Name: Pear Crisp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5–6 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional); 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes; 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pear crisp is a wonderful alternative to the classic apple crisp, offering a more delicate, floral flavor that pairs beautifully with the crunchy topping. The recipe is incredibly easy to throw together and requires minimal effort, yet the result is a delicious, homey dessert that feels like a warm hug. It’s also a great way to use up ripe pears and can be easily customized with spices or add-ins.

Ingredients

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

Ripe pears
Granulated sugar
Lemon juice
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg (optional)
All-purpose flour
Old-fashioned oats
Brown sugar
Unsalted butter (cold and cut into cubes)
Salt

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or similar-sized oven-safe dish.
Peel, core, and slice the pears. Place them in a mixing bowl and toss with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Spread the pear mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
In another bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until crumbly.
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the pears.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 6 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: 50–55 minutes

Variations

Nutty Pear Crisp: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for extra crunch.
Spiced Version: Include ginger, cardamom, or cloves for a warmer spice profile.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
Maple Pear Crisp: Replace part of the sugar with maple syrup for a deeper, richer flavor.
Mixed Fruit Crisp: Combine pears with apples, cranberries, or berries for a fruitier twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover pear crisp covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave individual portions for 30–45 seconds or warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through.
While you can freeze pear crisp, the texture may be slightly softer upon reheating. If freezing, wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

What kind of pears are best for pear crisp?

Use firm, ripe pears like Bosc, Bartlett, or Anjou. They hold their shape well during baking and provide great flavor.

Do I have to peel the pears?

Peeling is optional, but it results in a softer texture. If you prefer a rustic feel, you can leave the skins on.

Can I make pear crisp ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the entire dish and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

Why is my topping not crunchy?

If the topping is too soft, you may have used too much butter or not enough flour/oats. Bake until the top is golden and crisp.

Can I use canned pears?

Fresh pears are best, but you can use drained canned pears in a pinch. Reduce the sugar slightly as canned pears are often sweetened.

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

Yes, but the texture will be softer. Old-fashioned oats give a more substantial, chewy topping.

Is it okay to use less sugar?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar in both the filling and topping to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Can I add other fruit to this recipe?

Absolutely. Apples, cranberries, or berries make great additions to the pear base.

How do I know when the crisp is done?

The top should be golden brown, and the fruit should be bubbling around the edges.

Should I serve it hot or cold?

Pear crisp is best served warm, but it also tastes great at room temperature or cold from the fridge.

Conclusion

Pear crisp is an easy, wholesome dessert that combines the natural sweetness of pears with a crunchy, buttery topping. It’s the perfect choice when you want something simple yet satisfying. Whether served on its own or topped with ice cream, this dessert delivers comfort in every bite and is sure to become a seasonal favorite.