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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the baking vessel by greasing an 8-inch (20-centimeter) square dish and heating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully slice ripe pears into uniform wedges, ensuring even thickness for consistent baking.
- 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.
- Transfer the aromatic pear mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading them in a single layer to promote even cooking.
- 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.
- Distribute the nutty, textured topping uniformly across the seasoned pear base, ensuring complete coverage.
- Place the crisp in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping and tender, bubbling pear filling.
- Remove from oven and allow the dessert to rest for 10-15 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the texture settle.
- 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