If you’re on the hunt for the perfect blend of sweet, spiced, and crunchy that’s pure comfort in every bite, then this Pear Crisp Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine juicy, tender pears bathed in warm cinnamon and nutmeg, all crowned by a buttery walnut and oat topping that bakes to golden perfection. This dessert brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels both cozy and a little bit fancy, making it ideal for everything from weeknight treats to special gatherings. Trust me, once you try this Pear Crisp Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.

Pear Crisp Recipe: Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

In the first image, a black cast iron skillet holds a layer of small, diced apple pieces that are red and light yellow in color, spread evenly across the pan. The diced apples have a soft texture and are slightly sprinkled with a warm brown spice, likely cinnamon. In the second image, the same black cast iron skillet contains the same layer of diced apples at the bottom, now topped with a thick layer of crumbled oat mixture that has a pale tan and light brown color, with a coarse, crumbly texture covering the apples underneath. Both images are set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Pear Crisp Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—ripe pears bring natural sweetness and juiciness, spices add cozy warmth, and the nutty, crumbly topping offers a delightful contrast in texture. Let’s walk through these essentials, so you know exactly what makes this dish shine.

5 cups pears (cubed): Choose ripe but firm pears for the best balance of sweetness and texture throughout baking.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds depth with its warm, aromatic flavor that complements the pears beautifully.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: A subtle booster that enhances the natural fruit flavors and ties the filling together.
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Brings a gentle spice note that brightens the dish with its sweet earthiness.
¼ cup light brown sugar or coconut sugar: Sweetens the fruit filling while adding a hint of molasses richness.
¼ cup water: Keeps the pears juicy and helps dissolve the cornstarch evenly.
1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder: Thickens the filling so it’s perfectly luscious without being runny.
½ cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour: Forms the base of the crisp topping, providing structure and tenderness.
½ cup oats: Infuses chewy, hearty texture into the topping for a wholesome crunch.
⅓ cup light brown sugar or coconut sugar: Sweetens the topping just enough without overpowering the pears.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Sprinkled into the topping for extra warmth in every bite.
1 cup walnuts (chopped): Adds a toasty, nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender fruit.
Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
⅓ cup butter (melted): Binds the topping ingredients together and bakes to a irresistibly crispy finish.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Pear Crisp Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 11-inch oven-safe skillet or a 7×10-inch baking dish. This sets the stage for even baking and a crisp, golden topping without sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Pear Filling

In a large bowl, toss the cubed pears with ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, nutmeg, brown sugar, water, and cornstarch. This careful blend ensures every bite is bursting with spice-laced sweetness and the cornstarch thickens the filling as it bakes, creating that luscious sauce you crave.

Step 3: Prepare the Crisp Topping

Combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, walnuts, and a pinch of salt in another bowl. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture turns crumbly—this will bake into a wonderfully crisp, nutty topping that gives this Pear Crisp Recipe its signature texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Crisp

Pour the pear filling into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the pears. This layering sets you up for the perfect contrast of soft filling and crunchy topping.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the center of your preheated oven for 45 to 60 minutes, until the topping is beautifully golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The aroma at this point is pure comfort—trust me, you’ll want to dig in right away.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let your pear crisp cool for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to thicken just enough. This wait makes the servings clean and the flavors even more melded together.

Step 7: Enjoy Your Creation

Serve warm on its own or jazz it up with a scoop of creamery-fresh ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This Pear Crisp Recipe truly shines with a creamy accompaniment that melts into the tart-sweet pears perfectly.

How to Serve Pear Crisp Recipe

A black skillet holds a dessert with two clear layers: the bottom layer is composed of soft, light brown and golden apple chunks mixed with a sticky syrup, while the top layer is a thick, crumbly mixture of oats, nuts, and brown sugar crumbles spread evenly across the surface. A gold spoon scoops a portion from the skillet, revealing the moist fruit layer beneath the crunchy topping. The skillet rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While this pear crisp is delightful on its own, a sprinkle of freshly chopped walnuts or a light dusting of cinnamon on top adds a beautiful finishing touch. You could also drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup right before serving for extra sweetness and shine.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a fragrant herbal tea, balancing the warm spices of the crisp. For a more indulgent take, a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream makes the perfect sidekick, melting right into the fruit and crumbly topping.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the pear crisp in individual ramekins for charming, personalized portions. Alternatively, layer it with vanilla yogurt or whipped mascarpone in clear glasses for a rustic yet elegant parfait presentation that guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pear crisp tastes just as good the next day and can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s well wrapped to keep the topping from absorbing moisture and becoming soggy.

Freezing

This Pear Crisp Recipe freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling completely, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick dessert fix later on.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, place the pear crisp in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and topped crisp is re-crisped. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crunchy topping intact, but it works well if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

Can I use canned pears for this Pear Crisp Recipe?

While fresh pears deliver the best texture and flavor, you can use canned pears in a pinch. Be sure to drain them well and reduce the added water in the filling to avoid excess moisture.

Is it possible to make this Pear Crisp Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend, and double-check that your oats are certified gluten-free. The crisp topping will still have that wonderful texture you love.

What type of pears works best for this recipe?

Firm and slightly tart pears like Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett are great choices. They hold their shape well when baked and provide a lovely balance of sweetness and acidity.

Can I substitute walnuts for other nuts?

Yes! Pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts can be used instead of walnuts to add a different nutty flavor and texture, giving your pear crisp a personalized twist.

How can I make this Pear Crisp Recipe less sweet?

Reduce the amount of brown or coconut sugar slightly in both the filling and topping. Keep in mind that the natural sweetness of ripe pears will still shine through, so you won’t lose that satisfying dessert quality.

Final Thoughts

This Pear Crisp Recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in the most delicious way imaginable. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug from the inside out—perfect for sharing with family and friends or indulging in a quiet moment of sweetness yourself. So, go ahead and give it a try; I promise this pear crisp will quickly become your favorite go-to dessert that always hits the spot.