Rustic Charm: Ina Garten’s Roasted Pear & Apple Sauce Recipe

Warm spices and sweet autumn fruits dance together in this delightful Ina Garten roasted pear and apple sauce that promises comfort in every spoonful.

Caramelized edges and golden hues tell a story of slow-roasted perfection.

The kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone closer.

Ripe pears and crisp apples mingle under a gentle blanket of cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a symphony of flavors.

Oven-roasting intensifies the natural sugars, coaxing out deep, rich notes that store-bought sauces can never capture.

This simple yet elegant recipe turns ordinary fruit into an extraordinary treat that sparkles with homemade charm.

Grab your baking sheet and let’s create a sauce that will become a cherished seasonal staple.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Calories: 120 kcal

Servings: 6

What’s Inside Ina Garten Roasted Pear & Apple Sauce

• Pears: Sweet autumn stars that bring delicate softness and mellow flavor to the sauce, choose ripe but firm fruits without bruises.
• Apples: Crisp companions that add structure and tartness, select firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best results.

• Orange: Bright, zesty flavor brightener that adds sunny complexity and helps prevent fruit browning.
• Lemon: Sharp acidic note that balances sweetness and prevents oxidation of fruits.

• Light Brown Sugar: Caramel-like sweetener that deepens flavor profile and creates rich undertones.
• Cinnamon: Warm, aromatic spice that brings cozy depth and classic autumnal essence to the sauce.
• Unsalted Butter: Silky richness provider that smooths texture and adds luxurious mouthfeel.

Gadgets You’ll Need for Ina Garten Roasted Pear & Apple Sauce

• Large Dutch Oven: A heavy-bottomed, nonreactive pot perfect for even baking and preventing acidic ingredients from reacting.
• Vegetable Peeler: Essential for removing fruit skins quickly and smoothly.
• Sharp Knife: Helps precisely quarter and core apples and pears.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for fruit preparation.
• Whisk: Allows for easy mashing and creating desired sauce texture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
• Citrus Zester or Grater: Helps remove delicate citrus zest without bitter white pith.

Making Ina Garten Roasted Pear & Apple Sauce the Easy Way

• Citrus Foundation Preparation

Grab a nonreactive Dutch oven and create a zesty base using orange and lemon juice, which will prevent fruit from browning and add bright flavor.

• Fruit Selection and Cutting

Select ripe, fragrant pears and apples, carefully peeling and slicing them into delicate quarters, making sure to remove seeds and tough cores.

• Flavor Layering

Sprinkle a gentle dusting of warm brown sugar and cinnamon over the fruit, dotting small butter pieces across the surface to create a rich, caramelized essence.

• Slow Transformation

Cover the pot and slide into a warm oven, allowing the fruits to gently soften and meld together, releasing their natural sweetness and creating a luscious blend.

• Texture Creation

Once fruits are tender and deeply aromatic, use a whisk to break down the mixture, leaving some delightful chunky bits for an interesting, rustic feel.

• Serving Sensation

Enjoy this heavenly sauce either warm or at room temperature, as a comforting dessert or a delectable accompaniment to your favorite dishes.

Creative Variations for Ina Garten Roasted Pear & Apple Sauce

• Adjust the mashing technique to create a chunkier or smoother sauce based on your preference, using a potato masher for rustic chunks or an immersion blender for ultra-smooth consistency.
• Experiment with additional warming spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or ground ginger to add depth and complexity to the classic cinnamon flavor profile.
• Replace pears with different apple types like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji to create unique flavor combinations and explore various natural sweetness levels.
• Substitute brown sugar with honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar for a more nuanced sweetness and added depth of flavor in the roasted fruit sauce.
• Store the sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze in portion-sized containers for easy future enjoyment and quick meal prep.

Stylish Ways to Serve Ina Garten Roasted Pear & Apple Sauce

• Pair with Warm Comfort Foods: Serve alongside roasted pork tenderloin or grilled chicken for a sweet and tangy complement that elevates your main course.
• Create a Breakfast Delight: Spread this luscious sauce over warm toast, pancakes, or waffles for a morning treat that transforms your breakfast routine.
• Dessert Transformation: Use as a topping for vanilla ice cream, mix into yogurt, or layer in a parfait for an elegant and easy dessert that impresses without effort.
• Charcuterie Board Star: Include as a unique spread on a cheese board, pairing beautifully with sharp cheddars, creamy bries, and crisp crackers for a gourmet touch.

Storage Know-How for Ina Garten Roasted Pear & Apple Sauce

• Maximize Freshness and Flavor
• Refrigerate the roasted pear and apple sauce in an airtight container for up to 5 days, ensuring the best taste and texture remains intact.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment
• Portion the sauce into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, leaving a small space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, providing a quick and delicious treat anytime.
• Quick Reheating Techniques
• Thaw frozen sauce in the refrigerator overnight, then gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to restore its original creamy consistency.
• Smart Serving Suggestions
• Enjoy chilled as a refreshing dessert, use as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal, or serve alongside roasted meats for an unexpected flavor twist that will impress family and friends.

Stunning Pear & Apple Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s roasted pear & apple sauce blends sweet autumn fruits with warm spices. Home cooks can easily prepare this simple, elegant dessert accompaniment that highlights seasonal produce with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 lb (1.36 kg) sweet red apples, such as Macoun or Empire (8 apples)
• 3 lb (1.36 kg) ripe Bosc pears (7 pears)
• 2 large navel oranges (zest and juice)
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Position the rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 180°C (350°F) for optimal roasting conditions.
2. Citrus Infusion: Zest and juice oranges and lemon directly into a nonreactive Dutch oven, creating a bright, tangy base for the sauce.
3. Fruit Preparation: Methodically peel, quarter, and core apples and pears, immediately coating them in the citrus mixture to preserve their pristine color and prevent oxidation.
4. Seasoning Layer: Generously scatter light brown sugar and ground cinnamon over the fruit, strategically placing cold butter pieces to impart richness and prevent adherence to the pot.
5. Roasting Process: Secure the lid tightly and roast in the preheated oven for 1¼ to 1½ hours, allowing the fruits to transform, softening and caramelizing into a luscious compote.
6. Finishing Touch: Gently deconstruct the roasted fruits with a whisk, maintaining a rustic texture that celebrates the natural integrity of the ingredients, creating a nuanced, textured sauce.

Notes

• Prevent Fruit Browning: Quickly toss apple and pear pieces in citrus juice to stop oxidation and maintain fresh, bright color.
• Butter Temperature Matters: Use cold butter pieces to create a richer flavor and prevent fruit from sticking during roasting.
• Texture Control: Whisk gently to create a rustic sauce, leaving some fruit chunks for interesting mouthfeel and homemade appeal.
• Optimal Roasting Time: Watch carefully between 1¼ to 1½ hours to achieve perfect caramelization without burning the fruit.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 2 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg