Easy Pear Crisp

This Easy Pear Crisp is a cozy, comforting dessert that showcases the natural sweetness of ripe pears with a buttery, crunchy topping. It’s a simple and quick dessert that’s perfect for any time of the year, especially in the fall when pears are at their peak. The soft, cinnamon-spiced pears combined with the oat-pecan crisp topping make it irresistible, especially when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 3 ripe pears, sliced thin into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon corn starch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

For the Topping:

• ½ cup old fashioned oats
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup chopped pecans
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted

For Serving (optional):

• Vanilla ice cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat an 8-inch square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Prepare the Filling:

• In a large bowl, toss together the sliced pears, brown sugar, lemon juice, corn starch, vanilla, cinnamon, and kosher salt until everything is well combined.
• Transfer the pear mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

3. Make the Topping:

• In a medium bowl, stir together the oats, flour, brown sugar, chopped pecans, and melted butter until the mixture is combined and crumbly.

4. Assemble and Bake:

• Evenly sprinkle the oat topping over the pears, covering them completely.
• Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the topping is golden brown and crispy.

5. Serve:

• Serve the pear crisp warm or at room temperature. For an extra indulgent touch, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Tips & Variations:

• Choosing the Pears: Bartlett or Bosc pears work best for this recipe, as they hold their shape well when baked. Make sure the pears are ripe but firm for the best texture.
• Nut-Free Option: If you prefer or need a nut-free version, you can omit the pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds or extra oats.
• Add a Flavor Twist: You can add a sprinkle of nutmeg or ginger to the filling for extra warmth and spice.
• Make Ahead: This crisp can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve!

This pear crisp is a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of fall, with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether served for a family dessert or a cozy treat with coffee, it’s sure to please!