whipped cream and caramel sauce for a beautiful dessert display that shows off each component. Mini dessert plates with a single bar, a drizzle of sauce, and a mint leaf make for an inviting, elegant presentation perfect for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any Pear Bars leftover, they store beautifully. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve their moistness and texture for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigeration will maintain their freshness for about a week, just make sure to bring them to room temperature before serving to restore their softness.

Freezing

Pear Bars freeze wonderfully, making them ideal for baking ahead or saving for later indulgence. Slice them into individual portions, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to one month without losing flavor or texture. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave.

Reheating

To enjoy your Pear Bars as if they were freshly baked, reheating is quick and easy. Place a bar on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short bursts of 15 to 20 seconds until warm. Alternatively, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to revive that freshly baked aroma and tender crumb. Serving warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is an unbeatable way to savor every bite.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pear for these bars?

Absolutely! Bartlett, Anjou, and Bosc pears all work great in Pear Bars. Bartlett pears are softer and sweeter, while Bosc pears hold their shape a bit better for more texture. Feel free to pick your favorite based on sweetness and firmness.

Are these Pear Bars gluten-free?

The classic recipe uses graham cracker crumbs, which typically contain gluten. However, you can substitute with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or gluten-free cookie crumbs to make a gluten-free version without sacrificing flavor.

Can I make Pear Bars vegan?

Yes! Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter, and substitute the eggs with flax eggs or another vegan binder. The bars might have a slightly different texture but will still be delicious.

How ripe should the pears be?

Use ripe pears that are tender but not mushy. They should give slightly to pressure but still hold their shape when diced. Ripe pears enhance sweetness and texture, making your Pear Bars moist and flavorful.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds add lovely crunch, while a handful of chocolate chips can bring a fun twist. Just fold these in gently with the pears before baking to keep everything balanced.

Final Thoughts

These Pear Bars are truly a slice of comfort and joy baked into every bite. Their sweet, spiced filling and buttery crust combine to create a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether you’re making them for family, friends, or simply to treat yourself, I promise these bars will quickly become a favorite to bake and share. So go ahead, dive into this recipe, and let the fragrant aroma of Pear Bars fill your kitchen with cozy happiness.

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