If you’re looking for a comforting dessert that captures the cozy essence of the season, this Autumn Spiced Pear Crisp Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s packed with tender, juicy pears glazed with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, all nestled under a perfectly crunchy, buttery oat and almond topping. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe brings together simple, wholesome ingredients that transform into a show-stopping dish bursting with flavor and fall vibes. Let’s dive into the magic behind this delightful Autumn Spiced Pear Crisp Recipe and get you ready to wow everyone at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Autumn Spiced Pear Crisp Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together to create that perfect balance of texture, sweetness, and spiced warmth. Each component plays an essential role: the pears provide juicy softness, the spices add depth and aroma, and the topping delivers that irresistible crunch with a hint of nuttiness.
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar: Adds natural sweetness with a touch of molasses flavor for depth.
- 1/4 cup ground almonds: Brings a lovely nutty texture and richness; feel free to substitute with other ground nuts or extra oats.
- 1/2 cup rolled oats: Gives the crisp topping a hearty, chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender fruit.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Acts as the binding agent for the topping, helping it hold together in tender clumps.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses both topping and filling with warm, familiar spice notes.
- 1 pinch salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 5 tablespoons cold butter: Cuts into the dry ingredients to create that perfect crumbly topping.
- 8-10 small pears (cored and thinly sliced): The star of the dish; choose ripe but firm pears for best texture and sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup: Naturally sweet and adds a subtle earthy richness to the filling.
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional): Introduces a tartness and chewy texture that complements the sweetness of the pears.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: For the filling, enhancing the warm spice profile.
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Offers a gentle nutty-spice aroma that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a slight zing and warmth without overpowering the fruit.
- 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice: Rounds out the spices with a hint of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg fused into one.
How to Make Autumn Spiced Pear Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Topping
Start by mixing the brown sugar, ground almonds, oats, flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl until well combined. Cut the cold butter into the mixture using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbles. This step is crucial for that delightfully crumbly and buttery topping texture that contrasts so well with the soft filling. Pop it in the fridge to hold until you’re ready to bake.
Step 2: Assemble the Filling
Preheat your oven to 360°F (182°C). Take your cored and thinly sliced pears and place them in a 7×11 baking dish. Toss the pears with the maple syrup, dried cranberries if using, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. This combination of spices melds into every pear slice, making every bite bursting with cozy, autumnal flavors that will fill your kitchen with the most inviting aroma.
Step 3: Bake the Crisp
Uniformly scatter your chilled topping mixture over the spiced pear filling. The contrast between juicy, bubbling fruit below and the golden-brown, crunchy topping is what makes this Autumn Spiced Pear Crisp Recipe unforgettable. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until you see the filling bubbling around the edges and the topping achieves a perfect toasty golden hue. Let it rest on a cooling rack for about 10 minutes; this resting time helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to serve.
How to Serve Autumn Spiced Pear Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
A dollop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of freshly whipped cream transforms this pear crisp into a decadent treat. To elevate it even further, sprinkle some toasted almonds or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce on top for that extra wow factor. The creaminess of the ice cream beautifully balances the warm spices and crunch.
Side Dishes
This pear crisp pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced chai or a bold black coffee to bring out the spices’ notes. It can also complement a cheese plate featuring sharp cheddar or creamy brie when you want to serve it as part of a larger meal or brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try serving individual portions in rustic ramekins, then garnish each with a cinnamon stick or a sprig of fresh rosemary for a festive touch. Another fun idea is layering the crisp in a clear glass parfait dish alongside dollops of mascarpone or Greek yogurt and toasted nuts, making it as visually delightful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Autumn Spiced Pear Crisp Recipe covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent the topping from becoming soggy.
Freezing
This crisp freezes beautifully either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the crisp in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. If freezing leftovers after baking, cool completely, then portion and freeze in airtight containers for best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, place the crisp in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the topping regains some of its crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the topping crunchy, but it works well for a quick warm-up in a pinch.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits instead of pears in this recipe?
Absolutely! Apples, quince, or even a mix of berries can be delicious alternatives. Just keep in mind the texture and juiciness of the fruit, as it affects baking time and consistency.
What if I don’t have ground almonds? Can I skip or substitute them?
You can either increase the oats or flour to maintain the topping’s texture, or use other ground nuts like walnuts or pecans. The almonds add a subtle nuttiness, but the crisp will still be tasty without them.
Is this dessert suitable for gluten-free diets?
To make it gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. This adjustment maintains the comforting texture and flavors of the Autumn Spiced Pear Crisp Recipe.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Replace the butter with a cold vegan margarine or coconut oil to keep the topping crumbly and rich. Also, use maple syrup or another plant-based sweetener to keep the entire dish vegan-friendly.
How can I make the topping crunchier?
Using cold butter and mixing it into pea-size crumbs is key. For extra crunch, you can add chopped nuts or a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking. Baking until golden also ensures a satisfyingly crispy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Autumn Spiced Pear Crisp Recipe is truly one of those soul-warming desserts that you’ll keep coming back to as the seasons shift. It’s easy to make, wonderfully fragrant, and beautifully balances sweet, tart, and spice. I encourage you to gather those ripe pears, get cozy in the kitchen, and experience the joy of sharing this rustic, heartfelt dish with your friends and family. Once you taste it, I’m sure it will become a beloved staple of your autumn gatherings.
Print
Autumn Spiced Pear Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Autumn Spiced Pear Crisp is a warm, comforting dessert perfect for fall. Featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced pears topped with a crunchy oat and almond crumble, it’s sweetened naturally with maple syrup and enhanced by fragrant spices like nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. A delightful treat to enjoy straight from the oven or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Topping
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ground almonds (or any ground nuts or additional rolled oats)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
- 5 tablespoons cold butter
Filling
- 8–10 small pears, cored and thinly sliced (enough to tightly pack a 7×11 baking dish)
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (or more to taste)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
Instructions
- Make topping: In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground almonds, rolled oats, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbles. Place the topping in the refrigerator to chill until ready to use.
- Make filling: Preheat your oven to 360°F (182°C). In a 7×11-inch baking dish, add the thinly sliced pears, pure maple syrup, dried cranberries (if using), ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, and allspice. Toss everything gently to evenly coat the pears and distribute the spices and cranberries throughout.
- Bake: Evenly sprinkle the chilled topping mixture over the pear filling in the baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the topping turns a golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and let the crisp rest on a cooling rack for 10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to set.
Notes
- For extra flavor, serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- You can substitute the ground almonds with more rolled oats or different ground nuts based on preference or allergies.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup according to taste.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
- This recipe can be made with other fall fruits like apples or a mix of pears and apples.
