Apples get all the fall hype, while pears are just sitting there waiting for their moment. They’re like the underrated backup singer ready to steal the show. If you’ve only been grabbing apples this season, you’re missing out on some serious pear potential. These pear recipes will make you forget apples even exist.
Granola Pear Bread
Move over apples, pears are here to steal the spotlight. This granola-packed pear bread is your go-to for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up that’s way more exciting than your usual snack.
Get the Recipe: Granola Pear Bread
Pear Smoothie
Ditch the apple cider and shake things up with this pear smoothie! With banana and cinnamon in the mix, it’s a fresh, quick fix that makes your fall mornings a little more fun.
Get the Recipe: Pear Smoothie
Pear Bacon Brie Grilled Cheese
Pears totally level up this grilled cheese game. Sweet pears, crispy bacon, and melty brie—this sandwich proves apples aren’t the only fall star.
Get the Recipe: Pear Bacon Brie Grilled Cheese
Spiced Pear Oatmeal
Pears and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg make this oatmeal the real fall MVP. Forget apples—this bowl’s where it’s at for cozy mornings.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pear Oatmeal
Orange Ginger Pear and Quince Crisp
Let pears take the stage in this crisp that fills your house with all the fall vibes. Skip the apple pie, this dessert is what everyone will be raving about!
Get the Recipe: Orange Ginger Pear and Quince Crisp
Easy Pear Crumble Pie Bars
These crumble bars pack in all the fall flavors with fresh pears on an oatmeal crust. They’re easy to make and perfect for when you want something better than your basic apple pie.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pear Crumble Pie Bars
Honey Pear Collins
This pear cocktail is sweet, crisp, and the perfect way to toast the season. Who needs apples when you’ve got pears shaking things up in this refreshing drink?
Get the Recipe: Honey Pear Collins
Pear & Salted Caramel Pie
Sweet pears and salty caramel? Yes, please! This pie is a no-fuss, crowd-pleaser that’ll have you forgetting apples ever existed.
Get the Recipe: Pear & Salted Caramel Pie
Pear Loaf Cake with Salted Caramel Drizzle
Blend it up and bake it—this pear loaf cake is crazy simple but packed with flavor. Drizzle on the salted caramel, and it’s game over for apples.
Get the Recipe: Pear Loaf Cake with Salted Caramel Drizzle
Roasted Pear Salad with Goat Cheese
Pears bring a fresh kick to this roasted salad with tangy goat cheese. It’s a colorful fall salad that’s way more exciting than any apple-filled bowl.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Pear Salad with Goat Cheese
Spiced Pear Cake
Juicy pears and cozy spices make this cake the ultimate fall dessert. It’s vegan, but don’t let that fool you—this cake makes apples look boring.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pear Cake
Pear Turnovers
Forget making a whole pie—these pear turnovers are flaky, spiced, and the perfect handheld treat. Apples? Not this time. Pears are running the show.
Get the Recipe: Pear Turnovers
Apple Pear Pie
Can’t decide between apples and pears? Why not both? This pie blends the two for a fall dessert that balances sweet and tart like a pro.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pear Pie
Pear Puff Pastry Pinwheel Appetizers
These bite-sized pear pinwheels in puff pastry are the appetizer you didn’t know you needed. Fancy without the fuss, and they totally outshine apple apps.
Get the Recipe: Pear Puff Pastry Pinwheel Appetizers
Waldorf Salad
This sweet version of the Waldorf swaps in pears, making it fresher and brighter than your usual apple-filled version. Fall’s better with pears, and this salad proves it.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad
Harvest Salad with Poppy Seed Vinaigrette
Loaded with pears, apples, sweet potatoes, and bacon, this salad packs in the best of fall flavors. It’s crisp, colorful, and perfect for a seasonal dinner.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Salad with Poppy Seed Vinaigrette
Baked Pears
Baked pears with brown sugar, cinnamon, and ginger make a dessert that fills the house with fall spice. Apples step aside—this is what fall really tastes like.
Get the Recipe: Baked Pears
Pear Sauce Chocolate Chip Muffins
These muffins sneak in pears for a sweet twist, along with chocolate chips for an extra treat in every bite. It’s a fresh fall snack that kicks apples to the curb.
Get the Recipe: Pear Sauce Chocolate Chip Muffins
Savory Baked Pears with Gorgonzola, Walnuts, and Cranberries
Sweet and savory come together with baked pears, gorgonzola, and walnuts. It’s a fall side dish that’s sure to make apples jealous at Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Savory Baked Pears with Gorgonzola, Walnuts, and Cranberries
Julia Child’s Pear Clafoutis
Pears take the spotlight in this classic dessert with a custardy center and golden top. It sounds fancy, but it’s super simple—and pears totally steal the show from apples.
Get the Recipe: Julia Child’s Pear Clafoutis
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
