Baked apples and pears make a cozy addition to any meal of the day. Serve this maple, ginger, cinnamon, and thyme-spiced fruit as a vegan side dish or on top of oatmeal and salads.

Baked apples and pears in a white bowl with marble background.

Is there anything cozier than apples and pears baked with and aromatic mix of maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, and thyme? For me, this is a must-try recipe whenever you have fresh apples and pears on hand.

It looks like a side dish at first glance, and it is, in addition to a bunch of other uses for any time of day, which I'm sharing below in case you're looking for a few ideas!

Apples, pears, cinnamon sticks, thyme, ginger root, and a bottle of maple syrup.

Baked Apples and Pears Ingredients

Apples and Pears - Use a mix of both, all apples, or all pears depending on what you have on hand right now
Oil - I like grapeseed oil but any neutral-tasting oil is fine
Maple syrup for sweet and caramel-y flavor
Ginger and cinnamon to add a little spice
Thyme for freshness

What's the difference between Baked Apples and Pears and Roasted Apples and Pears?

Baking and roasting are similar cooking methods. The main difference between the two is the cooking temperature. Roasting occurs at higher temperatures, usually 400 degrees Fahrenheit and higher, while baking occurs at lower temperatures.

Because of the higher temperature, roasting typically creates more of that golden-brown crust that is so good. With this recipe, though, we're cooking the fruit on the stovetop before we bake so we can get in on that browning action without increasing the oven temperature to the level of roasting.

Apples, pears, cinnamon, and fresh thyme in a white Dutch oven.

How to Make Baked Apples and Pears

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, heat up some oil in a Dutch oven or an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.

Once hot, carefully spread the apples and pears in a single layer flesh-side down in the Dutch oven or skillet and cook until the bottoms turn brown. Then, stir in the maple syrup, ginger slices, cinnamon stick, sprigs of fresh thyme, and salt.

Cover the pot and transfer it to the oven to bake for about 30 minutes, or until the fruit is tender with a strong, spiced aroma. Mmm mmm.

Baked apples and pears in a white Dutch oven.

What's the Best Way to Serve Baked Apples and Pears?

These baked apples and pears are super versatile, especially during the fall and winter months. They work with sweet breakfasts, on salads for lunch, and as a side dish for dinner. For dessert, try baked apples and pears with a scoop of ice cream.

Breakfast Ideas

Use Baked Apples and Pears as a topping for:

Oatmeal
Pancakes
Waffles
Nut butter toast
French toast

White bowl of oatmeal with pecans, nut butter, and sliced apples and pears.

Lunch/Dinner Ideas

For lunch and dinner, use this recipe as a component or topping for:

Salads
Grain bowls
Pizza
Sandwiches
As a side dish alongside your favorite protein

Salad with lettuce, hummus, baked apples, and sunflower seeds.

Can you make Baked Apples and Pears Ahead of Time? What's the best way to store them?

If you can, enjoy these fresh out of the oven, when they're still warm and the aroma is at its peak.

You can also prep this recipe ahead of time and store in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge.

Potential Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pears, replace them with additional apples. If you don't have apples, replace them with additional pears.
To substitute dry spices, use one teaspoon each ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and dry thyme instead of fresh ginger slices, a cinnamon stick, and sprigs of fresh thyme.
If you don't have maple syrup, substitute honey or agave nectar.