Maple Spiced Pear and Walnut Baked Brie with Cranberries
This elegant baked brie features a warm, spiced topping of tender pears, crunchy walnuts, and sweet dried fruits bound together with maple syrup and warming spices. The combination of creamy melted cheese with the caramelized fruit and nut mixture creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Ideal for entertaining, holiday gatherings, or cozy autumn evenings, this appetizer pairs beautifully with crackers, fresh fruit, or crusty bread. The maple syrup adds natural sweetness while cinnamon and cardamom provide aromatic warmth that complements the nutty brie perfectly.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 large comice pear, peeled, cored, and dicedother pear varieties1:1Bartlett or Anjou pears work well
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- 3 tablespoons raw walnuts, choppedpecans1:1Similar texture and flavor profile
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- 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds
- 2 tablespoons golden raisins
- 1 tablespoon dried cranberries
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cardamom(optional)
- 1 pinch sea salt, to taste
- 1 7-ounce wheel brie cheese
Instructions
- 1
Add olive oil, diced pear, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, raisins, cranberries, maple syrup, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt to a small skillet
- 2
Heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture has thickened and pears have softened
- 3
Continue cooking until everything appears sticky
- 4
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
- 5
Unwrap brie cheese and cut off top rind if desired
- 6
Place cheese in an oven-safe serving dish
- 7
Top with the pear-walnut mixture
- 8
Bake on center rack for 15 to 20 minutes
- 9
Serve with crackers, sliced fruit, or toasted bread
Tips
You can leave the rind on the brie if preferred - both methods work well and it's a matter of personal preference.
Use an oven-safe dish that can double as your serving dish to keep the brie warm longer.
Cook the fruit mixture until it's sticky and caramelized for the best flavor and texture contrast.
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in oven before serving.
Prepare fruit mixture up to 1 day ahead and store covered. Assemble and bake just before serving.
Serve warm with crackers, sliced apples or pears, and crusty bread.
Common Mistakes
Don't overcook the fruit mixture or it will become mushy instead of tender
Don't overbake the brie or it will become too runny and lose its shape
Substitutions
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FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the fruit topping up to a day ahead, but bake the brie just before serving for best texture and temperature.
What if I don't have cardamom?
Cardamom is optional and can be omitted, or substitute with a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for similar warming flavor.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to restore the creamy texture.