Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I sliced into those fragrant Bartlett pears, the sweet aroma of autumn filled my kitchen—a true sensory zap! There’s something about this Easy Cinnamon-Spiced Pear Crisp that just feels like a warm hug after a chilly day. With pantry-friendly ingredients and just 20 minutes of prep, this cozy dessert is not only a crowd-pleaser but also fits perfectly into your fall gatherings and holiday feasts. The combination of tender, spiced fruit topped with a crunchy pecan crust creates a wonderful balance of textures that both comforts and delights. Whether enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or on its own, this dish will quickly become a cherished recipe for any home chef. Ready to dive in and discover the magic of this pear crisp? Let’s bake! Why is this pear crisp so special? Simplicity at its finest: With only 20 minutes of prep time, this pear crisp is the perfect recipe for even the busiest home cooks. Comforting flavors: Infused with cinnamon, ginger, and tender Bartlett pears, this dessert captures the essence of cozy autumn vibes. Crowd-pleaser appeal: It’s ideal for Thanksgiving and holiday gatherings, guaranteed to impress family and friends alike! Versatile options: Feel free to swap pears for apples or mix in dried fruits, ensuring it can cater to various tastes. Quick and easy storage: Make it ahead of time! Assemble, refrigerate, and bake when needed for a delightful last-minute treat. Serve it warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finish, and don’t forget to check out our Cucumber Tomato Salad for a refreshing side! Pear Crisp Ingredients • Let’s dive into the delightful components you’ll need for this easy Pear Crisp! For the Filling Pears – Fresh, ripe Bartlett pears create a sweet and juicy base; avoid overripe ones to keep the texture just right. Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness to your pear filling, enhancing the natural flavors. Lemon Juice – A splash brightens the overall taste and counters the sweetness of the pears. Cornstarch – Essential for thickening the filling and ensuring it doesn’t turn soupy while baking. Vanilla Extract – This subtle addition amplifies the flavor profile of the filling. Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Cardamom, Salt – These warming spices infuse comfort and depth into your easy pear crisp. For the Topping All-Purpose Flour – Forms the backbone of the crunchy topping and helps hold everything together. Old Fashioned Rolled Oats – Provides a delightful chewy texture, perfect for that crispy topping. Pecans – They add a wonderful crunch; feel free to substitute with walnuts for a different flavor. Brown Sugar – Brings caramel notes and helps the topping brown beautifully in the oven. Unsalted Butter – Melted for that buttery richness, binding the topping ingredients to create the perfect crumble. Let’s gather these ingredients and get ready to bake the most heartwarming pear crisp you’ve ever tasted! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pear Crisp Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will ensure that your easy pear crisp gets a perfectly crispy topping while the sweet pears underneath become tender and juicy. Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the middle for even baking. Step 2: Prepare the Pear Filling In a large mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and your chosen spices, including cinnamon. Next, peel and slice fresh Bartlett pears, adding them to the bowl. Gently toss the pear slices to ensure they are well-coated in the sweet, spiced mixture, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Step 3: Make the Topping In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, rolled oats, chopped pecans, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the mixture resembles crumbled wet sand. This texture is key to creating a delicious crunchy topping for your pear crisp that contrasts delightfully with the tender fruit. Step 4: Assemble the Dish Lightly grease an 8×8 baking dish or a 9-inch cast iron skillet. Pour the pear mixture into the dish, ensuring even distribution of the juicy fruit. Top with the crumbly oat mixture, breaking it into smaller pieces for a more appealing look. Make sure the pears are entirely covered, inviting a golden finish as they bake. Step 5: Bake to Perfection Place your assembled pear crisp in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as you want the topping to become golden brown and fragrant while the fruit bubbles underneath. The combination of scents will fill your kitchen, indicating it’s almost time to enjoy this delightful dessert. Step 6: Cool and Serve Once baked, remove the pear crisp from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes. This allows the juices to thicken up a bit, making for a better presentation when serving. Scoop out portions of this warm pear crisp and serve it with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch. Pear Crisp Variations & Substitutions Feel free to explore these creative variations to make this pear crisp your own delightful masterpiece! Apple Twist: Swap out pears for tart apples or a mix of both for a slightly different flavor profile that captures the season. Nut-Free Delight: Omit the pecans and replace them with sunflower seeds for a satisfying crunch, perfect for those with nut allergies. Dried Fruit Boost: Toss in some dried cranberries or raisins with the pears for a hint of chewiness and extra sweetness in every bite. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the topping for a warming spice that contrasts beautifully with the sweet filling. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free oats and a certified gluten-free flour mix to cater to gluten sensitivities without sacrificing taste. Increased Crunch: For an even crunchier topping, mix in some crushed graham crackers or coconut flakes with the oats—it’s a delightful twist! Chocolate Indulgence: Sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips into the pear filling for a decadent surprise that chocolate lovers will adore. As you whip up this sumptuous dessert, you might want to check out our recipe for Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Chips for a perfectly light snack to enjoy alongside your warm pear crisp! Make Ahead Options Preparing this Easy Cinnamon-Spiced Pear Crisp ahead of time is a fantastic way to save time on busy weeknights! You can assemble the entire dessert, covering it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. For optimal quality, be sure to toss the pear slices with lemon juice before mixing in the sugar and cornstarch to prevent browning. When you’re ready to enjoy this comforting treat, simply remove it from the fridge and bake it directly, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time. This way, you’ll have a delicious pear crisp that’s just as delightful with minimal last-minute effort! Expert Tips for Perfect Pear Crisp Choose the Right Pears: Opt for firm but ripe Bartlett pears to ensure optimal texture and flavor. Overripe pears can lead to a mushy filling. Peel with Care: Always peel the pears before slicing; leaving the skin on may result in a tougher texture after baking. Crunchy Topping: For the perfect crunch in your pear crisp topping, mix until you achieve a crumbly wet sand consistency. This is crucial for texture! Avoid Canned Pears: Canned pears often lead to a watery and mushy filling that detracts from the delightful experience of your homemade dessert. Serve Warm: Enjoy your pear crisp fresh from the oven with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a warm, comforting finish. How to Store and Freeze Pear Crisp Room Temperature: Allow the pear crisp to cool completely, then cover it loosely with foil or a clean kitchen towel. