Get ready to transform your kitchen into a cozy autumn paradise with this mind-blowing dessert that's about to become your new seasonal obsession! Imagine tender, golden-baked apples and pears stuffed with a luxurious quinoa-pumpkin filling that's bursting with warm cinnamon and nutmeg spices. This isn't just a recipe—it's a culinary experience that will make your taste buds dance and your home smell like heaven. Whether you're looking for a show-stopping dessert or a wholesome treat that feels indulgent yet nutritious, these Pumpkin Quinoa Cinnamon Spice Baked Apples and Pears are about to become your new fall favorite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 apples, cored
- 3 pears, cored
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your baked apples and pears cook evenly and develop a nice golden color.
- Prepare your apples and pears by carefully coring them. You can use an apple corer or a knife to remove the core, making sure to leave the bottom intact to hold the filling.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Gently fold in the chopped walnuts into the quinoa and pumpkin mixture. This will add a nice crunch and flavor to the filling.
- Using a spoon, carefully fill each cored apple and pear with the quinoa and pumpkin mixture. Pack the filling in gently but firmly to ensure it holds together during baking.
- Place the filled apples and pears in a baking dish. You can arrange them upright or on their sides, depending on the size of your dish.
- If desired, drizzle a little extra brown sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the filled fruits for added sweetness and flavor.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to help the fruits steam and cook evenly. This will also prevent them from drying out.
- Bake the covered dish in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. This initial baking time allows the apples and pears to soften.
- After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This will allow the tops to brown slightly and the filling to become warm and bubbly.
- Once done, remove the baking dish from the oven and let the baked apples and pears cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm, and enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Quinoa Cinnamon Spice Baked Apples and Pears as a delightful dessert or a sweet treat!
Tips
- Choose firm, ripe apples and pears for the best texture and flavor. Varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Bosc work wonderfully.
- When coring the fruits, use a melon baller or sharp paring knife to create a clean, even cavity for the filling.
- For extra richness, consider adding a small pat of butter on top of each filled fruit before baking.
- Toast the walnuts briefly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add more depth to the dish.
- If you want a more decadent version, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Leftover baked fruits can be refrigerated and make an amazing breakfast when warmed slightly the next morning.
- For a gluten-free and vegan version, ensure your ingredients meet those dietary requirements and substitute ingredients as needed.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
