British Spiced Grilled Pears with Honey: The Ultimate BBQ Dessert

Introduction

There is an undeniable charm to finishing a meal outdoors, surrounded by the fading light and the warmth of the fire. While the Arteflame grill is famous for searing steaks and roasting vegetables, it is equally adept at transforming humble fruit into a sophisticated dessert. These British spiced grilled pears are the perfect example of how simple ingredients can be elevated through the magic of open-fire cooking. By grilling the pears, you caramelize their natural sugars, intensifying their sweetness and creating a texture that is tender yet satisfyingly firm.

This recipe draws inspiration from classic British puddings, utilizing a warming blend of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg that smell like the holidays but taste perfect year-round. It is a dessert that manages to be both elegant enough for a dinner party and rustic enough for a casual backyard barbecue. Best of all, it requires minimal preparation, allowing you to stay present with your guests while crafting a sweet finale that feels truly gourmet.

Ingredients

• 4 ripe but firm pears (Bosc, Anjou, or Conference varieties work best)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• High-quality honey, for drizzling
• Optional: Greek yogurt, crème fraîche, or vanilla bean ice cream for serving
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted
• Optional: Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pears

1. Wash the pears thoroughly and dry them.
2. Slice each pear in half lengthwise. Using a melon baller or a small spoon, carefully scoop out the core and seeds from the center of each half.
3. Immediately brush the cut sides of the pears with the fresh lemon juice. This step is crucial as it adds a bright zest to the flavor profile and prevents the fruit from oxidizing and turning brown before it hits the grill.

Step 2: Create the Spice Mixture

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Whisk until the sugar has mostly dissolved into the butter.
2. Generously brush this spiced butter mixture over the cut side of each pear. Make sure the cavity where the seeds were is well-coated, as this will hold a pool of delicious caramelized juices later.

Step 3: Grill on the Arteflame

1. Fire up your Arteflame grill. Aim for a medium heat zone on the flat cooktop (plancha). You want the grill hot enough to sear, but not so hot that the sugar burns instantly.
2. Place the pears cut-side down on the flat cooktop. Allow them to grill undisturbed for about 4 to 6 minutes. You are looking for distinct grill marks or a deep, golden-brown crust.
3. Flip the pears over so they are skin-side down. Move them slightly further away from the center fire if they are browning too quickly. Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until the pears are tender when pierced with a fork but not mushy.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the pears from the grill and place them on a serving platter.
2. While they are still warm, drizzle generously with honey. The heat from the pears will make the honey runny, allowing it to glaze the fruit beautifully.
3. Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt, crème fraîche, or ice cream. Sprinkle with toasted nuts and fresh mint if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Grilled Pears

The success of this recipe hinges largely on the selection of your fruit. You want pears that are ripe but still quite firm to the touch. If the pears are too soft or over-ripe, they will likely fall apart on the high heat of the Arteflame and turn into mush rather than maintaining that lovely, steak-like texture. Varieties like Bosc or Anjou are structurally dense and handle the heat exceptionally well.

Additionally, keep a close eye on your heat management. The sugar in the glaze can go from caramelized to burnt in a matter of seconds. Use the Arteflame's unique heat zones to your advantage; start closer to the center to get that initial sear, then slide the fruit toward the outer edge of the cooktop to let it roast gently without burning. If you want an extra layer of flavor, try brushing the grill surface with a little bit of coconut oil or almond oil before placing the pears down.

Variations

While the classic British spice blend is a crowd-pleaser, grilled pears are a blank canvas for culinary creativity. You can easily pivot this recipe to suit a savory palate or a different flavor profile depending on the rest of your meal. Here are a few ways to mix things up:

• The Savory Turn: Skip the cinnamon and sugar. Instead, grill the pears with just butter and serve them with crumbled blue cheese or Gorgonzola and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. This makes an excellent appetizer.
• The Boozy Kick: Stir a tablespoon of bourbon, dark rum, or Amaretto into the butter and sugar mixture before brushing it on the pears.
• The Maple Twist: Substitute the honey with pure maple syrup and replace the walnuts with pecans for a more North American autumnal vibe.
• The Zesty Citrus: Add orange zest to the spice rub and serve with a dollop of lemon curd mixed into mascarpone cheese.
• The Crunch Factor: Sprinkle granola over the pears during the last minute of grilling for a warm, crunchy topping.

Best Pairings

These spiced grilled pears are robust enough to stand on their own as a dessert, but they also pair beautifully with specific beverages and main courses to create a cohesive dining experience. Because of the cinnamon and nutmeg, this dessert bridges the gap between dinner and sweet satisfaction perfectly.

• Dessert Wines: A glass of chilled Sauternes, Late Harvest Riesling, or a Moscato d'Asti pairs wonderfully. The acidity in the wine cuts through the sweetness of the honey and the richness of the butter.
• Warm Beverages: For a cozy night by the fire, serve these alongside an Earl Grey tea or a hot toddy. The bergamot in the tea complements the citrus notes in the pears.
• Main Course Context: These pears make a fantastic follow-up to rich, savory mains like roasted pork tenderloin, grilled duck breast, or a classic cedar plank salmon. The fruit provides a refreshing, palate-cleansing finish to a heavy meal.

Conclusion

Mastering British spiced grilled pears on your Arteflame is about more than just cooking fruit; it is about reframing what a barbecue dessert can be. It moves away from the heavy, dough-laden cakes and pies and offers something lighter, fresher, and arguably more flavorful. The combination of the hot, caramelized fruit with the cool creaminess of yogurt or ice cream creates a sensory contrast that delights the palate.

Next time you fire up the grill for a weekend feast, save a spot on the cooktop for dessert. With just a few simple ingredients and the unique capabilities of your Arteflame, you can create a dish that looks like it came from a fine dining kitchen but feels like home. It is a warm, fragrant embrace of the seasons—simple, healthy, and absolutely delicious.