Spiced Pear and Honey Mascarpone Crostini

This elegant dessert crostini features warm, caramelized pears infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, providing a comforting, spiced flavor. The creamy, slightly tangy mascarpone spread offers a perfect counterpoint to the sweet fruit and the satisfying crunch of the toasted baguette. It is a sophisticated, bite-sized treat perfect for celebrating National Dessert Day.

Sweet & Dessert

Ingredients

1 baguette, thinly sliced
2 ripe pears (e.g., Bosc or Anjou), cored and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
3 tablespoons honey, plus more for drizzling
1/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts (optional, for garnish)
Pinch of sea salt

Method

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and lightly toast for 5-7 minutes minutes until golden. Set aside.
In a medium skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the sliced pears, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Sauté for 5-7 minutes minutes until the pears are tender-crisp and fragrant.
In a small bowl, gently whisk together the softened mascarpone cheese and 3 tablespoons of honey until smooth and well combined.
Spread a generous dollop of the honey mascarpone mixture onto each toasted crostini slice.
Top each crostini with a few slices of the spiced pears.
Drizzle lightly with additional honey and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt.
Garnish with chopped toasted walnuts, if desired, and serve immediately.

Chef's Tip & Pairing

For a delightful pairing, serve this dessert with a glass of chilled Moscato d'Asti; its light effervescence and sweet, peachy notes beautifully complement the spiced pear and creamy cheese.

From the Tini Crostini Collection