Fresh Pear & Walnut Crisp Recipe

If there’s one dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, it’s this Fresh Pear & Walnut Crisp Recipe. It combines the tender sweetness of ripe pears with the earthy crunch of walnuts, all wrapped up in a golden, buttery oat topping that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re welcoming the cozy vibes of autumn or just craving a comforting treat, this crisp offers a perfect balance of juicy fruit and hearty texture, making it a favorite in any season. Once you taste it, you’ll want to make this recipe part of your regular dessert rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Fresh Pear & Walnut Crisp Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating layers of flavor and texture, from the juicy pears to the crunchy walnuts and the luscious, crumbly topping. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:

• 6 cups sliced pears (about 3 lbs.): The star of the show, ripe and juicy pears provide a soft yet flavorful base.
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and prevents the pears from browning.
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the pears while balancing their natural tartness.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the juicy pear filling so it’s perfectly luscious, not runny.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic spice to the fruit mixture.
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crisp topping, essential for that tender crumb.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and sweetness to the topping.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Enhances the topping’s warm spice for an irresistible aroma.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• 3 tablespoons cold butter, cut in small pieces: Creates the rich, buttery texture crucial for a perfect crisp topping.
• 1/3 cup old-fashioned oats: Adds hearty texture and a slightly nutty flavor to the topping.
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts: The crunchy contrast that elevates the crisp and adds a lovely nutty dimension.

How to Make Fresh Pear & Walnut Crisp Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pears

Start by coring your pears and slicing them lengthwise into half-inch thick pieces. Peeling is optional and depends on how thick-skinned your pears are. Toss the slices gently with fresh lemon juice in a 2-quart baking dish to prevent browning and add freshness to the fruit’s natural sweetness.

Step 2: Mix the Fruit Filling

Combine granulated sugar, cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a bowl, whisking well. Then, sprinkle this mixture over the pears and toss to coat the slices evenly. This step ensures your pear filling will thicken beautifully during baking while carrying a lovely hint of spice.

Step 3: Make the Crisp Topping

In another bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter with your fingers, a fork, or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This technique is key to achieving that irresistible crumbly texture atop the fruit.

Step 4: Add Oats and Walnuts

Fold in the old-fashioned oats and coarsely chopped walnuts to the crumbly topping mixture. These ingredients provide wonderful texture and a deep nutty flavor that complements the soft pears perfectly.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the pear filling in the baking dish. Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes until the pears are tender and the top is a gorgeous golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when you see the bubbling fruit underneath peeking through the crunchy topping.

How to Serve Fresh Pear & Walnut Crisp Recipe

Garnishes

This Fresh Pear & Walnut Crisp Recipe is delicious on its own but can easily be dressed up with simple garnishes. A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of honey can add extra layers of indulgence and contrast to the warm crispness.

Side Dishes

Looking for something to serve alongside? This crisp pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat, or even alongside a light salad if you want to balance flavors during a brunch or casual dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, serve individual portions in ramekins or small glass dishes. You can also sprinkle a few toasted walnuts or a light dusting of cinnamon and powdered sugar on top for an inviting look that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (they rarely last long!), cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator. The crisp topping may lose a bit of its crunch but the flavors will deepen beautifully overnight.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well! Assemble and bake the crisp as directed, allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven to refresh the texture.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat individual servings or the whole dish in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes. The crisp topping will regain some of its crunchy magic, and the pears will be perfectly warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

Absolutely! Pecans or almonds make great substitutions if walnuts aren’t your favorite or if you want to switch up the flavor profile a bit. Just chop them coarsely to maintain the crisp texture.

Do I have to peel the pears?

Peeling is optional. If your pears have thin, tender skin, you can leave it on for extra fiber and nutrients. For thicker or tougher skins, peeling will create a smoother texture.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free oats. The crisp will taste just as wonderful.

What type of pears works best in this recipe?

Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou pears work wonderfully because they hold their shape well during baking and offer a lovely sweet flavor. Avoid overly ripe pears that might become mushy.

Is there a vegan option for this crisp?

Yes, swap the butter for a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly. This way, you keep all the deliciousness while making it suitable for vegan diets.

Final Thoughts

This Fresh Pear & Walnut Crisp Recipe is one of those desserts that feels like it was made just for you – warm, comforting, and wildly delicious. It’s easy enough for a weeknight treat but special enough to bring to gatherings or holiday tables. Trust me, once you try this crisp, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again, savoring every tender pear slice and every crunchy walnut bite. Give it a go and enjoy every spoonful!

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