Rustic Pear Crisp Recipe

Golden Autumn Pear Crisp Recipe: A Cozy Fall Treat

Baking a delicious autumn pear crisp brings warmth to chilly evenings with its delightful blend of sweet, juicy pears and crumbly, golden topping.

Ripe, fragrant pears harvested at the peak of seasonal freshness create the perfect base for this comforting dessert.

The crisp buttery, cinnamon-spiced streusel melts into tender fruit, creating layers of irresistible flavor that dance on your palate.

Each spoonful delivers a symphony of textures, from soft, caramelized pears to crunchy, golden-brown crumble.

The aroma of baking spices will fill your kitchen, promising a delectable treat that screams autumn comfort.

Serve this warm crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finale that celebrates the season’s most delightful fruit.

How to Bake a Fall-Perfect Pear Crisp

  • Warm Kitchen Preparation

Get your oven ready by heating it to a toasty 350°F. Find a square baking dish and give it a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.

  • Pear Symphony

Slice ripe pears into delicate pieces and introduce them to a magical blend of warm spices. Sprinkle in vanilla’s sweet essence, cinnamon’s embrace, nutmeg’s whisper, and a tiny pinch of salt. Let these flavors dance together before nestling them into the baking dish.

  • Crumbly Cloud Topping

In a separate bowl, create a rustic blanket for your pears. Combine softened butter with flour, hearty oats, both brown and white sugars, crunchy pecans, and a hint of salt. Mix until the ingredients form delightful clumpy clusters.

  • Baking Magic

Gently spread the crumbly topping over the seasoned pears, covering them like a cozy autumn blanket. Slide the dish into the warm oven and let it bake for about 45 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown topping and tender, bubbling pears.

  • Sweet Celebration

Once baked, let the crisp rest and cool slightly. Serve it warm, with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of rich caramel sauce if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

Top Tips & Toppings for Your Pear Dessert

  • Swap pears with apples, peaches, or a mix of seasonal fruits for a unique twist on this classic dessert.
  • Toast pecans before adding to the crumble for deeper, nuttier flavor and extra crunch.
  • Sprinkle orange zest or add a splash of bourbon to the pear mixture for sophisticated undertones.
  • Substitute half the butter with Greek yogurt, use whole wheat flour, or reduce sugar for a more nutritious version.

Ways to Serve Warm Autumn Pear Crisp

  • Drizzle with Caramel Delight: Enhance the warm crisp with a generous swirl of rich caramel sauce, creating a decadent contrast to the sweet pears and crunchy topping.
  • Scoop Vanilla Creaminess: Add a cold, creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts beautifully over the warm crisp, balancing temperatures and creating a heavenly dessert experience.
  • Sprinkle Nutty Crunch: Garnish with extra chopped pecans for an additional layer of texture and a burst of toasty, nutty flavor that complements the soft pears and crisp topping.
  • Pair with Warm Beverage: Serve alongside a steaming mug of cinnamon tea or a hot coffee to embrace the cozy autumn flavors and create a comforting dessert moment.

Keep It Fresh: Storage Advice

  • Store Smartly: Transfer any leftover crisp to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat Gently: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to maintain crisp topping texture.
  • Freeze for Later: Wrap the cooled crisp tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Prep Ahead: Slice pears and mix dry topping ingredients separately up to 24 hours in advance, storing in the refrigerator to save time on baking day.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 9

Autumn Pear Crisp Ingredient List

For Fruit Base:
  • Pears: Select ripe, firm pears with smooth skin and sweet aroma for the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the natural sweetness of pears and adds depth to the dessert's overall taste profile.
  • Cinnamon: Brings warm, cozy autumn notes that complement the pear's natural sweetness.
  • Nutmeg: Adds a subtle, earthy warmth that elevates the dessert's complexity.
  • Salt: Balances and intensifies the other flavors in the fruit mixture.
For Crisp Topping:
  • Butter: Provides rich, golden flavor and helps create a crispy, crumbly texture.
  • Flour: Binds the topping ingredients and creates a tender, golden crust.
  • Oats: Adds wholesome texture and nutty undertones to the crisp topping.
  • Brown Sugar, White Sugar: Create caramelization and sweet depth in the topping.
  • Pecans: Introduce a delightful crunch and nutty richness to the dessert.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor balance of the topping.
For Serving:
  • Vanilla Ice Cream: Optional creamy complement that adds cool contrast to the warm crisp.
  • Caramel Sauce: Optional drizzle that intensifies the dessert's indulgent qualities.

Equipment for a Cozy Pear Crisp

  • Large mixing bowls: Two bowls for preparing pear mixture and crumble topping.
  • 8-inch square baking dish: For assembling and baking the crisp.
  • Cutting board: To slice pears safely and precisely.
  • Sharp knife: For cleanly cutting pears into uniform slices.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: To accurately measure ingredients like flour, sugars, and spices.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: For mixing ingredients and spreading topping evenly.
  • Oven mitts: To safely handle hot baking dish when removing from oven.
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Rustic Pear Crisp Recipe

Rustic Pear Crisp Recipe


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4.8 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Warm spices and ripe pears combine in this autumn pear crisp, creating a comforting dessert perfect for chilly evenings. Crisp oat topping and caramelized fruit invite you to savor seasonal flavors with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups pears (peeled and sliced, about 67 medium pears)
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup rolled oats
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup pecans (finely-chopped)
  • 1 stick (113 g or ½ cup) salted butter (softened)
  • 1 ½ tsps cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp salt (divided)
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • Vanilla ice cream (optional)
  • Caramel sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
  2. Pear Preparation: Slice pears into uniform wedges, combining them in a large mixing bowl with vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt, ensuring each slice is evenly coated.
  3. Assemble Base: Spread the seasoned pear mixture in a single layer within the prepared baking dish, creating an even foundation for the crisp.
  4. Craft Topping: Blend softened butter, flour, rolled oats, granulated and brown sugars, chopped pecans, and salt until the mixture forms crumbly, textured clusters.
  5. Top and Bake: Generously distribute the nutty topping across the pear base, covering completely. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling fruit filling.
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the crisp settle for 10-15 minutes. Plate warm, optionally garnishing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a caramel sauce drizzle for an extra touch of decadence.

Notes

  • Select Perfect Pears: Choose ripe, firm pears that yield slightly when gently pressed, ensuring optimal sweetness and texture for your crisp.
  • Prevent Browning Trick: Toss sliced pears with a splash of lemon juice to maintain their fresh color and prevent oxidation during preparation.
  • Create Crispy Topping: Work butter into the dry ingredients using cold fingers or a pastry cutter to achieve a crumbly, golden-brown texture that adds delightful crunch.
  • Serving Temperature Matters: Allow the crisp to cool briefly after baking, which helps the filling set and intensifies the rich, warm flavors of autumn spices.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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