Description

Pear & Cranberry Crisp is a delightful seasonal dessert that combines tender, juicy pears with tart cranberries, topped with a buttery, crunchy oat topping. Baked to golden perfection, this warm, comforting dish is perfect for autumn and winter gatherings, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Filling:

4 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

For the Crisp Topping:

1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar size to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the crisp after baking.
Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced pears, fresh or frozen cranberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and cornstarch if using. Toss everything together until the fruit is evenly coated with the mixture, which will enhance the flavors and help thicken the filling during baking. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform cooking.
Make the Crisp Topping: In a separate bowl, mix rolled oats, all-purpose flour, packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Drizzle the melted unsalted butter over the dry ingredients. Stir gently until the mixture becomes crumbly and fully coated with butter, which will bake into a crispy, golden topping.
Assemble the Crisp: Evenly distribute the oat topping over the pear and cranberry filling in the baking dish, covering the fruit completely to protect it during baking and create a delicious crust.
Bake the Crisp: Place the assembled baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbly and thickened, indicating it’s perfectly cooked.
Serve: Let the crisp cool for about 10 minutes after baking to allow the filling to set slightly. Serve warm by itself or with optional toppings like vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Notes

Use ripe but firm pears to ensure they hold their shape during baking.
If you prefer a thicker filling, do not skip the cornstarch; it helps prevent a watery crisp.
Fresh cranberries can be substituted with frozen ones; no need to thaw before mixing.
For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the topping for added texture and flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: pear crisp, cranberry dessert, autumn dessert, fruit crisp, baked dessert, seasonal recipe