Name: Pear Crisp
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5–6 medium pears (Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou), peeled, cored, and sliced; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional); For the topping:; 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; Optional: 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pear crisp is everything you want in a fall dessert: sweet, spiced, and packed with texture. The soft baked pears contrast beautifully with the crunchy oat topping, and the ingredients are basic and pantry-friendly. It’s quicker than pie and easier to assemble—no crust needed, just pure fruit flavor and crumbly goodness.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Fresh pears (such as Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou)
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Lemon juice
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
All-purpose flour
Old-fashioned oats
Unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
Salt
Optional: chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch or similar-sized baking dish.
Peel, core, and slice the pears. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
Toss the sliced pears with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a bit of flour to help thicken the filling. Set aside.
In another bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt.
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
Optional: Stir in chopped nuts for added crunch.
Pour the pear mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the fruit.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
Let cool for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the filling to thicken.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Cooling Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Add apples: Mix in one or two sliced apples with the pears for a flavor combo.
Use maple syrup: Swap out some or all of the sugar for maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend.
Add ginger: A touch of ground ginger or freshly grated ginger adds a spicy note.
Make it vegan: Use plant-based butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place a portion in the microwave for about 30–45 seconds, or warm the entire dish in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes.
Pear crisp can also be frozen—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

FAQs

What are the best pears to use for crisp?

Firm pears like Bosc, Bartlett, or Anjou are best—they hold their shape and don’t become mushy.

Do I need to peel the pears?

Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but it’s optional if you prefer a more rustic feel.

Can I use canned pears?

Fresh pears are ideal, but canned pears can be used in a pinch—just drain them well and reduce added sugar.

How do I make the topping extra crispy?

Use cold butter, don’t overmix, and consider adding chopped nuts for more crunch.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, assemble the crisp and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Yes, but the texture will be softer. Old-fashioned oats provide a better crunch.

Why is my topping soggy?

This can happen if the butter is too soft or the topping was packed down. Keep the mixture crumbly and don’t overwork it.

Can I make individual servings?

Absolutely—divide the filling and topping into ramekins and reduce baking time slightly.

What goes well with pear crisp?

Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce complement it beautifully.

Is this dessert very sweet?

It’s moderately sweet. You can reduce the sugar slightly in both the filling and topping to suit your taste.

Conclusion

Pear Crisp is a simple yet delicious dessert that lets ripe pears shine. With its spiced fruit base and crunchy oat topping, it’s the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of fall or any season. Whether served warm from the oven or reheated the next day, this crisp is a comforting favorite that’s easy to make and hard to resist.