If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that perfectly balances tartness and sweetness with a cozy, crumbly topping, this Pear Cranberry Crisp Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining juicy, tender pears with vibrant cranberries, and a buttery oat topping, this crisp is a comforting treat that’s as inviting to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re winding down a busy day or entertaining friends, this dessert promises warm hugs in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients come together effortlessly in this Pear Cranberry Crisp Recipe to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, from the juicy fruit base to the crunchy, aromatic crumble on top.
- 4 cups fresh pears, peeled and sliced: The star of the dish, these bring natural sweetness and moisture.
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries: Adding a lovely tart contrast and vibrant color.
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of the cranberries and intensifies fruit flavors.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the juicy filling so it’s perfectly set.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy note that complements the fruit beautifully.
- 0.75 cup old-fashioned oats: Provides a hearty, rustic texture for the crisp topping.
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour: Gives structure and helps bind the topping together.
- 0.5 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds deep caramel flavor and moistness to the crumble.
- 0.25 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making the sweetness pop.
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Creates that irresistible buttery, flaky topping when baked.
How to Make Pear Cranberry Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and ready. Lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish – this small prep sets the stage for your crisp to bake evenly and not stick, making it easier to serve later.
Step 2: Mix the Fruit Filling
In a large bowl, toss together those fresh pears, cranberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and ground cinnamon. Mixing this combination well ensures every bite bursts with a harmonious blend of sweet, tart, and warmly spiced flavors. Once combined, spread the mixture evenly across your prepared baking dish, creating a juicy and inviting base for the crisp topping.
Step 3: Prepare the Crisp Topping
Grab a separate bowl and mix the oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and salt. Then add your cold, cubed butter. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, blend everything until the mixture turns crumbly. This texture is exactly what you want – little pockets of buttery goodness nestled amongst the oats, ready to form that coveted golden crust as it bakes.
Step 4: Assemble the Crisp
Sprinkle your crumbly topping evenly over the fruit filling. The even layer of topping ensures the crisp bakes to perfection, with a crunchy, golden surface where every bite reveals a juicy fruit surprise below.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the assembled crisp into your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is a beautifully golden brown and the fruit filling bubbles excitedly around the edges. That bubbling is the magic sign your crisp is bubbling with flavor and warmth.
Step 6: Let It Cool Slightly
After baking, allow your Pear Cranberry Crisp Recipe to cool for at least 10 minutes. This resting time helps the filling thicken slightly and makes serving easier. Plus, it gives you that perfect window to prepare your favorite accompaniments or simply take a deep breath, anticipating the first bite.
How to Serve Pear Cranberry Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Pear Cranberry Crisp Recipe with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon on top can add extra texture and warmth that pairs beautifully with the fruity filling.
Side Dishes
This crisp is so rich and flavorful, it often stands perfectly on its own. However, pairing it with a cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee can make your dessert moment even cozier. For a brunch spread, serve it alongside creamy yogurt or alongside a light salad to balance sweetness with freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Pear Cranberry Crisp Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch. You can also layer it in a glass jar for a rustic parfait-style dessert or top it with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for a decadent finish that will wow guests every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, place the crisp in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for 3 to 4 days while retaining its flavor and texture—perfect for a quick treat throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the Pear Cranberry Crisp Recipe either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and it will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To warm up your crisp, pop it into a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. This reheating method gives you that fresh-baked experience again, complete with a crisp topping and warm, bubbling fruit underneath.
FAQs
Can I use canned pears for this recipe?
While fresh pears are ideal for their texture and flavor, you can use canned pears in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them well to prevent too much excess moisture in the filling.
Do I have to use fresh cranberries?
No, frozen cranberries work wonderfully here and often provide a little more convenience. They’ll release enough juice for the filling without making it too watery.
Can I make the topping gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free to keep the topping safe and delicious for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Is it necessary to peel the pears?
Peeling the pears gives the crisp a smoother texture and prevents any tough bits in the filling, but if you prefer a bit more rustic texture and fiber, leaving the skins on is fine.
What’s the best way to cut and store slices if preparing in advance?
Slicing your pears just before mixing keeps them fresh and prevents browning, but if you prefer to prep ahead, toss them with a bit of lemon juice to maintain color and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for no more than a day.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Pear Cranberry Crisp Recipe enough—it’s a simple yet spectacular way to celebrate fall flavors all year long. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying a dessert like this for the first time, the combination of buttery oats, tart cranberries, and sweet pears will become a beloved part of your kitchen repertoire. Give it a try, and watch how quickly this crisp becomes everyone’s favorite go-to dessert.
Print
Pear Cranberry Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 (9-inch) crisp, serves 6
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pear Cranberry Crisp is a delightful dessert combining the juicy sweetness of fresh pears with the tartness of cranberries, topped with a crunchy, buttery oat crumble. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this crisp is a comforting treat ideal for cozy evenings or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Fruit Mixture
- 4 cups fresh pears, peeled and sliced
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Topping
- 0.75 cup old-fashioned oats
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup brown sugar, packed
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish to ensure the crisp does not stick and bakes evenly.
- Prepare Fruit Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the peeled and sliced pears, fresh or frozen cranberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and ground cinnamon. Mix thoroughly to evenly coat the fruit, then spread this mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish as the base layer for the crisp.
- Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together the old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold cubed unsalted butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the mixture until it becomes crumbly, forming the classic crisp topping texture.
- Assemble Crisp: Sprinkle the crumbly oat topping evenly over the fruit mixture in the baking dish, ensuring good coverage to create a golden crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling, signaling that it’s fully cooked and juicy.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries depending on availability; frozen works well in this recipe.
- Let the crisp cool properly to avoid burning your mouth with hot filling.
- For a nuttier topping, add chopped walnuts or pecans along with the oats.
- This crisp can be served warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
