If you're searching for the perfect dessert for your Thanksgiving dinner or Sunday supper, look no further than this delightful pear crisp recipe. With sweet and warmly spiced pears topped with a buttery, crunchy mixture of oats, brown sugar, and pecans, this seasonal treat requires just 15 minutes of prep time. Let your taste buds savor the flavors of fall with every bite.
Pouring caramel sauce on a scoop of vanilla ice cream with pear crisp
How to Make Pear Crisp | 1-Minute Video
Get ready to experience the best pear crisp you've ever tasted with this easy-to-follow recipe. Fruit crisps are perfect for beginner bakers because they're nearly impossible to mess up. Unlike pies, they only take about 15 minutes to prepare and are ready to be baked. For an extra touch of indulgence, serve a warm bowl with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
What is a Pear Crisp?
A crisp is a classic American dessert that features fruit baked under a crispy topping. Typically, the topping consists of oats, brown sugar, butter, flour, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This dessert is much simpler to make than a traditional pie crust and equally delicious. While apple crisps are more common, this recipe focuses on the deliciousness of pears. For an even more autumnal flavor, you can combine apples and pears to create a delectable apple and pear crisp.
Easy pear crisp in a baking dish
Sliced pears on a cutting board with apples in the background
The Best Pears and Apples for an Apple Pear Crisp
When selecting pears for this recipe, fresh Bartlett pears are the top choice. Look for ripe and sweet ones that aren't overly soft. While baking, the pears will soften and break down, so you don't want them to turn mushy. If you decide to replace some of the pears with apples for an apple and pear crisp, choose firm-fleshed apples that maintain their structure when cooked. Consider a combination of tart Granny Smith apples with sweeter options like Gala, Honey Crisp, or Pink Lady. Other varieties such as Jonagold, Winesap, and Braeburn apples work well too.
Stirring together pears and warm spices in a white bowl
Oat streusel topping in a large white mixing bowl
What to Serve with Pear Crisp
While pear crisp can be enjoyed at room temperature, it truly shines when served warm from the oven. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle some caramel sauce on top to transform this old-fashioned pear crisp into a decadent autumnal treat. Impress your family and guests with this delightful dessert that perfectly captures the flavors of fall.
Hands holding a bowl of apple and pear crisp with oatmeal topping
Square shot of a bowl of apple pear crisp on a wooden table
Easy Pear Crisp Recipe Variations
Here are a few variations to customize your pear crisp:
- Apple Pear Crisp: Combine both apples and pears, ensuring a total of approximately 6 cups of peeled fruit.
- Spice it up: If you prefer a more pronounced spice flavor, add extra cinnamon to the oat mixture.
- Nuts for texture: While pecans pair wonderfully with pears, feel free to use your favorite nuts in the topping, such as walnuts or almonds. Omitting nuts altogether? Just add an extra ⅓ cup of oats.
- Perfect for two: Halve all the ingredients and bake the dessert in a 1-quart dish for a delightful pear crisp for two.
- Zest it up: Add about ¼ cup of chopped crystallized ginger to the topping mixture before baking for a zesty kick. Alternatively, you can add a dash of ground ginger to the filling.
- Cast iron skillet option: Bake the crisp in a 9-inch or 10-inch cast iron skillet if you prefer.
Hands holding a baked pear crisp with oats
Side shot of an easy pear crisp recipe served in a white bowl with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top
We hope you enjoy this delightful pear crisp recipe, which was originally published in September 2017. The photos were updated in October 2021. Get ready to savor the taste of fall with this simple and delicious dessert.
