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Baked Prickly Pears Recipe

Experience the unique taste of the Southwest with this delectable Baked Prickly Pear recipe! Originally from Ajo, Arizona's 150th-anniversary celebration and credited to Mary Ann Heacock of the Colorado Cactophiles, this recipe transforms juicy prickly pears into a warm, comforting dessert. Imagine the sweet, subtly tart flavor of the pears enhanced by cinnamon and a touch of lemon, all baked to perfection. Serve warm with a dollop of cream for the ultimate southwestern treat.

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 50 mins
Calories 239.1 kcal
Protein 1g
Rating 4.0 (1 Reviews)
Baked Prickly Pears

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Baked Prickly Pears

  • Prickly Pears
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

How to Make Baked Prickly Pears

  1. Preheat oven to 325-350°F (160-180°C).
  2. Wash prickly pears thoroughly. Using a sharp knife, carefully slit each pear lengthwise and remove the seeds.
  3. Lightly butter an 8-inch baking dish.
  4. Arrange the prepared prickly pear halves in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
  5. In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Use your fingers to thoroughly mix until well combined.
  6. Stir in the lemon juice until evenly distributed.
  7. Sprinkle the butter-sugar-cinnamon mixture evenly over the prickly pears in the baking dish.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the topping is bubbly.
  9. Let cool slightly before serving warm. Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

3 g

Sugar

107g

Fat

39g

Carbs

11g

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60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation North American Low Protein 5 Ingredients Or Less Desserts Fruit Mexican Easy Vegetarian Dietary Low Sodium Native American Low In Something