Autumn Pear & Walnut Crisp

This elegant dessert combines ripe, juicy pears with a buttery walnut-oat topping for a perfect balance of fruit and crunch. It’s an ideal way to showcase fall pears while creating a cozy, memorable dessert.

Key Ingredients

For the Pear Base:

• 7 ripe but firm pears (Anjou or Bartlett)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
• Pinch of salt

For the Walnut Topping:

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Initial Prep

1. Preheat oven to 375°F
2. Butter a 9×13 baking dish
3. Core and slice pears
4. Toss immediately with lemon juice

Step 2: Prepare Filling

1. Combine in large bowl:

• Sliced pears
• Granulated sugar
• Flour
• All spices
• Salt

1. Transfer to baking dish

Step 3: Create Topping

1. Mix in bowl:

• Oats
• Flour
• Brown sugar
• Chopped walnuts
• Cinnamon
• Salt

1. Work in cold butter until crumbly
2. Add vanilla
3. Sprinkle over pears

Step 4: Baking

1. Bake 40-45 minutes until:

• Top is golden brown
• Pears are tender
• Edges are bubbling

1. Cool 15 minutes

Expert Tips

1. For Perfect Results:

• Choose firm but ripe pears
• Cut fruit evenly
• Keep butter cold
• Don’t overmix topping

1. Make-Ahead Tips:

• Prepare topping in advance
• Store in refrigerator
• Assemble just before baking

Storage Guide

• Room temperature: 2 days
• Refrigerated: 5 days
• Reheat to crisp topping
• Don’t freeze assembled

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Fresh whipped cream
• Caramel sauce
• Extra toasted walnuts

Perfect for:

• Fall entertaining
• Holiday desserts
• Family gatherings
• Weekend baking

Key Points:

• Use ripe but firm pears
• Add lemon juice quickly
• Let cool slightly
• Best served warm

This comforting dessert highlights the natural sweetness of pears while adding warm spices and a crunchy topping. It’s simple enough for family dinners but special enough for celebrations!

Last modified: December 28, 2024