Apples take center stage this time of year, and for good reason: apple pie, apple cider, apple cider donuts, apple picking. Must we go on? But it’s time for pears to step into the spotlight. They’re a frequently overlooked fruit when it comes to spicing up staple recipes, but with peak pear season beginning in late summer and stretching into early winter, now is the perfect time to experiment. These recipes prove pear pie and cider should be the next-best things, because the fruit can easily be incorporated into every meal: sweet, savory, and everything in-between.

1. Chai-Spiced Pear Muffins

Don’t let the slightly long ingredient list intimidate you—you probably have the majority of these items in your pantry already. Repurpose extra tea bags and enjoy the fall goodness that is all-things-chai in these sweet muffins.

2. Chocolate and Tea-Poached Pears

Add this to your list of seemingly fancy desserts that are actually super easy to make. The warm, chocolaty treat takes only 10 minutes of your time—just let the stovetop do the rest. One simple swap can make them vegan, and since they’re already gluten-free, they’re a prime dessert for those with dietary restrictions.

3. Pear and Gorgonzola Flatbread

This recipe had us at caramelized pear. Slice one up for a last-minute dinner-party appetizer, or enjoy one on your own as a full meal. This easy flatbread has five ingredients (plus a few pantry staples) and can be made in 15 minutes flat.

4. Pear and Oatmeal Pancakes

The soft texture of pears makes them an ideal ingredient in pancakes; they add natural sweetness and are smooth enough to allow for easy blending. Combine with an egg, your favorite type of milk, oats, and spices, then blend and pour the mixture into a pan for a quick, filling breakfast.

5. Baked Pear, Chocolate, and Hazelnut Oatmeal

Any time breakfast tastes like dessert, it’s a win. This oatmeal dish will warm up your mornings and keep you full till lunchtime thanks to the mixture of oats, quinoa, and nuts. If you’re not a morning person, try adjusting the baking time to the night before and reheat it when you wake up (and stop hitting the snooze button).

6. Pear Scones

Made mostly with oats, pears, eggs, and milk, these scones will fill you up and satisfy your sweet tooth without the sugar crash that comes with typical scones. They’re easy to make in large quantities, and are great for when you have lots of mouths to feed or want breakfast ready for the week.

7. Spinach and Pear Soup

Spinach and pear is a classic salad combo, so it’s no surprise the pair works well in a soup version too. Get in a serving (or two!) of greens in a fall-approved way by blending spinach with pears, cashews, and spices, and dress up the design with crispy pancetta and olive oil drizzled on top.