Introduction
Pear Crisp with Oat Topping is a rustic, heartwarming dessert that celebrates the natural sweetness and juiciness of pears. Unlike heavy cakes or pies, a fruit crisp highlights the beauty of fresh fruit, topped with a golden, crunchy oat streusel that adds just the right amount of texture and flavor contrast. When baked, the pears soften into a luscious filling while the oat topping turns golden brown and crisp—pure comfort in a dish.
This dessert feels cozy and homemade, perfect for autumn evenings, family dinners, or even holiday tables. It’s easy to prepare, requires simple pantry ingredients, and pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s fuss-free yet always impressive. The pears provide a natural sweetness that’s enhanced by just a touch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. The oat topping is my favorite part—it’s crunchy, buttery, and perfectly spiced, creating the ideal contrast to the soft, tender fruit below.
Another reason I love this pear crisp is its versatility. You can make it ahead, bake it fresh, or even adjust the spices and add-ins based on your mood. Plus, it’s lighter than many desserts, so you can enjoy a generous portion without feeling weighed down.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Simple & comforting – no rolling dough or fancy steps required.
- Showcases seasonal fruit – pears shine in this recipe with minimal effort.
- Crowd-pleasing – rustic, cozy, and perfect for sharing.
- Customizable – easily adapted with nuts, spices, or other fruits.
- Pairs well with extras – ice cream, caramel sauce, or whipped cream make it shine even more.
Recipe Info
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6–8
- Calories (per serving): ~300 kcal
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Dessert
Ingredients
For the Pear Filling:
- 6 medium ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken juices)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
For the Oat Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Quick Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Toss sliced pears with lemon juice, sugars, flour, and spices. Spread in dish.
- Mix oats, flour, sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle topping evenly over pears.
- Bake 40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Cool slightly, serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Pears
- Peel, core, and slice pears into even wedges.
- Toss with lemon juice, sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Spread evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Oat Topping
- In a mixing bowl, combine oats, flour, sugars, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter (or your fingers) to work it in until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Assemble the Crisp
- Sprinkle oat topping evenly over the pears, covering them completely.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake in preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes, or until pears are bubbly and topping is golden brown.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm for the best flavor.
How to Serve
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Additional Tips
- Use ripe but firm pears for best results. Overripe pears will become mushy.
- Mix pear varieties (like Bartlett + Bosc) for a deeper flavor.
- If pears are very sweet, reduce sugar slightly.
- Add chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) to the topping for crunch.
Variations
- Apple-Pear Crisp: Replace half the pears with apples.
- Nutty Topping: Add almonds, pecans, or walnuts to the oat mixture.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend.
- Spiced Version: Add ginger, cloves, or cardamom to the filling.
Freezing & Storage
- Storage: Keep covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven for best crispness.
- Freezing: Assemble (unbaked) and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes extra baking time.
Special Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry cutter or fork (for topping)
- Peeler and knife
Conclusion
Pear Crisp with Oat Topping is a warm, inviting dessert that proves simple ingredients can create something truly special. With tender, spiced pears under a golden, crunchy oat topping, this crisp is perfect for cozy nights, family gatherings, or festive celebrations. Easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and universally loved—it’s a dessert you’ll come back to again and again.
Pear Crisp with Oat Topping
Description
Pear Crisp with Oat Topping is a rustic, heartwarming dessert that celebrates the natural sweetness and juiciness of pears. Unlike heavy cakes or pies, a fruit crisp highlights the beauty of fresh fruit, topped with a golden, crunchy oat streusel that adds just the right amount of texture and flavor contrast.
Ingredients
For the Pear Filling:
For the Oat Topping:
Instructions
-
Step 1: Prepare the Pears : Peel, core, and slice pears into even wedges. Toss with lemon juice, sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Spread evenly in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
-
Step 2: Make the Oat Topping : In a mixing bowl, combine oats, flour, sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter (or your fingers) to work it in until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
-
Step 3: Assemble the Crisp : Sprinkle oat topping evenly over the pears, covering them completely.
-
Step 4: Bake : Bake in preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes, or until pears are bubbly and topping is golden brown.
-
Step 5: Cool and Serve : Allow to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm for the best flavor.
