Cranberry Pear Crisp Recipe
If you’re craving a dessert that strikes the perfect balance between tart and sweet, crisp and juicy, you have to try this Cranberry Pear Crisp Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day—packed with fresh, vibrant pears and tangy cranberries beneath a crunchy, buttery oat topping. Every bite bursts with flavor and texture that will have you coming back for more, whether you’re serving it for a cozy family gathering or impressing friends with your baking skills. This Cranberry Pear Crisp Recipe is simple yet irresistible, making it a standout fall or winter treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is straightforward but essential to get that perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Each component plays a crucial role, from the juicy pears and tart cranberries to the crunchy oat topping that adds just the right hint of cinnamon and buttery goodness.
- Pears (5-6 large, peeled and sliced): The star fruit providing natural sweetness and a soft, juicy base.
- Cranberries (1½ cups): Adding a wonderful tartness that balances the pear’s mildness beautifully.
- Corn starch (2 teaspoons): Helps to thicken the fruit juices as it bakes, giving you that perfectly gooey filling.
- Granulated sugar (⅓ cup + ¼ cup): Sweetens the fruit and brings out their natural flavors while also contributing to the crisp topping.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the fruit mixture and keeps the flavors popping.
- Old-fashioned oats (1 cup): For that classic crisp topping texture, providing chew and crunch.
- All-purpose flour (½ cup): Binds the crumble topping together.
- Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Adds warmth and a touch of spice that complements the fruit.
- Light brown sugar (¼ cup): Brings a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the topping.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, cubed): The magic ingredient making the crumble irresistibly buttery and golden.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the sweet and tart flavors in the dish.
How to Make Cranberry Pear Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare an 11×7 inch baking dish by spraying it with a nonstick spray or rubbing a tablespoon of melted butter over the surface using a paper towel. This simple step ensures your crisp will slide out easily after baking.
Step 2: Peel and Slice the Pears
Peeling your pears is easy and brings out their sweet aroma. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin, then core and slice them into ¼ inch thick pieces. Uniform slices allow for even cooking and a beautiful texture in every bite.
Step 3: Toss Fruits with Lemon Juice, Sugar, and Cornstarch
In a large bowl, combine the sliced pears, fresh cranberries, one tablespoon of lemon juice, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, and the cornstarch. Mix together gently but thoroughly with a wooden spoon so every piece is evenly coated. The lemon juice adds brightness, while the sugar and cornstarch help the fruit soften and thicken nicely in the oven.
Step 4: Spread Fruit Mixture in the Baking Dish
Pour and evenly spread the fruit mixture across your prepared baking dish. This layer will bubble and release juices as it bakes, so don’t be shy with it. A generous fruit base is key for a juicy crisp.
Step 5: Prepare the Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, stir together oats, flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and the pinch of salt. Add the cubed butter and use your hands (wear gloves if preferred) to mix everything until it becomes crumbly but can also clump together. This texture will create that iconic crispy topping you’re craving.
Step 6: Add the Crumble Over the Fruit and Bake
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the fruit layer, covering every inch for a consistent crust. Place the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. Watch for the topping to turn a deep golden brown and feel firm. The fruit underneath should be bubbling and tender by the time it’s done.
Step 7: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once baked, let the crisp cool slightly before serving. Dish it out with a big spoon and don’t miss the chance to add a dollop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The warmth from the crisp paired with the cold, creamy ice cream is absolutely divine!
How to Serve Cranberry Pear Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts can add an elegant touch. Fresh mint leaves also lend a nice pop of color and a refreshing aroma that balances the warm spices.
Side Dishes
This crisp is delightful on its own but pairs wonderfully with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside a hot cup of chai tea or warm mulled cider. The cozy combination will elevate your dessert experience to a new level.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive occasion, serve individual portions in small ramekins or mason jars for a charming presentation. Layer the crisp with yogurt or mascarpone in a parfait glass for an unexpected twist. You can even serve it over pancakes or waffles for a decadent breakfast treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply cover leftover crisp tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this Cranberry Pear Crisp Recipe by wrapping the whole dish securely with foil and plastic wrap or transferring portions into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months. To enjoy later, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the crisp in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the topping is crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the topping soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work well and are often available year-round. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mixing to avoid a soggy crisp.
What kind of pears work best in the Cranberry Pear Crisp Recipe?
Firm pears like Bosc, Bartlett, or Anjou hold up wonderfully during baking without turning mushy. Their natural sweetness also complements the tart cranberries beautifully.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. The crisp topping will still have that great texture you love.
Can I prepare the crumble topping in advance?
Definitely. You can make the crumble topping a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just bring it to room temperature and give it a quick mix before sprinkling it over the fruit.
How can I make the topping more crunchy?
Adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the oat mixture adds an extra crunch. Also, be sure not to overmix the crumble—keep some larger crumbs to ensure texture variation.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Pear Crisp Recipe is one of those feel-good desserts that never goes out of style. It’s wonderfully simple but packed with fresh, seasonal flavors and textures that make every bite memorable. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you’ll soon see why it’s become a favorite crowd-pleaser. Cozy up with a warm dish, share it with those you love, and enjoy every delicious moment!
Print
Cranberry Pear Crisp Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cranberry Pear Crisp is a delightful autumn dessert combining tender, juicy pears with tart cranberries and a warm, crunchy oat topping. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and sweetened just right, it’s an inviting dish best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Easy to prepare and sure to impress, this recipe makes a comforting treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Fruit Filling
- 5–6 large pears, peeled, cored, and sliced ¼ inch thick
- 1½ cups fresh cranberries
- 2 teaspoons corn starch
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Crumble Topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- pinch of salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 11×7 inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick spray or rubbing it with a tablespoon of melted butter using a clean paper towel. Set aside.
- Peel Pears: Using a vegetable peeler, carefully peel the pears. Core them and slice into ¼ inch thick pieces, ensuring even slices for uniform cooking.
- Toss Fruits with Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the peeled pear slices, cranberries, lemon juice, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until all fruit pieces are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Spread Fruit in Baking Dish: Transfer the fruit mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out into a flat layer.
- Mix Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, ¼ cup granulated sugar, light brown sugar, pinch of salt, and cubed unsalted butter.
- Combine Topping: Using clean, gloved hands or a pastry cutter, mix the crumble ingredients until the texture changes from powdery to a consistency that can be formed into clumps.
- Sprinkle Crumble Over Fruit: Evenly sprinkle the crumble mixture on top of the fruit filling in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and firm.
- Test Doneness: Check that the topping is a deep golden brown and feels firm to the touch. The fruit underneath should be tender, juicy, and bubbling.
- Serve: Let the crisp cool for a few minutes, then serve warm with a spoon. Add a generous dollop of vanilla ice cream on top for the perfect finishing touch.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe but firm pears to ensure they hold their shape well during baking.
- Fresh cranberries are preferred, but frozen cranberries can be used; no need to thaw.
- Adjust sugar amounts depending on the sweetness of your pears and personal preference.
- Allow the crisp to cool slightly before serving to avoid burning and to allow the topping to set.
- This dessert can be made a day ahead; store covered in the refrigerator and warm before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cranberry pear crisp, pear dessert, fruit crisp, autumn dessert, baked fruit crisp
