When the air turns cool and pears come into season, few desserts feel as comforting and satisfying as a Pear Crisp with Cinnamon. This rustic dish combines tender, caramelized pears baked under a golden, buttery oat topping infused with warm cinnamon and brown sugar. It’s the perfect balance of juicy fruit, crispy crumble, and cozy spice — a dessert that fills your home with the unmistakable aroma of fall.
Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, this pear crisp is simplicity at its finest. It’s easy to make, naturally adaptable, and ideal for both weeknight treats and holiday gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples.
- Naturally Cozy: The cinnamon-spiced topping makes your kitchen smell like a bakery.
- Customizable: Works with different pear varieties or even a mix of pears and apples.
- Texture Perfection: Soft, syrupy fruit paired with a crisp, buttery topping.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble ahead and bake when ready to serve.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Filling
- 6 ripe but firm pears, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 6 cups)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder (for thickening)
For the Crisp Topping
- ¾ cup gluten-free rolled oats (or regular oats)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour or almond flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for crunch)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pear Filling
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, toss the sliced pears with brown sugar, maple syrup, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and cornstarch until evenly coated. The mixture should look glossy and slightly syrupy.
Transfer the pear mixture to a greased 9×9-inch baking dish (or similar size). Spread evenly and set aside while you make the topping.
Step 2: Make the Crisp Topping
In another bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in chopped nuts if using.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the pears, covering them completely but loosely. Place the dish on a baking sheet (to catch any bubbling juices) and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling around the edges.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes. This allows the juices to thicken slightly. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Choosing the Right Pears
The key to a perfect pear crisp lies in choosing the right variety. You want pears that hold their shape when baked, rather than turning mushy. Some great options include:
- Bosc: Firm and slightly spicy, ideal for baking.
- Anjou: Juicy and mildly sweet.
- Bartlett: Classic flavor but softens more, so mix with a firmer variety.
- Comice: Sweet and buttery, perfect for a more decadent texture.
A mix of pear varieties gives the best flavor balance and texture.
Flavor and Texture Profile
This Pear Crisp with Cinnamon delivers the best of both worlds — warm, spiced fruit beneath a golden, crunchy topping. The pears become tender and syrupy as they bake, their juices mingling with the sugar and spices to create a rich caramel-like sauce. The crisp topping adds contrast with its buttery, crumbly texture and toasted oat flavor.
Each spoonful offers a comforting blend of soft, juicy pears and crunchy cinnamon topping — the essence of fall in dessert form.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overripe your pears: Choose firm pears that yield slightly when pressed.
- Chill your butter: Cold butter creates a crisp, crumbly topping rather than a greasy one.
- Add texture: Include nuts or seeds for a crunchier topping.
- Use a mix of sweeteners: Combining brown sugar and maple syrup gives deeper flavor.
- Serve warm: The crisp tastes best right out of the oven with melting ice cream on top.
Variations and Add-Ons
- Apple-Pear Crisp: Replace half the pears with apples for a fruity mix.
- Ginger-Pear Crisp: Add ½ teaspoon ground ginger or grated fresh ginger for warmth.
- Cranberry-Pear Crisp: Toss ½ cup fresh or dried cranberries into the filling for tart contrast.
- Vegan Option: Use coconut oil or plant-based butter instead of regular butter.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free oats and almond flour.
Serving Suggestions
This pear crisp is as versatile as it is delicious. Try serving it:
- Warm with vanilla ice cream: The contrast of hot and cold is unbeatable.
- With whipped cream: Adds lightness to the rich filling.
- For breakfast: Pair with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey.
- At brunch: Serve with spiced chai or hot apple cider.
It’s a dessert that doubles beautifully as a morning treat — wholesome yet indulgent.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
You can assemble the pear crisp up to one day in advance and store it unbaked in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving for the freshest results.
Once baked, it keeps well for up to 3 days at room temperature or 5 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, place in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through and crisp again.
Nutritional Snapshot
Each serving (based on 8 servings) contains approximately:
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 4g
It’s a dessert that feels indulgent but includes fruit, fiber, and whole grains — comfort food you can feel good about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned pears?
Fresh is best, but canned pears can work in a pinch. Drain them well and reduce the sugar slightly since they’re often packed in syrup.
Can I make this crisp without oats?
Yes. Replace oats with crushed nuts, seeds, or gluten-free flour for a similar texture.
Why is my topping soggy?
The butter may have melted too quickly, or the pears released too much juice. Make sure the butter is cold and the topping isn’t packed down too tightly.
Can I freeze pear crisp?
Yes. Bake it first, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes.
Can I use apples instead of pears?
Absolutely. This recipe works beautifully with apples, or even a mix of both for extra depth.
Final Thoughts
The Pear Crisp with Cinnamon is everything a fall dessert should be — simple, rustic, and full of warmth. The tender pears, fragrant cinnamon, and buttery oat crumble come together to create a dessert that’s both elegant and comforting. It’s the kind of dish that invites you to slow down, savor the season, and share something delicious with those you love.
Serve it warm, share it generously, and let the cozy scent of cinnamon and baked fruit fill your home — because this pear crisp truly tastes like autumn in a bowl.
