This Spiced Pear Crisp is comfort in a dish, perfect for any season. With warm spices and tender pears under a crunchy topping, it’s surprisingly easy to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Pears: Firm but ripe pears work best. Anjou, Bosc, or Bartlett are great choices. You can also mix in some apples for a different flavor.
- Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give the best texture for the crisp topping. Quick oats can work in a pinch but will be less chewy.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness. Granulated sugar can be used, but brown sugar is preferred.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is standard. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal. Make sure it’s cold for the crisp topping. Vegetable shortening can be used in the topping for a dairy-free version.
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
* 6 cups firm but ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 6-8 medium pears)
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best)
For the Topping:
* 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 (varies based on serving size)
- Tools Needed: 9×13 inch baking dish, large mixing bowls, pastry blender or fork (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pears
First, peel, core, and slice your pears. Place the sliced pears into a large mixing bowl. This is the foundation of your delicious Spiced Pear Crisp.
2. Mix the Pear Filling
To the pears, add the flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and lemon juice. Toss everything gently until the pears are evenly coated. Pour the mixture into your 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it out.
3. Make the Crisp Topping
In a separate medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the topping. Add the cold butter pieces. Use your fingers, a pastry blender, or a fork to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Assemble the Crisp
Evenly sprinkle the oat and butter topping over the pear filling in the baking dish. Make sure the topping covers most of the pears. This crunchy layer is what makes a crisp so satisfying.
5. Bake Your Spiced Pear Crisp
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the crisp for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the pear filling is bubbly. Let it cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
Storage Instructions:
Leftover Spiced Pear Crisp can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm individual servings in the microwave or place the entire dish back in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through and the topping is crisp again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use canned pears?
It’s best to use fresh pears for the best texture and flavor. Canned pears can be too soft and watery. - My crisp topping isn’t crunchy. What went wrong?
Ensure your butter is very cold when you mix the topping, and bake until golden brown. An extra 5-10 minutes in the oven can help. - Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can assemble the crisp a few hours in advance and keep it in the refrigerator before baking. Add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. - What kind of pears are best for crisp?
Firm, slightly underripe pears like Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett hold their shape well during baking. - Can I add nuts to the topping?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition to the crisp topping. - Is this Spiced Pear Crisp good for breakfast?
It makes a fantastic breakfast, especially when served with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of granola.
