The Perfect Autumn Pear Crisp Recipe for Cozy Fall Nights

Autumn pear crisp crafts ordinary fruit into a sublime dessert that captures the essence of seasonal comfort.

Fall’s bounty offers a delightful opportunity to savor sweet, juicy pears in their most delectable form.

Warm spices mingle with tender fruit, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that dance on your palate.

crisp topping adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, caramelized pear base.

Subtle hints of cinnamon and nutmeg elevate this simple dessert from ordinary to extraordinary.

Seasonal ingredients come together effortlessly, making this recipe a perfect choice for family gatherings or quiet evenings at home.

Comfort awaits in every golden, bubbling spoonful.

The Crisp That Tastes Like Autumn Feels

• Elevate Autumn Vibes: This pear crisp captures the warm, cozy essence of fall with its aromatic spices and comforting texture, making it the perfect dessert to celebrate the seasonal change.
• Simplicity Meets Deliciousness: Requiring minimal prep and basic ingredients, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Texture Sensation: The contrast between soft, tender pears and the crunchy, buttery pecan-oat topping creates a delightful mouthfeel that keeps every bite interesting and satisfying.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Whether served as a family dessert, potluck contribution, or elegant dinner party finale, this crisp impresses with its rustic charm and classic flavor profile.

What to Pick for the Perfect Pear Dessert

• Pears: Sweet, ripe autumn pears with soft texture, preferably Bartlett or Bosc varieties.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, rich flavor to enhance the pear's natural sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon: Classic autumn spice that complements pear's gentle flavor.
• Ground Nutmeg: Warm, slightly sweet spice that adds depth to the dessert.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies the overall flavor profile.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates structure and crumbly texture for the topping.
• Old-Fashioned Oats: Provides hearty, rustic texture and nutty undertone.
• Brown Sugar, White Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create golden, caramelized crust.
• Pecans: Introduces rich, buttery crunch and subtle nuttiness.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds ingredients and creates a rich, golden topping.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy, cold contrast to warm crisp.
• Caramel Sauce: Rich, sweet drizzle that complements the dessert's flavors.

How to Bake That Cozy, Spiced Crunch

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Pear Filling

• Sliced pears
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Salt

Gently toss the ingredients until pears are evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Create Crispy Topping

• Softened butter
• All-purpose flour
• Rolled oats
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Chopped pecans
• Salt

Blend the ingredients until they form a crumbly, clumpy texture.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spread the crispy topping evenly over the pear filling. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the pears become tender.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the crisp to cool slightly. Serve warm, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Tips for Juicy Pears and Golden Tops

• Select Ripe Pears: Choose pears that are firm but yield slightly when gently pressed, ensuring the perfect balance of texture and sweetness in your crisp.
• Slice Uniformly: Cut pears into consistent, thin slices to guarantee even cooking and a harmonious bite in every spoonful.
• Toast Pecans First: Lightly toast pecans before adding to the topping to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the crisp.
• Check Moisture Level: If pears are extra juicy, sprinkle a tablespoon of cornstarch to prevent a watery dessert and maintain a thick, luscious filling.
• Brown Topping Perfectly: For a golden, crispy topping, place the dish on the top rack during the last 10 minutes of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Store It Right for Second-Day Perfection

• Refrigeration: Store leftover pear crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and preserve the crispy topping's texture.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore the crisp's delightful crunch. Alternatively, microwave for 30-45 seconds, but expect a slightly softer topping.
• Freezing: Wrap the cooled crisp tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to enjoy its original warmth and flavor.

What to Pair with Pear Crisp Moments

• Scoop Creamy Vanilla Companion: Vanilla ice cream melts perfectly over the warm, spiced pear crisp, creating a heavenly contrast between hot and cold temperatures and complementing the dessert's cinnamon and nutmeg notes.
• Pour Smooth Caramel Drizzle: Rich caramel sauce adds luxurious sweetness and depth, enhancing the pear's natural sugars and creating a sophisticated flavor profile that elevates the entire dessert experience.
• Sip Warming Beverage Match: A hot cup of chai tea or spiced apple cider brings out the crisp's autumnal flavors, with similar warm spices that beautifully mirror the cinnamon and nutmeg in the dessert.
• Pair Smooth Dessert Wine: A late harvest Riesling or sweet Moscato provides a delightful accompaniment, its honeyed sweetness and light acidity balancing the crisp's rich, buttery topping and soft pear texture.

Crisp Ideas That Go Beyond the Ordinary

• Apple-Pear Fusion: Combine sliced apples with pears for a dual-fruit crumble that adds extra texture and depth of flavor. The combination provides a balanced sweetness and more complex fruit profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend to make the crisp suitable for those with wheat sensitivities. This variation maintains the same delicious crunch and warmth of the original recipe.
• Tropical Transformation: Swap pecans for macadamia nuts and add a sprinkle of coconut flakes to give the crisp a Hawaiian-inspired taste. This version introduces a subtle tropical nuance to the classic autumn dessert.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Reduce sugar quantities and use stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a lighter, less caloric dessert. Incorporate extra spices like ginger to enhance flavor without additional sweetness.

Autumn Pear Crisp Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Autumn Pear Crisp delivers pure seasonal comfort with ripe pears nestled beneath a golden, crumbly oat topping. Warm spices and buttery streusel create an irresistible dessert that connects home cooks with fall’s most delectable harvest flavors.

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Ingredients

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Main Fruits:

• 6 cups peeled and sliced pears (about 6–7 medium pears)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt (divided)

Topping Ingredients:

• 1 stick (113 grams or ½ cup) salted butter, softened
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup finely-chopped pecans

Optional Serving Suggestions:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Caramel sauce

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by greasing an 8-inch (20-centimeter) square dish and heating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully slice ripe pears into uniform wedges, ensuring even thickness for consistent baking.
3. Combine sliced pears in a spacious mixing bowl with pure vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, and a pinch of sea salt, gently tossing to coat each slice evenly.
4. Transfer the aromatic pear mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading them in a single layer to promote even cooking.
5. Create the crisp topping by blending softened unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, rolled oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, chopped pecans, and a touch of salt until the mixture forms coarse, crumbly clusters.
6. Distribute the nutty, textured topping uniformly across the seasoned pear base, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Place the crisp in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping and tender, bubbling pear filling.
8. Remove from oven and allow the dessert to rest for 10-15 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the texture settle.
9. Serve warm, optionally adorned with a scoop of premium vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of rich caramel sauce for an indulgent finishing touch.

Notes

• Perfectly ripe pears create the most delicious and tender dessert, so choose fruits that are slightly soft but not mushy.
• Toasting pecans beforehand enhances their nutty flavor and adds a deeper, richer crunch to the crisp topping.
• Serve immediately after cooling to enjoy the ideal contrast between warm, soft pears and cold, creamy vanilla ice cream.
• Make ahead tip: Prepare the crisp up to a day in advance and reheat in the oven for 10-15 minutes before serving.
• Use quick-cooking oats for a more uniform texture, or old-fashioned oats for a heartier, more rustic crumble topping.
• This dessert keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and can be gently reheated in the oven or enjoyed cold.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 335 kcal
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg