A Hormone-Friendly Twist: Baked Pears with Cranberries & Walnuts

Recipe

A cozy fall recipe that’s simple, nourishing, and hormone-friendly.

There’s something about baked pears that feels like a quiet celebration. They’re soft, naturally sweet, and elegant enough to make you feel like you’ve done something special, even if it only took 20 minutes and one pan.

As a menopause health coach, I love sharing recipes like this – simple, seasonal, and designed to support steady energy, digestion, and hormone balance without feeling restrictive.

This version shows up in my kitchen every fall. I roast the pears until tender, then fill them with warm chopped walnuts and tart cranberries, and dust them with cinnamon. The result feels grounding, blood sugar-friendly, and surprisingly satisfying, whether you serve it a dessert, a breakfast side, or a cozy afternoon treat.

Why I Love This Combo

Each ingredient brings something valuable to the table, especially for women navigating midlife shifts in energy, digestion, and hormone balance.

  • Pears deliver soluble fiber, which supports gut health and helps regulate blood sugar. They’re also hydrating and gentle on digestion – ideal for days when your system feels off.
  • Cranberries add a bright, tart contrast and support urinary tract health. Their antioxidants may also help reduce inflammation and support mood.
  • Walnuts provide omega-3s, plant-based protein, and magnesium, all of which support brain function, hormone balance, and steady energy.
  • Cinnamon brings warmth and blood sugar support, making this dish feel indulgent without the crash.

Together, they create a recipe that feels like comfort food but acts like nourishment.

Baked pear halves filled with chopped walnuts and cranberries, garnished with cinnamon sticks on a dark plate.

Before we dive into the recipe, go ahead and gather a few simple things: a couple of ripe pears, a handful of chopped walnuts, some cranberries (fresh or dried both work), and a little cinnamon.

This isn’t a complicated recipe. It’s one of those gentle, grounding dishes that comes together quickly and feels like fall from the first bite. Let’s get started!

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Baked pear halves filled with chopped walnuts and cranberries, garnished with cinnamon sticks on a dark plate.

A Hormone-Friendly Twist: Baked Pears with Cranberries & Walnuts

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  • Author: Lora Ulrich
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (2 pears, halved) 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This tender baked pears are filled with warm spices, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, and hint of cinnamon. Cozy, nourishing, and just sweet enough to feel indulgent.


Ingredients

Scale

2 ripe pears, halved and cored

1/4 cup chopped walnuts

1/4 cup fresh or dried cranberries (unsweetened if possible)

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

A pinch of sea salt

Optional: Coconut yogurt for serving


Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Arrange pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish.

3. In a small bowl, mix walnuts, cranberries, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

4. Spoon the mixture into the hollowed centers of each pear.

5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until pears are soft and edges are golden.

6. Serve warm.


Notes

This recipe is gentle on blood sugar, rich in fiber, and healthy fats, and free from dairy and gluten.

Want More Recipes That Love You Back?

A menopause health coach slicing a fresh apple on a wooden board, part of a fast metabolism diet recipe featuring seasonal, hormone-supportive ingredients.

Dive into my free metabolism-boosting recipe collection, where you’ll find meals designed to reduce inflammation, support hormonal balance, and nourish your body with every bite.

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