This harvest-style pear crisp is the kind of dessert that feels right at home on a cool afternoon or as the final note to a comforting fall meal. Sweet, tender pears are lightly brightened with lemon and warm cinnamon, then baked beneath a golden oat-streusel topping that adds just the right amount of crunch. It’s rustic, unfussy, and deeply satisfying.
Using simple pantry ingredients, this crisp highlights the natural sweetness of ripe pears without overpowering them. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that celebrates the best flavors of the season.
Ingredients
Pear Filling
- 6 cups Anjou or Bartlett pears, cored and sliced ½-inch thick (about 3 lb)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Crisp Topping
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces
- ⅓ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 2-quart baking dish, combine the sliced pears and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle over the pears and toss until evenly coated.
- In a food processor, add the flour, brown sugar, remaining ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and salt. Pulse a few times to combine.
- Add the cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the oats and walnuts; pulse just 1–2 times to incorporate.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the pear mixture.
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the topping is golden brown.
- Let cool for 20 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
- Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds if preferred.
- For extra warmth, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the pear filling.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra-special finish.
Based on recipe found on MyRecipes