Autumn Pear and Walnut Brownies (gluten free)
DIVINE Pear and Walnut Brownies. Sumptuously chocolatey. Rich with seasonal fruit and earthy, crunchy walnuts. Gluten free, optional dairy free, made with less refined sugars and real dark chocolate.
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DON’T LOSE THIS RECIPE. PIN Pear and Walnut Brownies FOR LATER…
Pear and Walnut Brownies – perfect Autumn brownies
If you have a passion for making brownies, these Pear and Walnut Brownies are a perfect Autumn addition to the collection. Simple to make and dappled with succulent, fresh fruit and crunchy, earthy walnuts, they welcome the abundance of the harvest and hint of the cooler, winter days to come.
I am lucky enough to live in Kent, the ‘Garden of England’… The south-eastern most corner of the UK. It’s famed for fruit growing, cabbage fields and cobnuts… hops and vineyards… oysters and Dover Sole… and, its more recent addition of ‘Thanet Earth’ : A complex of temperature and light controlled glass houses which enable the production of fresh fruit and veg all year round.
Of course, the juicy fruit in these pear and walnut brownies was not grown under glass. In fact, it wasn’t even from the supermarket… One of the delights of living in a place where fruit trees are the norm, is that come harvest, there’s always plenty of free fruit on offer.
Local community fruit
Pears and walnuts are two of my favourite local ingredients (although Kentish walnuts appear slightly later in the year). And when harvest beckons, boxes piled with ripe picked pears and windfalls start appearing outside the gates of houses. I love that abundance is shared with the community… often with hand-scribbled envelopes that read ‘help yourself’. It seems every third house has a pear tree in the garden…. or an apple, a plum, a cobnut, or a damson… The harvest share is a generous delight.
Sadly, with the increase of hotter, drier summers, the harvests are visibly beginning to suffer. However, I am usually still lucky enough to snaffle a bag or two from friends… Just enough to make these Autumn-inspired pear and walnut brownies as well as some of the other recipes I’ve shared later in the post.
The problem with most gluten free brownies
Brownies often seem to be maligned in the gluten free community. I get it. Really! When you are Coeliac and the only dessert offering (other than ice cream) on the menu is ‘gluten free brownie’, it can get a little tedious… Especially when that’s in pretty much every restaurant. Grateful as we are for the effort made, there needs to be a little more creativity out there.
The other problem for me however, is that brownies can often be over-sweet. They may be a popular chocolate and sugar fix, but all too often they are heavily weighted towards refined white sugar (lots of it) and loaded with additional sweets and biscuits. Pretty and ‘instagramable’ maybe, but scarily sugar-filled.
Much as these drool-worthy images are tempting, after an initial ‘Oooohh’ I think ‘god, that’s sickly…’ and move on.
Pear and Walnut Brownies – carefully chosen ingredients that make these and our other gluten free brownies better
So why choose Gluten Free Alchemist brownie recipes? Well… in addition to these Pear and Walnut Brownies, most of our gluten free brownies use ingredients that are a little less ‘bad’ and give a more quality brownie-eating experience. From Beetroot Brownies, Banana Brownies and even Chocolate-Cherry-Pecan Brownies and Blackberry Brownies, we often add a delicious fruity twist and mostly use unrefined or less refined sugars. I like to think this gives them a bit of an ‘edge’… Deep and flavourful rather than cloyingly sweet.
Even our incredibly popular Coffee Brownies, Toblerone Brownies, Peanut Butter Brownies and Chocolate-Orange Brownies use brown sugars for a yummier and more ‘caramel’ sugar hit… And some recipes also use additional, healthier ground almonds and other nuts as well.
Indeed, with these pear brownies, the soft moist texture and fruitiness of the fresh pear helps to cut through the sugar… As does the craggy, almost bitter, earthiness of the walnut. And with the deep and delicate sweetness from the combination of brown and golden caster sugars, this Autumn recipe for brownies is incredible.
The texture of Pear and Walnut Brownies
Unlike some blogs, the base ingredients for brownies on Gluten Free Alchemist vary from one recipe to the next. There is no single ‘formula’. Why? Because brownies should be celebrated with any number of textures.
From soft and fluffy, to drier and slightly crumbly, to dense and more gooey… they are all divine. Sometimes it’s a simple matter of cooking for longer or less, but the ingredients can make a huge difference to the end result.
These particular pear and walnut brownies err on the side of gooey, but not so much so, that they clag in your teeth.
Whatever the texture however, brownies can often be tricky to cut. While they should always be cooled completely in the tin, before turning out, it also helps to place them in the fridge for an hour to firm up. This allows for a more even, clean cut… after which you can bring them back to room temperature for the best texture and flavour experience.
