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Fresh Pear & Walnut Crisp Recipe

Fresh Pear & Walnut Crisp Recipe

5.2 from 9 reviews

A delightful Fresh Pear & Walnut Crisp that combines tender, juicy pears with a crunchy, cinnamon-spiced walnut oat topping. Perfect as a comforting dessert served warm, at room temperature, or chilled, this crisp is a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, enhanced by the fresh lemon juice and aromatic spices.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit Mixture

  • 6 cups sliced pears (about 3 lbs.)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Topping

  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons cold butter, cut in small pieces
  • 1/3 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pears: Core the pears and cut them lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick slices. Peeling is optional unless the skin is thick. Place sliced pears in a 2-quart baking dish and toss gently with fresh lemon juice to prevent browning.
  2. Mix Fruit Coating: In a bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Add this mixture to the pears and toss well to coat all slices evenly, ensuring a nice thick coating that will thicken the juices during baking.
  3. Make Crisp Topping: In another bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and salt. Using a fork, pastry cutter, or fingers, work in the cold butter pieces until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized bits.
  4. Add Oats & Walnuts: Stir the old-fashioned oats and coarsely chopped walnuts into the crumb mixture, creating a textured, nutty topping.
  5. Assemble Crisp: Evenly sprinkle the topping over the coated pears in the baking dish, covering all fruit.
  6. Bake: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 40 minutes until the pears are tender and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
  7. Serve: Let the crisp cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Optionally, serve with vanilla ice cream, frozen yogurt, or whipped cream for added indulgence.
  8. Tip: Note that a 2-quart baking dish is slightly smaller than a 9×13-inch dish; ensure the pears fit comfortably for even baking.

Notes

  • You don’t need to peel pears unless their skin is thick.
  • Use fresh lemon juice to prevent pears from browning and add brightness.
  • Cold butter is crucial for creating the crumbly topping texture.
  • Old-fashioned oats add a hearty texture; quick oats can be used but will change texture slightly.
  • Walnuts can be substituted with pecans or almonds for variation.
  • Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a classic pairing.
  • Store leftovers covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pear crisp, Walnut crisp, Pear dessert, Autumn dessert, Fruit crisp, Easy dessert, Baked pears