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Fresh Pear & Walnut Crisp Recipe

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4.3 from 11 reviews

This Fresh Pear & Walnut Crisp is a delightful dessert featuring tender, juicy pears topped with a golden, buttery oat and walnut crumble. Warm, comforting, and perfect served plain or with vanilla ice cream, this classic crisp offers a harmonious blend of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors, baked to perfection in under an hour.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 10 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Pear 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

Crisp 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 into small pieces
  • 1/3 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pears: Core the pears and slice them lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick slices. Peeling is optional unless the skin is thick. This maintains texture and nutrients.
  2. Toss with Lemon Juice: Place sliced pears in a 2-quart baking dish and gently toss with fresh lemon juice to prevent browning and add a touch of brightness.
  3. Mix Pear Coating: In a small bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Add this mixture to the pears and toss thoroughly to coat evenly, which will help thicken pear juices as they bake.
  4. Make the Crisp Topping: Combine flour, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a fork, pastry cutter, or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  5. Add Oats and Walnuts: Stir old-fashioned oats and chopped walnuts into the crumb topping mixture for a satisfying crunch and nuttiness.
  6. Assemble and Top: Evenly sprinkle the crisp topping over the prepared pears in the baking dish, ensuring full coverage for a golden crust.
  7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the crisp for about 40 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
  8. Serve: Allow to cool slightly and serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled. For extra indulgence, pair with vanilla ice cream, frozen yogurt, or whipped cream as desired.

Notes

  • A 2-quart baking dish is slightly smaller than a 9×13-inch dish — adjust portions or baking time if using a different size.
  • Peeling pears is optional unless the skin is thick or tough.
  • This crisp is delicious served plain or topped with vanilla ice cream, frozen yogurt, or whipped cream.
  • Use ripe but firm pears to maintain shape after baking.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure oats are certified gluten-free.