Spiced Pear Cranberry Crisp

Discovering this spiced pear and cranberry crisp felt like finding the perfect cozy hug on a chilly evening. The mix of juicy pears and tart cranberries beneath a buttery, spiced oat topping instantly became my go-to comfort dessert.

I remember the first time unexpected guests arrived just as I was pulling this crisp from the oven—the golden topping crackled invitingly and the fruit was bubbling perfectly, making an ordinary night feel a little magical.

Ingredients

• Pears and Cranberries: I always choose ripe pears that are firm but juicy and fresh cranberries for tartness; frozen works too when fresh aren't in season
• Spices: Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves bring warmth and depth; I've found measuring precisely keeps the balance just right
• Oats and Butter: Old-fashioned rolled oats create a hearty topping, and using cold butter cut into cubes helps achieve the perfect crumbly texture

Instructions

Get Everything Ready:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9-inch baking dish so your crisp won't stick.

Mix the Fruit:

Toss sliced pears and cranberries in brown sugar, flour, and spices until they are evenly coated, releasing sweet and tart aromas.

Prepare the Topping:

Combine oats, flours, sugars, cinnamon, and salt; then work in cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until you get coarse, crumbly pebbles of buttery goodness, stirring in nuts if you're using them.

Assemble and Bake:

Spread the fruit mixture evenly in the dish and sprinkle the topping on top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the topping turns golden and the fruit bubbles energetically underneath.

Cool and Serve:

Let your crisp cool for 10 minutes which helps the juices thicken, then serve warm—ice cream or whipped cream on the side is pure heaven.

Pin Recipe

This dish started as a simple weekday dessert, but soon became a comfort food symbolizing gatherings and warmth—whenever I make it, I'm reminded of grateful laughter filling the kitchen.

Keeping It Fresh

Leftovers taste great at room temperature or reheated gently. Covering the crisp tightly ensures the topping stays tender without drying out the fruit underneath.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

Try pairing this crisp with tangy Greek yogurt or a drizzle of honey instead of cream; the contrasting flavors add a new layer of deliciousness that surprised me from my first taste test.

A Time This Recipe Saved the Day

Once, when my planned dessert got forgotten in the fridge, I quickly whipped up this crisp using pantry staples and still impressed everyone with its warmth and flavor.

• Don't forget to butter the baking dish—it makes cleanup so much easier
• Adjust sugar amounts based on your fruit's sweetness to keep it balanced
• Feel free to swap pecans for walnuts or omit nuts altogether for allergies

Pin Recipe

Thanks for sharing kitchen time with me—I hope this crisp brings you as much joy as it has to me and those I've served it to.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use fresh or frozen cranberries?

Both fresh and frozen cranberries work well. Just make sure frozen berries are thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture.

→ How can I make the topping nut-free?

Simply omit the pecans or walnuts; the crisp topping remains delicious without nuts.

→ What substitutes work for pears?

Apples make a great alternative, offering a different sweetness and texture while blending well with the spices.

→ Is this suitable for a gluten-free version?

Yes, by using certified gluten-free oats and flour, this dish can be adapted for gluten-free diets.

→ What is the best way to serve this dish?

Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to enhance its comforting flavors.

→ How long does it take to bake?

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.