Name: Spiced Pear Crisp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: Pear Filling; 5 –6 ripe pears (Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc, peeled, cored, and sliced); 1 tbsp lemon juice; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg; ¼ tsp ground ginger; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Crisp Topping; ¾ cup old-fashioned oats; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup brown sugar (packed); ½ tsp salt; ½ cup cold butter (cubed)

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When the weather cools down and fruit desserts start calling, Spiced Pear Crisp is the kind of cozy, no-fuss recipe everyone loves. A common struggle with fall desserts is finding something warm and comforting that isn’t complicated or overly sweet. This pear crisp hits that sweet spot perfectly.

I’ve been making pear crisps for years, especially when pears are ripe but not great for eating out of hand. Baking them brings out their natural sweetness, and the warm spices make the whole kitchen smell amazing. This spiced pear crisp is simple, reliable, and perfect for both casual weeknights and holiday gatherings.

In this post, you’ll learn exactly how to make spiced pear crisp step by step, along with tips, easy variations, serving ideas, and answers to common questions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Warm and comforting: Perfect for fall and winter
Simple ingredients: Nothing fancy or hard to find
Crowd-pleasing: Great for family dinners or guests

Ingredients & Prep

This spiced pear crisp comes together with fresh fruit and pantry staples.

Main Ingredients Prep

Pears: Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc work best; peeled, cored, and sliced
Lemon juice: Brightens flavor and prevents browning

Seasonings, Sauces, or Flavor Base

Ground cinnamon: Warm and cozy
Ground nutmeg: Adds depth
Ground ginger: Subtle spice and warmth
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor

Pantry Staples

Granulated sugar: Sweetens the fruit
Brown sugar: Adds richness to the topping
Old-fashioned oats: Creates a crisp texture
All-purpose flour: Helps bind the topping
Butter: Cold and cubed for best crumble
Salt: Balances sweetness

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Pre-Cooking Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.

Peel, core, and slice the pears into even slices. Place them in the baking dish and toss with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla extract. Spread into an even layer.

Cooking Method

In a mixing bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it in until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.

Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the pears.

Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the pear filling is bubbly around the edges.

Doneness or Texture Check

The pears should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the topping should feel crisp and lightly browned.

Resting or Final Touches

Let the spiced pear crisp rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to thicken slightly and makes serving easier.

Spiced Pear Crisp

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using underripe pears, which won’t soften properly
Overmixing the topping, which makes it dense
Skipping the rest time after baking

Recommended Tools

Baking dish
Mixing bowl
Pastry cutter or fork
Measuring cups and spoons

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
Reheat in the oven at 300°F or microwave individual servings
Crisp topping can be refreshed in the oven

Flavor Variations

Spicy Version

Add a pinch of cloves or cardamom for extra warmth.

Healthy / Special Diet Option

Use whole wheat flour or almond flour
Reduce sugar slightly if pears are very ripe
Use coconut oil instead of butter

Global Flavor Twist

Pear-apple crisp: Use half pears, half apples
Maple spice: Replace some sugar with maple syrup
Nutty: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping

Serving Suggestions

Spiced pear crisp is best served warm with:

Vanilla ice cream
Whipped cream
Plain or vanilla yogurt

It’s perfect as a weeknight dessert or a simple holiday treat.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Bake it ahead, refrigerate, and reheat before serving.

How do I fix common mistakes?
If it’s too watery, bake a bit longer. If the topping browns too fast, loosely cover with foil.

Conclusion

This Spiced Pear Crisp is a simple, comforting dessert that celebrates the natural sweetness of pears with warm, cozy spices. It’s easy to make, smells incredible while baking, and always gets rave reviews. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it never disappoints.

If you love easy fruit desserts like this, save this recipe and try it with apples or mixed fruit next time. It’s one you’ll come back to again and again.