What are your favourite Autumn Brownies?
So there you have it… My deliciously seasonal Pear and Walnut Brownies.
What are your favourite Autumn brownies? Or what fruity brownies do you think I should try making next? Let me know in the comments section below and I’ll see what I can do.
And if you aren’t yet subscribed to receive e-mails, then simply fill in the subscription box for all the latest recipes straight to your in-box.
And for plenty more gluten free inspiration, head over to the recipe index and be inspired.
Happy baking
More Fresh Pear Inspiration on Gluten Free Alchemist
- Pear and Chocolate Cake
- Pear Upside Down Cake with Mocha Sponge
- Winter Ginger & Pear Trifle
- Pear Frangipane Tart with Berry-Poached Pears
- Brown-Sugared Pear & Ginger Preserve
- Heavenly Chocolate Torte with Walnut & Pear
- Sweet Autumn Dessert Yorkshire Pudding with Vanilla Sautéed Pear & Walnuts
- Raw Green Smoothie
- Lavender Blackberry Panna Cotta with Blackberry Poached Pear
Pear and Walnut Brownies
Key equipment
- 8 inch/20 cm square baking tin
- sharp knife
- microwave or hob and saucepan
- whisk (optional)
- Oven
Ingredients
- 300 g good quality dark chocolate (DF if required) cubed
- 150 g unsalted butter (or DF alternative)
- 100 g plain GF flour blend (I used GFA Blend A – see NOTES)
- 50 g ground almonds almond meal
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp GF baking powder
- 3 large eggs room temperature – UK large (Canadian ‘Extra Large’; Australian ‘Jumbo’; and US ‘Extra or Very Large’)
- 60 ml milk Dairy free of needed
- 70 g golden caster sugar
- 70 g soft light brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 140 g fresh pear cubes – no peel or pips (approx 1 medium-large pear)
- 65 g walnuts rough chopped
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 180 C/350 F/Gas 4 and base-line a non-stick 8 inch/20cm square baking tin with baking paper.
- In a medium-sized glass heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate and butter together, either in a microwave (medium setting, 30 second bursts, stirring between each until smooth) or over a simmering pan of water. Set aside.
- Weigh and mix together the flour, almonds, salt and baking powder until well blended and all lumps are broken down (TIP : weigh into an airtight container and shake vigorously). Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, sugars and vanilla extract, to blend completely.
- Add the dry ingredients and chocolate mixture to the bowl and fold through thoroughly until well blended and even in colour.
- Add and fold through the cubed pear and chopped nuts.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking tin and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until firm, but so that a skewer inserted into the centre comes out with a few crumbs attached.
- Remove from the oven and cool completely in the tin.
- When cold, chill in the fridge for an hour (to make it easier to cut) before slicing into squares.
- Decorate (or not) as you wish.
- Store at room temperature and eat within 2 days (or in the fridge it will last longer, but bring to room temperature before eating for best squidginess).
Notes
Nutrition
© 2019-2026 Kate Dowse All Rights Reserved – Do not copy or re-publish this recipe or any part of this recipe on any other blog, on social media or in a publication without the express permission of Gluten Free Alchemist
Made them yesterday, scrumptious! A quick question, can they be frozen?
Hi Kate,
Really fancy having a go at this recipe when I have friends for dinner at the weekend, wondering if it can be made with just white rice flour but was a little concerned it may affect the taste.
Many thanks once again for all your hard work!!x
Hi Christine
I wouldn’t advise using white rice flour only. Gluten free baking really requires a flour BLEND that is balanced for both starch and protein. A single type of flour does not offer the structural integrity or texture to create good bakes.
For brownies however, you can use any good commercial gluten free flour blend available in most good supermarkets in the Free From aisle.
Such a lovely flavour combination Kate.
Thank you for sharing your recipe for pear and walnut gluten free brownies at Create, Bake, Grow & Gather this week. I’m delighted to be featuring this post at the party tonight and pinning too.
Hugs,
Kerryanne
You’re welcome Kerryanne. And thank you so much for featuring the post. And of course for hosting x
These definitely fit the bill for my home!
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Thank you for sharing at #OverTheMoon. Pinned and shared. Have a lovely week. I hope to see you at next week’s party too! Please stay safe and healthy. Come party with us at Over The Moon! Catapult your content Over The Moon! @marilyn_lesniak @EclecticRedBarn
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Thanks Marilyn. We have something in common xx
I’m such a fan of pears. They are so under appreciated and your bake is gorgeous.
