Baked Quince Bliss
There’s something magical about the smell of ripe quince—it’s sweet, floral, and instantly transports me back to my childhood. My grandparents had a huge quince tree in their yard, and every autumn we’d pick the golden fruit straight from the branches. We’d eat them fresh (though admittedly, quince is a bit firm and tart raw), and most of the harvest would be turned into fragrant marmalade or thick jams that would last us through the winter.
Here in the US, quince is harder to find. But every time I spot them—usually at a farmers’ market or a specialty store—I grab a few, knowing I’m about to enjoy a nostalgic and rare treat.
This recipe is my way of celebrating quince in a form that’s quick, simple, naturally gluten-free, and unprocessed. Most people think of quince for preserves, but roasting it transforms the fruit into something soft, sweet, and almost buttery in texture. Paired with crunchy biscuits, creamy yogurt, and fresh fruit, it becomes an elegant dessert with minimal effort.
And the best part? You don’t have to limit yourself to quince. This exact recipe works beautifully with apples or pears, making it easy to recreate all year round.
Why I Love This Recipe
Naturally gluten-free – no complicated flour mixes or baking experiments, just buy some gluten-free biscuits
Minimal ingredients – simple pantry staples and seasonal fruit
Quick to make – the oven does most of the work
Customizable – switch up the toppings or fruit depending on what you have or like
Tips & Variations
For extra warmth, sprinkle cinnamon or cardamom over the quinces before baking.
If you can’t find quince, substitute apples or pears, but adjust the bake time.
Use coconut cream for a richer, decadent dessert-like feel.
This dessert is proof that gluten-free treats don’t have to be complicated or come from a box. With a little imagination and some seasonal fruit, you can create something beautiful, nourishing, and full of memories—just like the ones I have from my grandparents quince tree.
RECIPE
Ingredients
3 fresh quinces, halved and cored
3 Tbsp coconut sugar
Gluten-free sweet biscuits of your choice, crumbled
Vanilla-flavored plant-based yogurt
A handful of mixed nuts, chopped
Kiwi slices (or other fresh fruit) for garnish or chocolate chips
Instructions
Prep the Quinces – Wash and halve the quinces, removing the core and seeds. Quinces are quite firm, so take your time and work carefully to avoid injury.
Bake & Caramelize – Sprinkle coconut sugar in an oven-safe dish, then place the quince halves cut-side down so they absorb the sweetness and form a caramelized layer. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes, or until soft and tender.
Prepare the Toppings – While the quinces bake, crumble the biscuits, chop the nuts, and slice the kiwi (or any other fruit you’d like to use).
Assemble the Dessert – On each plate, create a base with crumbled biscuits, like a nest. Place a warm quince half on top, cut-side up. Add a generous spoonful of vanilla yogurt in the center, sprinkle with chopped nuts, and finish with kiwi slices or fresh fruit for a pop of color, or chocolate chips.
As usual, these are my thoughts and ideas, not medical advice. You are encouraged to create your own recipes or search for some suited to your needs. I am just sharing my recipes, hoping that I can inspire some of you to make healthier food choices.
Please remember that we all have different nutritional needs and that food affects us differently. If you are not sure which foods are best for you, reach out for a free phone consultation.
In good health,
Ioana