This Pear Crisp is the perfect blend of sweet, juicy pears and a golden, buttery topping that’s impossible to resist. With just 10 minutes of prep, you’ll layer tender, cinnamon-spiced pears under a crunchy oat crumble that bakes to perfection in 20 minutes. The contrast of soft, caramelized fruit and crisp, nutty topping creates a dessert that’s as comforting as it is indulgent.
Warm from the oven, each bite delivers a symphony of flavors—honeyed pears, warm spices, and a hint of vanilla. It’s a dessert that feels fancy yet is incredibly simple to make, ideal for weeknight treats or impressing guests. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent finish that’s pure bliss.
Ingredients for Pear Crisp
- 2 ripe pears (peeled, cored, and sliced)
- 3 tablespoons whole rolled oats (use gluten-free if needed)
- 3 tablespoons chopped walnuts (or substitute with pecans)
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free oat flour or almond meal
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- Small grating of fresh nutmeg (about ⅛ teaspoon)
- Pinch of salt
- 1½ tablespoons hardened coconut oil (or substitute with cold butter)
- Additional coconut oil (for greasing the skillet)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together the oats, flour, walnuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Use your fingers or the back of a fork to crumble in the hardened coconut oil until the mixture is incorporated but still crumbly.
- Grease the bottom of a 6″ skillet (or similar-sized ramekin) with a little coconut oil.
- Arrange the sliced pears evenly in the skillet.
- Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the pears.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the pears are soft but not mushy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
This Pear Crisp shines when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a dairy-free option, try coconut whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Pair it with a cup of spiced chai tea or coffee for a cozy dessert experience.
Make It Your Own: Recipe Variations
Swap the pears for apples or peaches for a seasonal twist. Add a handful of dried cranberries or raisins to the fruit layer for extra sweetness. For a nut-free version, replace the walnuts with sunflower seeds or simply omit them. Feeling adventurous? Sprinkle a pinch of cardamom into the crumble for a unique flavor boost.
Keep It Fresh: Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or microwave for 30-60 seconds until warm. The crisp topping may soften in the fridge, but a quick bake will restore its crunch.
Quick Prep: Time-Saving Tips
Prep the crumble topping ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Use pre-sliced pears to save a few minutes. If you don’t have a skillet or ramekin, a small baking dish works just as well. This recipe is perfect for a last-minute dessert that feels homemade.
Essential Equipment: What You’ll Need
A 6-inch skillet or ramekin is ideal for this recipe, but any small baking dish will do. Use a mixing bowl for the crumble and a grater for the fresh nutmeg. A fork or your fingers are perfect for incorporating the coconut oil into the topping. Keep it simple and enjoy the process!
Pear Crisp
Ingredients
- 2 ripe pears
- 3 tablespoons whole rolled oats*
- 3 tablespoons chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free oat flour or almond meal
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon fresh nutmeg Small grating
- Pinch of salt
- 1½ tablespoons hardened coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375.
- In a small bowl, mix together the oats, flour, walnuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Use your fingers or the back of a fork to crumble in the hardened coconut oil until it’s incorporated but still crumbly.
- Grease the bottom of a 6″ skillet (or similar sized ramekin) with coconut oil.
- Add the pears and sprinkle the crumble on top.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the pears are soft but not mushy.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with vanilla ice cream.