There’s something magical about the smell of cinnamon and pears baking in the oven. It’s a sweet, cozy aroma that instantly makes you feel at home. Cinnamon Pear Crisp is a dessert that brings together the natural sweetness of pears, a hint of spice, and a crunchy crumble topping. Whether you’re making it for a holiday dinner or just a regular weeknight treat, this recipe is sure to impress without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to create this delicious, wholesome dessert!
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Pear Crisp
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
- Bursting with Flavor: Sweet pears, warm spices, and a buttery crumble make every bite irresistible.
- Naturally Sweetened: Maple syrup and coconut sugar provide natural sweetness, making it a healthier alternative to traditional desserts.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: This crisp is just as fitting for a family dinner as it is for a holiday gathering.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Pear Crisp
Here’s what you’ll need to create the filling and the crunchy topping:
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For the Filling
Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
Bartlett pears (or apples) | 6 medium, sliced | Provides the juicy base for the crisp. |
Maple syrup | ¼ cup | Adds natural sweetness. |
Lemon juice | 2 tbsp | Balances the sweetness and prevents browning. |
Cinnamon | 1½ tsp | Brings warmth and spice. |
Ground ginger | 1 tsp | Adds a hint of zesty spice. |
Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Enhances the flavor of the pears. |
Salt | ¼ tsp | Balances the flavors. |
Oat flour (or starch) | 2 tbsp | Helps thicken the filling. |
For the Crumble Topping
Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
Rolled oats | 1 cup | Adds a chewy texture to the topping. |
Oat flour | ½ cup | Keeps the topping light and crumbly. |
Coconut sugar (or brown sugar) | ⅓ cup | Adds a caramel-like sweetness. |
Coconut oil (or butter) | ⅓ cup | Binds the topping together while adding richness. |
Cinnamon | 1½ tsp | For a warm, spicy flavor. |
Salt | ½ tsp | Balances the sweetness. |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cinnamon Pear Crisp
1. Prepare Your Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Lightly grease a 9×9-inch or 2-quart baking dish with coconut oil or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Filling
- Peel and slice the pears into ¼-inch slices.
- In a large bowl, toss the pear slices with maple syrup, lemon juice, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Sprinkle the oat flour or starch over the mixture and stir until combined.
- Pour the filling into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
3. Prepare the Crumble Topping
- In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, oat flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the coconut oil or butter. Use a fork or your hands to mix until the ingredients form a crumbly texture.
4. Assemble the Crisp
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the pear filling, covering it completely.
5. Bake the Crisp
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 55–75 minutes.
- The filling should be bubbling, and the topping should be golden brown.
6. Cool and Serve
- Let the crisp cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
- For an extra treat, drizzle with almond butter caramel sauce or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Pear Crisp
1. Choosing the Right Pears
- Bartlett pears are ideal for this recipe because of their sweetness and juiciness.
- You can also use Bosc pears or even a mix of pears and apples for variety.
2. Adjusting Sweetness
- If your pears are very ripe, you can reduce the maple syrup to avoid an overly sweet filling.
3. Making It Gluten-Free
- Oat flour is naturally gluten-free but ensure your oats and oat flour are labeled gluten-free if needed.
4. Adding a Crunchy Twist
- For more texture, mix chopped nuts like pecans or almonds into the crumble topping.
5. Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftover crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Per Serving (1/8 of recipe) |
---|---|
Calories | ~250 |
Protein | 3g |
Fat | 11g |
Carbohydrates | 38g |
Fiber | 5g |
Why Cinnamon Pear Crisp Is Perfect for Any Occasion
This dessert is versatile and works for everything from casual dinners to festive celebrations:
- Weeknight Treat: Easy to prepare and a healthier dessert option.
- Holiday Showstopper: A warm, comforting dessert that feels special enough for a crowd.
- Seasonal Favorite: Perfect for fall and winter when pears are at their peak.
FAQs About Cinnamon Pear Crisp
1. Can I use other fruits instead of pears?
Absolutely! Apples, peaches, or a mix of berries work wonderfully in this recipe.
2. How do I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is already vegan if you use coconut oil. Just ensure any toppings (like ice cream) are plant-based.
3. What if I don’t have oat flour?
You can make oat flour by blending rolled oats in a food processor until fine.
4. Can I freeze Cinnamon Pear Crisp?
Yes, assemble the crisp and freeze it unbaked. When ready to serve, bake directly from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the baking time.
5. How do I prevent the topping from getting soggy?
Let the crisp cool slightly before covering it, as steam can soften the topping.
6. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate the crisp unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.
A Dessert That Feels Like Home
Few desserts capture the warmth and coziness of home quite like Cinnamon Pear Crisp. With its tender, spiced pears and buttery crumble topping, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
So, why not give it a try? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to enjoy a dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Don’t forget to share your creation with family and friends—it’s too good to keep to yourself!
Pro Tip: Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence. Happy baking!
PrintCinnamon Pear Crisp: A Warm and Comforting Dessert
A warm and comforting dessert featuring tender, spiced pears and a buttery crumble topping. Perfect for cozy evenings, holiday gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a sweet treat!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 6 medium Bartlett pears, peeled and sliced
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons oat flour (or cornstarch)
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup oat flour
- ⅓ cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
- ⅓ cup coconut oil (or butter)
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×9-inch or 2-quart baking dish with coconut oil or butter.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine sliced pears, maple syrup, lemon juice, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla extract, and salt. Sprinkle oat flour or cornstarch over the mixture and stir until well coated. Spread the filling evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, mix rolled oats, oat flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add coconut oil or butter and use a fork or your hands to mix until the topping forms a crumbly texture.
- Assemble the Crisp: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the pear mixture, ensuring full coverage.
- Bake: Bake for 55–75 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the crisp cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. For an extra treat, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Notes
- Swap Bartlett pears for Bosc pears, apples, or a mix of fruits like peaches or berries for variety.
- Reduce maple syrup if using very ripe and sweet pears.
- For added crunch, mix chopped nuts like pecans or almonds into the crumble topping.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- To freeze, assemble the crisp unbaked and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the cooking time.
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