Pin It This spiced pear crisp brings together luscious ripe pears with a cozy oat topping that crisps up beautifully in the oven. With the gentle warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, this dessert is always a crowd-pleaser and a comforting way to close any meal. Each bite tastes like a hug from home and I always serve it as soon as sweater weather arrives.
I first made this crisp for a family fall dinner when apples ran out at the market. Now, my dad requests it every Thanksgiving and every time it comes out of the oven my kitchen smells amazing.
Ingredients
- Ripe pears peeled and sliced: ripe and slightly soft pears make the juiciest crisp
- Old fashioned rolled oats: these create the perfect crumble texture
- All purpose flour: helps bind the topping so it holds together
- Unsalted butter: cold and diced into cubes for extra flakiness
- Brown sugar: adds caramel notes to both fruit and topping
- Cinnamon and nutmeg: bring warmth and depth pick the freshest spices you can
- Lemon juice: brightens the flavor and keeps pears from browning
- Vanilla extract: a splash makes everything aromatic use pure vanilla for best taste
- Salt: balances the sweetness and sharpens the flavors just a pinch is needed
Instructions
- Prepare the Pears:
- Peel core and slice the pears into half inch wedges Place them in a large bowl and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning This not only brightens the flavor but also keeps the pears looking fresh
- Make the Filling:
- Add brown sugar a sprinkle of cinnamon a bit of nutmeg and a pinch of salt to your pears Toss gently until the pears are evenly coated Let this mixture sit while you prepare the topping so the fruit releases its juices
- Mix the Crisp Topping:
- In a separate bowl combine old fashioned oats flour brown sugar cinnamon salt and cubed cold butter Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter work the butter into the dry mix until you see pea sized crumbles forming This helps the topping bake up extra crisp
- Assemble the Crisp:
- Lightly grease a baking dish and spread the spiced pear mixture evenly on the bottom Sprinkle the oat topping generously over the pears making sure to cover every spot so the fruit stays juicy underneath
- Bake Until Golden:
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 35 to 40 minutes The topping should turn a gorgeous golden brown and the fruit should be bubbling around the edges If you notice the topping browning too quickly lightly tent it with foil
- Let Cool Slightly and Serve:
- Allow the crisp to rest for at least 15 minutes after baking so the juices thicken slightly Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or just a little whipped cream
Pin It The oat topping with extra cinnamon always reminds me of baking days with my grandmother when she used to sneak a few more spoons of oats for crunch. We would let the aroma fill the house and then sneak warm bites before dessert time.
Storage Tips
Keep leftover pear crisp in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days For longer storage move it to the fridge where it stays fresh for five days To enjoy that just baked texture again gently warm portions in the oven or toaster oven so the topping stays crisp
Ingredient Substitutions
If you find yourself out of pears crisp apples work almost as well For a gluten free version swap in almond flour or oat flour in place of the regular flour You can use coconut oil in place of butter for a dairy free take but chill it well before blending into the topping
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm crisp straight out of the oven with vanilla ice cream or lightly sweetened whipped cream For a rustic brunch try it with thick Greek yogurt and an extra drizzle of honey Sometimes I finish it with chopped toasted nuts on top for crunch
Cultural and Seasonal Notes
Pear crisp is the cozy cousin to the more familiar apple crisp and celebrates fall's bounty in a simple homespun dessert Pears have been grown for centuries and their delicate sweetness shines in baked desserts Preparing this with local or heirloom pear varieties brings out seasonal flavors at their best
Seasonal Adaptations
In spring swap pears for strawberries and rhubarb Summer stone fruit like peaches shines under this topping Add fresh cranberries for a festive winter touch
Success Stories
This pear crisp has become my signature treat for neighborhood potlucks and fall dinners The last time I brought it everyone requested the recipe and leftovers became breakfast the next morning Even my picky niece asks for crisp not pie at family holidays
Freezer Meal Conversion
To make this a freezer dessert prep the crisp all the way through assembly and freeze before baking Wrap tightly and freeze for up to three months Bake directly from frozen adding ten extra minutes and you will have a bubbling crisp with zero last minute fuss
Pin It This cozy crisp is sure to warm up any chilly evening and makes every bite special. Enjoy with family or friends for a simple sweet treat that feels like autumn at its best.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of pears works best?
Bosc or Anjou pears hold their shape well and balance sweetness with the spices.
- → Can nuts be added to the topping?
Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans add extra crunch and flavor to the oat topping.
- → Which spices complement the pears?
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger pair wonderfully with the natural sweetness of pears.
- → Is it necessary to peel the pears?
Peeling creates a smoother texture, but leaving skins on adds nutrition and subtle flavor.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Cover and refrigerate in an airtight container; reheat gently to preserve the texture.