Pear Crisp

There’s something magical about the aroma of a freshly baked Pear Crisp wafting through the house. It takes me back to my childhood days spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where we’d pick ripe Bartlett pears from her garden. As we peeled and sliced them, laughter filled the air, accompanied by the promise of a warm dessert that would soon follow. The sweet, juicy pears mingling with the comforting crunch of the topping create a harmony of flavors that is simply irresistible. Every bite of Pear Crisp brings back those cherished memories while creating new ones to share with loved ones. Whether enjoyed on a chilly fall evening or served at a family gathering, this dessert is sure to be the centerpiece of any occasion.

Ingredients to Make Pear Crisp

When crafting the perfect Pear Crisp, the ingredients play a crucial role in creating a delightful flavor and texture balance. Each element complements the others, resulting in a mouthwatering dessert that everyone will love. Let’s take a look at the key players in this recipe.

• 3 pounds ripe but firm Bartlett pears, peeled, sliced into 1/2-inch slices: These pears provide the perfect sweetness and texture for a crisp that holds up during baking.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Helps to sweeten the pears and enhance their natural flavor.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness of the pears.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the filling so it’s not runny.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a lovely depth of flavor into the filling.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon: A warm spice that adds comforting warmth to the dish.
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: A hint of nutmeg adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon each ginger, cardamom, salt: These spices enhance the overall flavor profile.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Creates the base for the crisp topping.
• 1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats: Adds texture and chewiness to the topping.
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans: Adds a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor.
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar: Contributes sweetness and moisture to the topping.
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sweetens the topping further.
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: A touch more cinnamon for the topping.
• 1/8 teaspoon each nutmeg, salt: Enhances flavors in the topping.
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps bind the topping.

Cooking Instructions for Pear Crisp

Making a Pear Crisp is an enjoyable and straightforward process. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to impress!

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature is essential to achieve that golden brown topping.
2. Grease an 8×8 baking pan or a 9-inch cast-iron skillet with softened butter. This will prevent the crisp from sticking and ensure easy serving.
3. To create the topping, combine all the topping ingredients (except the butter) in a large bowl and stir until well mixed. This is where the magic begins!
4. Pour in the melted butter and stir with a spatula until combined. Now, get your hands in there! Mix until the mixture resembles crumbly wet sand.
5. Cover the topping mixture and transfer it to the refrigerator. Chilling it while you prepare the filling is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.
6. For the filling, whisk together all the filling ingredients in a large bowl, leaving out the pears for now. This will create a sweet and aromatic mixture.
7. As you slice each pear, add them to the filling mixture and stir to coat evenly. This ensures that every piece of fruit will be flavorful.
8. Transfer the pear filling to your prepared baking dish. Make sure to spread it evenly so each bite is delicious.
9. Sprinkle the chilled topping evenly over the filling. If you have any large chunks, break them up for a consistent crunch.
10. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You want to see bubbling fruit around the edges and a golden brown topping.
11. Once baked, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. This helps to set the filling.
12. Serve your Pear Crisp warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that extra indulgence!

Helpful Hints

Here are some useful tips to ensure your Pear Crisp turns out perfectly every time.

• Storage: To store leftovers, let the crisp cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.
• Room temperature pears: If your pears have been in the fridge, take them out a couple of hours before baking for even cooking.
• Prevent burnt topping: If the topping browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to avoid burning.
• Reheating: For the best results, reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes.
• Customizations: Feel free to mix in other fruits like apples or add spices like nutmeg for a unique touch.

Great Combinations for Pear Crisp

Pairing your Pear Crisp with the right accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great suggestions:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the warm crispness of the dessert.
• Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, it complements the dense texture of the crisp beautifully.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some over the top for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Autumn Dinners: Serve this dessert during festive gatherings like Thanksgiving or family dinners to impress everyone.
• Seasonal Sides: Consider serving with spiced cider or a warm beverage to enhance the cozy atmosphere.
• Breakfast Treat: Leftovers can be enjoyed for breakfast with a dollop of yogurt or as a topping for pancakes.

FAQ

Conclusion

This Pear Crisp is more than just a dessert; it’s a warm embrace of flavors and memories, perfect for sharing with family and friends. I encourage you to try it for your next gathering or simply as a cozy treat for yourself. Serve it warm with your favorite ice cream, and you’ll see why this recipe is a timeless favorite!

Pear Crisp

The ultimate comfort food, Pear Crisp combines warm, juicy pears with a crispy topping for a heartwarming dessert. Perfect for cozy evenings, this easy recipe is a must-try tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 9 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 pounds ripe but firm Bartlett pears peeled, sliced into 1/2-inch slices
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter melted

Equipment

• Oven
• Wooden Spoon
• Peeler
• Whisk
• Baking Sheet
• Skillet
• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife
• Frying Pan

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature is essential to achieve that golden brown topping.
2. Grease an 8×8 baking pan or a 9-inch cast-iron skillet with softened butter. This will prevent the crisp from sticking and ensure easy serving.
3. To create the topping, combine all the topping ingredients (except the butter) in a large bowl and stir until well mixed. This is where the magic begins!
4. Pour in the melted butter and stir with a spatula until combined. Now, get your hands in there! Mix until the mixture resembles crumbly wet sand.
5. Cover the topping mixture and transfer it to the refrigerator. Chilling it while you prepare the filling is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.
6. For the filling, whisk together all the filling ingredients in a large bowl, leaving out the pears for now. This will create a sweet and aromatic mixture.
7. As you slice each pear, add them to the filling mixture and stir to coat evenly. This ensures that every piece of fruit will be flavorful.
8. Transfer the pear filling to your prepared baking dish. Make sure to spread it evenly so each bite is delicious.
9. Sprinkle the chilled topping evenly over the filling. If you have any large chunks, break them up for a consistent crunch.
10. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You want to see bubbling fruit around the edges and a golden brown topping.
11. Once baked, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. This helps to set the filling.
12. Serve your Pear Crisp warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that extra indulgence!

Notes

Storage: To store leftovers, let the crisp cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days.

Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

Room temperature pears: If your pears have been in the fridge, take them out a couple of hours before baking for even cooking.

Prevent burnt topping: If the topping browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to avoid burning.

Reheating: For the best results, reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes.

Customizations: Feel free to mix in other fruits like apples or add spices like nutmeg for a unique touch.

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Meet Sadie Mitchell

The Mood Catcher I’m our lead photographer, but my camera is just another tool in the kitchen, right next to my knife and whisk! I am obsessed with capturing the feeling of a meal the steam rising off a bowl or the golden light on a loaf of bread. I cook and style every shoot with the team, ensuring that the photo tells you exactly how cozy and delicious the food will taste.