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. Fridge: If you need it to last a bit longer, wrap the cooled pear crisp tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will maintain its freshness in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freezer: To freeze, ensure the pear crisp is completely cooled and cut into portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them into a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy this delightful treat whenever the craving hits. Reheating: For warm and crispy results, reheat individual portions in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or microwave for 30-60 seconds. Enjoy your pear crisp warm, topped with a scoop of ice cream! What to Serve with Easy Cinnamon-Spiced Pear Crisp Indulging in warm, spiced desserts is all about creating a full sensory experience that wraps you in comfort and joy. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cold scoop perfectly complements the warm, spiced flavors of the pear crisp, creating a delightful temperature contrast. Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a touch of elegance and a silky finish to the crumbly topping, enhancing your indulgence. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling sweet, rich caramel over each serving elevates the dessert experience, adding a beautiful gloss and an extra layer of flavor. Fresh Mint Leaves: A sprig of mint provides a refreshing contrast that balances the sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile beautifully. Coffee or Spiced Chai: A warm cup of coffee or chai tea pairs well, with spiced notes matching perfectly with the dessert’s comforting flavors. Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce cuts through the sweetness and brings an exciting zing that complements the warm pears wonderfully. Cheese Platter: Consider serving slices of sharp cheddar or brie alongside for a savory pairing that balances the dessert’s sweetness. Toasted Nuts: A small bowl of toasted pecans or walnuts brings additional crunch, echoing your dessert’s topping and enhancing the texture. Sweet Wine or Cider: A glass of sweet dessert wine or warm spiced cider creates a lovely finish to your cozy meal, perfect for autumn evenings. Pear Crisp Recipe FAQs What type of pears should I use for the best flavor and texture? Absolutely! For optimal flavor and texture, I recommend using firm but ripe Bartlett pears. They provide the perfect balance of sweetness and juiciness. Avoid using overripe pears, as they can lead to a mushy filling that lacks the delightful texture you’re hoping for. How should I store any leftover pear crisp? Very good question! After your pear crisp has cooled completely, you can store it at room temperature for up to 2 days by covering it loosely with foil or a clean kitchen towel. However, to extend its freshness, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Can I freeze pear crisp for later enjoyment? Absolutely! To freeze your pear crisp, ensure it has cooled completely, then cut it into individual portions. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or microwave each portion for 30-60 seconds. What if my pear crisp turns out too watery? If you find that your pear crisp has a watery filling, it may be due to the pears being too ripe or not using enough cornstarch to thicken the juices. Ensure to use firm pears and whisk in an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to the filling mix next time to help absorb excess moisture. Additionally, letting it bake a bit longer can help evaporate some of that excess liquid. Is this recipe suitable for those with nut allergies? The crisp topping traditionally contains pecans, so if you’re cooking for someone with nut allergies, you can either omit the nuts entirely or substitute them with seeds like sunflower seeds for a similarly crunchy texture without the allergens. Just make sure to check all other ingredient labels for hidden allergens. How can I make this pear crisp gluten-free? Great question! This pear crisp can easily be made gluten-free by swapping out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and ensuring you use certified gluten-free oats. This way, everyone can enjoy the deliciousness of this fall-inspired dessert! Heavenly Pear Crisp: Your Easy Fall Dessert Delight This Easy Pear Crisp recipe features tender Bartlett pears with a crunchy topping, making it a comforting fall dessert. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsCooling Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Filling6 medium Bartlett pears Fresh and ripe, peeled and sliced1 cup granulated sugar2 tablespoons lemon juice Freshly squeezed3 tablespoons cornstarch1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 teaspoon cinnamon1/4 teaspoon nutmeg1/4 teaspoon ginger1/4 teaspoon cardamom1/4 teaspoon saltFor the Topping1 cup all-purpose flour1 cup old fashioned rolled oats1/2 cup pecans Chopped, can substitute with walnuts1/2 cup brown sugar1/2 cup unsalted butter Melted Equipment Baking DishMixing bowlWhiskSpatula Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).In a large mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and spices. Peel and slice fresh Bartlett pears and toss them with the mixture.In another bowl, combine flour, oats, pecans, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add melted butter and mix until it resembles crumbled wet sand.Grease an 8x8 baking dish or a 9-inch cast iron skillet. Pour the pear mixture into the dish and top with the oat mixture, ensuring the pears are fully covered.Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and fragrant.Remove from the oven and let cool for 15 minutes before serving with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 3gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg NotesServe warm for the best flavor and texture. Can store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!