Craving a cozy, fruit-filled dessert that brings comfort in every bite? Discover the heartwarming delight of Pear Crisp, a rustic dessert that combines tender, spiced pears with a buttery, oat-streusel topping.
served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this crisp is the perfect blend of soft fruit and crunchy topping—making it an irresistible treat for fall evenings or any time you need a little indulgence.
Ingredients List
Crafting a delicious Pear Crisp starts with a simple collection of ingredients that come together to create comforting layers of flavor and texture. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need.
Filling Ingredients
- 6 cups peeled and sliced pears (about 6–7 medium pears)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup finely chopped pecans
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional for Serving
- Vanilla ice cream
- Caramel sauce
Required Kitchen Tools
Creating the perfect Pear Crisp doesn’t require fancy equipment, but having the right tools on hand ensures a smooth and enjoyable baking experience. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Baking Dish: An 8-inch square baking dish is ideal for evenly cooking and layering your crisp.
- Mixing Bowls: Use large and medium bowls for preparing the fruit filling and topping separately.
- Vegetable Peeler: For easily peeling pears before slicing.
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For precise and safe slicing of the pears.
- Fork or Pastry Cutter: To blend the topping ingredients into a crumbly streusel texture.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurement and consistency.
Having these essentials on hand will help you prepare your Pear Crisp with confidence and ease.
Filling Preparation
Preparing the pear filling is a simple yet essential step that sets the foundation for a tender and flavorful crisp. Follow these steps to ensure your pears are perfectly spiced and ready for baking.
Mixing the Pear Filling
Begin by peeling and slicing your pears into thin, even slices—this helps them cook evenly. Place the prepared pears in a large mixing bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1½ teaspoons of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Gently toss everything together until the pear slices are evenly coated in the warm spices and vanilla.
Once the pears are seasoned, transfer them into a greased 8-inch square baking dish. Spread them out evenly to create a smooth base for your crisp topping. At this stage, you can sprinkle a bit of extra cinnamon over the fruit if you love an extra boost of spice.
Preparing the Crumble Topping
The topping is what gives Pear Crisp its signature texture—a buttery, sweet crunch that perfectly complements the soft, baked fruit underneath.
Combining the Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the softened butter, flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, chopped pecans, and salt. Use a fork—or your fingertips—to mix and mash everything together. The goal is to form a crumbly, clumpy streusel mixture. The topping should stick together in small chunks rather than forming a smooth dough.
Once your topping is ready, sprinkle it generously and evenly over the pears in the baking dish. Don’t press it down; keeping the texture loose allows it to bake into that perfect golden crunch.
Baking the Pear Crisp
Once the filling and topping are layered in your baking dish, it’s time to bring it all together in the oven. This step transforms the raw ingredients into a bubbling, golden dessert that’s both fragrant and delicious.
Baking Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in the center rack and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is a rich golden brown and the pear filling is soft and bubbly around the edges.
If the topping begins to brown too quickly, loosely tent the dish with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent over-crisping while the pears finish cooking.
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting time lets the crisp settle slightly and makes it easier to serve without falling apart.
Serving and Decoration
Pear Crisp is best enjoyed fresh and warm, but with the right presentation and finishing touches, it can be elevated into a truly indulgent dessert.
Suggested Toppings and Pairings
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on top of warm Pear Crisp creates a heavenly contrast of hot and cold with every bite.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the crisp just before serving for added sweetness and a gourmet flair.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream makes for a more delicate topping alternative.
- Chopped Pecans: Sprinkle a few more pecans over the finished dish for added crunch and visual appeal.
Storage Instructions
Enjoyed your Pear Crisp and wondering how to keep the leftovers just as delicious? With proper storage, you can extend the life of this dessert while preserving its flavor and texture.
How to Keep Pear Crisp Fresh
Store any leftover Pear Crisp in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The topping may soften slightly, but the flavors will deepen and mellow beautifully over time.
To reheat, place a portion in the microwave for 30–60 seconds, or warm the entire dish in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes, uncovered, to restore some crispness to the topping.
Freezing Pear Crisp
Pear Crisp can also be frozen for longer storage. To freeze, let the baked crisp cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Alternatively, store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through.
Pear Crisp
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 6 cups peeled and sliced pears (about 6–7 medium pears)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup finely chopped pecans
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional for Serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the peeled and sliced pears with vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Toss well to coat the fruit evenly. Transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- In a separate bowl, combine the softened butter, flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, chopped pecans, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Use a fork or your fingers to mix everything together until it forms a coarse, crumbly mixture.
- Evenly distribute the topping mixture over the pear filling in the baking dish. Sprinkle extra cinnamon on top if desired.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the pear filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let the crisp cool for 5–10 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.
Conclusion
Pear Crisp is the ultimate comfort dessert—easy to prepare, filled with natural sweetness, and crowned with a crunchy, buttery topping that’s pure bliss in every bite.
With simple ingredients, minimal prep time, and a rustic charm that never goes out of style, this Pear Crisp recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your dessert rotation year-round.
So grab those ripe pears, preheat your oven, and enjoy the cozy magic of a homemade fruit crisp done right.
