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- 4 ripe pears, peeled and thinly sliced - 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, rinsed and drained - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - ½ cup brown sugar, divided - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 cup rolled oats - ½ cup all-purpose flour - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled - ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or your choice) - A pinch of salt I love using fresh and frozen ingredients in this dish. The pears give a sweet base while cranberries add a nice tartness. If you use fresh cranberries, rinse and drain them well. Frozen cranberries work just as well if fresh ones aren't available. You can switch out the pears for apples or peaches if you prefer. For the nuts, try almonds or hazelnuts for a different crunch. If you want a healthier option, use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar. You can also swap all-purpose flour with oat flour for a gluten-free choice. If you need a dairy-free version, coconut oil can replace the butter. {{ingredient_image_2}} Mixing Fruit with Spices Start by peeling and slicing the pears. You need four ripe pears for the best flavor. In a big bowl, mix the sliced pears with one cup of rinsed cranberries. Add one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to brighten the taste. Next, sprinkle in ¼ cup of brown sugar, one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Finally, pour in one teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Gently toss the fruit until it is well coated with the spices. Layering in the Baking Dish Once mixed, transfer the fruity blend into a greased 9x9-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly to cover the bottom. This layer will soak up all the flavors as it bakes. Combining Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, mix one cup of rolled oats with ½ cup of all-purpose flour and the remaining ¼ cup of brown sugar. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. Stir these dry ingredients well. Incorporating Butter and Nuts Melt ½ cup of unsalted butter and let it cool slightly. Pour the butter into the dry mix. Then, add ½ cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans. Stir until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. This topping will create a nice crunch. Ideal Oven Temperature Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it is ready when the topping turns golden brown, and the fruit bubbles around the edges. Cooling Tips Before Serving After baking, take the crisp out and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes. This cooling time helps the flavors blend. Serve it warm, and for a treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Enjoy the delightful mix of spiced pears and tart cranberries! To achieve the best topping crunch, use cold butter. Mix the melted butter with dry ingredients well. This ensures the topping stays crisp. Don't rush; let it bake until golden brown. This usually takes about 30-35 minutes. Check for bubbling around the edges too. That signals the fruit is perfectly cooked. Serve this crisp warm from the oven. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a creamy touch. The cold ice cream pairs well with the warm fruit. If you want, sprinkle extra chopped nuts on the ice cream. This adds a nice crunch. For a festive look, serve it in clear glass bowls. This way, the beautiful layers show off. Enjoy every bite and make sure to share! Pro Tips Choose Ripe Pears: Make sure to select pears that are ripe but still firm for the best texture and flavor in your crisp. Adjust Sweetness: Taste the fruit mixture before topping it; you can adjust the amount of brown sugar based on the sweetness of your pears and cranberries. Nut Varieties: Experiment with different nuts like almonds or macadamia nuts for a unique flavor profile and crunchiness in your topping. Serving Suggestion: Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience. {{image_4}} You can switch up the fruits in your spiced pear cranberry crisp. Try using apples or peaches. Both fruits add sweetness and flavor. Mixing berries can also create a fun twist. Blueberries and raspberries work well with pears. Consider seasonal fruits to keep it fresh. In the fall, use apples and cranberries. In the summer, try peaches and blackberries. This way, you can enjoy new tastes all year long. If you need a gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour. You can also use gluten-free oats. This keeps the crisp tasty but safe for gluten-sensitive folks. For a vegan version, swap butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use maple syrup or agave instead of brown sugar. These changes keep your crisp plant-based while still delicious. To keep your spiced pear cranberry crisp fresh, use a good container. I recommend a glass or plastic container with a tight lid. Let the crisp cool completely before putting it away. This helps prevent sogginess. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the crisp in an oven-safe dish. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. This will help keep the topping crisp while warming the fruit. If you prefer the microwave, heat it in short bursts of 30 seconds. Check often to avoid overheating. Enjoy your delicious crisp just like fresh! Can I use canned fruit? Yes, you can use canned fruit. Drain the liquid well. Canned pears work nicely. However, fresh pears give more flavor and texture. Adjust the sugar since canned fruit is often sweeter. How can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can prepare the fruit mixture and topping separately. Store them in the fridge. Then, combine them just before baking. This keeps the topping crunchy and fresh. What are the calories per serving? Each serving has about 280 calories. This can vary based on the nuts and sugar used. Are there healthy alternatives for this dish? Yes! You can swap brown sugar for maple syrup. Use oats for added fiber. For a gluten-free option, try gluten-free oats and flour. These changes keep the taste great while being a bit healthier. This recipe combines fresh and frozen ingredients to create a delightful spiced pear cranberry crisp. You learned how to prepare the fruit, make the oat topping, and bake it perfectly. I shared tips to achieve the best texture and serve it beautifully. You can even explore variations that fit your dietary needs. This dish is simple yet versatile, making it great for any occasion. Enjoy making it, and remember, the best recipes come from your kitchen.

Spiced Pear Cranberry Crisp

A delightful dessert featuring spiced pears and tart cranberries topped with a crunchy oat mixture.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 whole ripe pears, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, rinsed and drained
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar, divided
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 0.5 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or your choice)
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x9-inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced pears, cranberries, and lemon juice. Then add ¼ cup of brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and pure vanilla extract. Gently toss everything together until the fruit is thoroughly coated with the mixture.
  • Transfer the fruity mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
  • In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, all-purpose flour, the remaining ¼ cup of brown sugar, a pinch of salt, melted butter, and the chopped nuts. Stir the mix until it forms a texture similar to coarse crumbs.
  • Evenly sprinkle the oat topping over the pear and cranberry layer, ensuring all the fruit is covered.
  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling around the edges.
  • Once baked, remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and extra chopped nuts for added texture.
Keyword cranberry, crisp, dessert, fall, pear