Pear Cranberry Crisp

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Sweet, tart, and crowned with a golden oat topping — that’s exactly what makes this Pear Cranberry Crisp one of my favorite winter desserts. I love how the juicy pears mingle with the burst of tart cranberries to create a warm, comforting filling. It’s that perfect contrast of soft fruit and crunchy topping that always wins people over. Whether it’s served fresh from the oven or slightly chilled the next day, this dessert always disappears quickly at my table.

The best part? It’s wonderfully simple. I’m all for desserts that don’t require fancy equipment or endless steps. This crisp comes together with pantry staples, a few fresh ingredients, and about 15 minutes of prep. I find myself returning to it whenever I need something easy yet festive — especially around the holidays or when I want something cozier than pie.

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Why You’ll Love This Pear Cranberry Crisp

• Perfect balance of sweet and tart thanks to ripe pears and tangy cranberries.
• Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
• Crispy oat topping adds a delicious texture and golden crunch.
• Make-ahead friendly, great for prepping the night before and baking fresh.
• Versatile – perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

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What Kind of Pears Should I Use?

For the best texture, I recommend using firm, ripe pears like Bosc or Anjou. They hold their shape well when baked, unlike very soft varieties which can turn mushy. If your pears are overly ripe, consider mixing them with slightly firmer ones to keep that lovely fruit texture intact.

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Options for Substitutions

• Apples can replace pears if that’s what you have on hand — just use a firmer variety like Honeycrisp.
• Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones; no need to thaw them first.
• Gluten-free oats and flour can be swapped to make the recipe gluten-free.
• Coconut oil or vegan butter can replace regular butter for a dairy-free version.
• Chopped pecans or walnuts make a great addition to the topping for extra crunch.

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Ingredients for this Pear Cranberry Crisp

• Pears: The star of the dish. Choose ripe but firm pears like Bosc or Anjou for the best texture.
• Cranberries: Add vibrant color and tartness that balances the sweetness of the pears.
• Brown sugar: Gives the filling and topping a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
• Rolled oats: Provide the classic crisp topping texture — hearty and toasty once baked.
• All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the filling slightly and gives structure to the topping.
• Butter: For richness and to bind the topping together into golden, crispy clusters.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice that enhances both the pears and the cranberries.
• Nutmeg: A pinch of this earthy spice adds depth and seasonal aroma.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the fruit filling with a warm, sweet finish.

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Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Filling

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel and slice your pears into thin wedges and combine them with the cranberries in a large mixing bowl. Add brown sugar, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a tablespoon of flour. Toss everything together until the fruit is evenly coated. Transfer this mixture into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish or similar-sized oven-safe dish.

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Step 2: Make the Crisp Topping

In another bowl, mix rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, a pinch of salt, and ground cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter. You want it crumbly and well-distributed so it bakes into a crisp, golden topping.

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Step 3: Assemble the Crisp

Evenly sprinkle the oat topping over the fruit filling, making sure to cover it fully without pressing down too hard. The loose, textured topping will crisp up beautifully in the oven.

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Step 4: Bake the Crisp

Place the dish on the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling around the edges. You may want to place a baking sheet underneath to catch any drips.

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Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the crisp rest for about 10–15 minutes after baking. This allows the juices to thicken slightly and the flavors to settle. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or enjoy it on its own.

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How Long to Prepare the Pear Cranberry Crisp

Prep Time

Prepping this crisp takes about 15 minutes. That includes peeling and slicing the pears, mixing the fruit filling, and assembling the oat topping. If you’re using frozen cranberries, you can skip thawing to save time.

Bake Time

Once assembled, the crisp needs to bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling up at the edges. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving to let the juices settle.

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Tips for Perfect Pear Cranberry Crisp

• Use firm pears so they don’t turn mushy while baking.
• Cut the butter into the topping while it’s cold — this helps create a crumbly, crunchy texture.
• Don’t skimp on the salt — even a small pinch enhances the overall flavor.
• Layer the topping loosely, not packed, so it crisps up properly.
• Add chopped nuts to the topping for extra crunch and flavor.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overripe pears: They’ll break down too much and turn into mush.
• Under-seasoning the fruit: Be sure to use enough cinnamon and a touch of salt.
• Using instant oats: Only rolled oats provide the chewy, crisp topping.
• Skipping cooling time: The filling needs time to thicken before serving.
• Overbaking: Once the topping is golden and crisp, take it out to avoid drying the fruit.

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What to Serve With Pear Cranberry Crisp?

1. Vanilla Ice Cream

The classic pairing — cold, creamy ice cream melts into the warm crisp for a dreamy bite.

2. Whipped Cream

Light, airy, and slightly sweet, whipped cream adds softness without overwhelming the fruit.

3. Crème Fraîche

For a tangy contrast, crème fraîche cuts through the sweetness beautifully.

4. Greek Yogurt

A healthier alternative that still brings creaminess and mild tang.

5. Warm Spiced Cider

Serve alongside a mug of hot apple or spiced pear cider for a cozy winter dessert combo.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

If you plan to eat the crisp within 24 hours, it can be loosely covered and kept at room temperature.

Refrigerator

For longer storage, place the leftover crisp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes to revive the topping.

Freezer

You can freeze the unbaked crisp. Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10–15 extra minutes to the baking time.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: ~280
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Sugar: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 90mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned pears instead of fresh?

Yes, but make sure to drain them well and reduce the sugar slightly, since they’re usually packed in syrup.

Do I need to peel the pears?

Peeling is optional, but I prefer peeling for a smoother texture in the filling.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble it a day ahead and store it in the fridge, then bake when ready.

Is it okay to use dried cranberries?

Dried cranberries can work in a pinch, but they won’t give the same juicy tartness as fresh or frozen.

How do I know when the crisp is done?

Look for bubbling fruit around the edges and a golden brown, crunchy topping.

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Conclusion

Pear Cranberry Crisp is the kind of dessert that feels both homey and special. It celebrates the best of fall and winter fruits with a balance of flavors and textures that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re baking it for a dinner party or just to cozy up your weekend, this crisp is an easy, comforting favorite that’s sure to satisfy.

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