Yes. Why is that? I’d much rather have a juicy pear than an apple. Maybe we should start a ‘love pears’ campaign?! 😂
Oh wow! These look AMAZING! Eb x
Thank you so much Eb. They are pretty delicious x
I love the combination of pear and chocolate and I am all for these autumnal bakes just now – season as definitely changed.
Thank you Michelle. It certainly feels like summer has finished, but at least we have lots of free fruit and fresh harvest food available. I always love cooking at this time of year x
Chocolate and pear is a delicious combintation. I love that you can still see the chunks of pear in the middle of the brownie too!
Thanks Helen. I totally agree. Pear and chocolate are made for each other x
The brownies look so moist, love that you can see bits of fruit in the crumb. They sound delicious!
Thank you Leslie. I love adding fruit to brownies and pear goes so well with chocolate x
I love those big chunks of pear in there!! Thanks for sharing at our What’s for Dinner party. Hope you have a safe and wonderful week ahead.
You’re welcome Helen. And thank you. I definitely think pear brownie should have visible chunks of pear… It makes them extra fruity and delicious xx
Thank you for the recipe and walk-through; I have pinned to try soon!
Thank you Irene. You’re so welcome x
These look fantastic, thanks for sharing . Pinned to try later
Thank you so much Stacy. You’re so welcome x
These look so incredibly tempting Kate, I love how you've presented them with the cute rosette of piped frosting to the top of each one. Simply stunning! Fabulous autumn flavours too 🙂 Thankyou for continuing to link up with #BakingCrumbs,
Angela x
Thanks Angela. I've had a bit of a step back from the blog recently, but you can be sure than when I bake, I'll come and share x
What a gorgeous combination of seasonal ingredients. A great excuse to make a batch of brownies.
Thanks Ness….. like we need an excuse! x
Gorgeous as always! Love the flavour combination & will pin for next year when our pears are ready!
Thanks MIdge. Definitely recommend xx
They look absolutely gorgeous Kate!
Thanks you Kat x
These look so rich and luxurious, I’m looking for recipes with pear and this is perfect
Oh My Lord! I wasn't always enthusiastic about pears – apples are my preferred fall fruit – but now I am!
I think apples are easier to eat, but pears have a more interesting flavour. Either way, pears definitely pair well with chocolate! x
These both look and sound wonderful Kate! Pears and walnuts make fantastic autumnal flavour combination, add chocolate to the equation and you are in heaven! I've got some pears on the way in my weekly fruit and veg box so might just have to make these! 🙂 Thank you for sharing with #BakingCrumbs 🙂 xx
Thanks Jo. They were rather heavenly x
Yummy!. Thanks so much 🙂 😉 Great to be part of FF!
Thanks, Pleased to share x
You've only recently had a love affair with brownies??? I think these might be the prettiest brownies I've ever seen Kate – just gorgeous. The flavours sound pretty good too. I adore walnuts and pears are fantastic at this time of year. Chocolate and pear is a classic combination which I also really like.
Awww thank you Choclette. What a lovely comment. I love chocolate and pear together…. such an under-rated combo x
these sound so lovely – as does your little patch of the world with surplus left out to share – I really love walnuts but can get a little unsure about pears until I eat them and remember how good they are – a great autumnal treat
Aww thank you Johanna. I love it when there is a community share. I have to say I love a pear, but I have to eat them firm. Hubby likes them soft which always causes amusement as we can't seem to enjoy them at the same time x
Well I have been looking for a gluten free recipe to serve at my book club. Thank you. And thank you for bringing them to FF.
You're welcome Liz. I hope you enjoy x
These brownies sound delicious and I love the fact that they are not too sweet like a lot of brownies are. Not that I mind that usually though! Thanks for sharing with #CookOnceEatTwice x
Thanks Corina. You're welcome x
Mmm… this sounds delicious!
Thank you x
Saw this on twitter and had to come over and drool. I have some pears from the garden. I have preserved some, but now am wanting to make this – but guess what I have a Dorset Apple cake in the oven too, as we have a windfall of cooking apples to use up as well. So for now, will continue to drool….
Ha! Thanks Shaheen. Drool away xx
What can I say, these brownies look just gorgeous! Fabulous idea to add walnuts and pear to this recipe. I personally really like chocolate recipes with fruit. Thank you for bringing it to #CookBlogShare
Thank you Monika. You're so welcome. Me too!
Wow! This looks amazingly good!! I haven't tried adding pear to my brownies, but this looks really yummy!! Thanks for sharing & happy Fiesta Friday. x
Thanks Jhuls. I would definitely recommend it. Pear and chocolate is a fab combination x