I don't know about you, but we seem to get a lot of gift baskets the last quarter of the year and they usually contain pears. So we are whipping up some easy holiday baking recipes utilizing pears this month and this cranberry pear spice crisp is top on the list.
Because pears are related to apples, it's a general rule that if a recipe calls for apples, pears can be used instead. Just like apples, there are a huge variety of pears to use and they make a great dessert.
We used Bosc pears for this recipe, they have a densely bold, sweet flavor. It holds up perfectly with hearty spices like cinnamon, clove and nutmeg, not to mention tart cranberries too!
Pear Tips:
- What to look for: Look for fruit with smooth skin that is free from blemishes, with their stems still attached. They should be fragrant and just beginning to soften near the stem. Leave them at room temperature to soften and sweeten. To ripen more quickly, store them in a paper bag with an apple.
- General pear knowledge can be found at PickYourOwn.com. Lots of tips here on the varieties of pears, picking and ripeness.
- Prepping: Pears can be left unpeeled for eating fresh, but be sure to peel them before cooking. Although the peel is edible, some may have tough skins with a slightly bitter flavor that’s more pronounced once cooked.
This cranberry pear crisp is the perfect holiday dessert because it's easy to make and perfect for sharing! With hints of cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg in the cranberry pear crisp, it really does taste like the perfect autumn night - even if you aren't eating it outside.
The hardest part of this recipe is cutting the pears, if you count that as difficult. You are basically measuring everything out and putting it into the ramekins, then topping with the oatmeal crisp. I'd keep the pear slices thin like you see in the image and be consistent with cut and size for even cooking. We made four ramekins plus this white larger dish. If you wanted you could even put the entire recipe into a 9x13 pan and bake for a family style dish.
Ingredients
- Cranberries
- Pears
- Oatmeal
- Brown Sugar
- Butter
- AP Flour
- Salt
- Allspice, Cinnamon and Nutmeg
Crumbles, crisps and cobblers
Crumbles, crisps, and cobblers often get lumped together as the same dessert. While they share some of the same ingredients such as fruit and flour, each one has a very distinctive texture that sets it apart from its siblings.
Cobblers have a biscuit dough with a buttery, delicious crust. Crumbles and crisps are remarkably similar. The main difference being that crisps have whole oats and crumbles do not, yet once baked their texture is much the same.
Make ahead crisps
Crisp toppings are always a hit, regardless of the time or season. Not only can you make them in large batches and store them for later use, but they also freeze beautifully to give that extra touch of crispiness whenever you need it.
How to Make The Cranberry Pear Spice Crisp
- Preheat oven to 375°. Spray 6 (8 ounce) ramekins with baking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice.
- Stir in pears and cranberries until combined.
- Divide mixture into prepared ramekins.
How to Make The Crisp Topping
- In a small bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, butter, flour, and cinnamon until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle over the fruit.
- Bake until golden brown and bubble, 30 – 35 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Other Cranberry Recipes
If you find yourself looking for other cranberry or even other easy holiday baking recipes you could try the CranApple Crostata or Chocolate Cranberry Scones. Don't let fall go by without making this crisp.
Looking For More Recipes?
Subscribe to my free newsletter to get new baking tips in your inbox monthly. Find me sharing new recipes and tips on Pinterest, Instagram, or Facebook.
Cranberry Pear Spice Crisp
Ingredients
- ¾ Cup Light Brown Sugar, firmly packed
- 3 tablespoon AP flour
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon Ground Allspice
- 4 large Pears
- 2 Cups Frozen Cranberries (drained & thawed) (or fresh)
Crisp Topping
- 1 Cup Quick cooking or old fashioned oats
- ½ Cup Packed Brown Sugar
- ½ Cup Butter, melted
- ⅓ Cup AP flour
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°. Spray 6 (8 ounce) ramekins with baking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice.
- Stir in pears and cranberries until combined.
- Divide mixture into prepared ramekins.
Crisp Topping
- In a small bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, butter, flour, and cinnamon until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle over the fruit.
- Bake until golden brown and bubble, 30 – 35 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. What that means is if you click on one of our affiliate links they may toss a few pennies our way for a commission.
Beth says
This dish looks so delicious and elegant - perfect for all my holiday parties! I enjoyed learning that pears can be substituted for apples in my recipes - great way to change up some dishes!!
serena says
Thanks so much!
Krissy Allori says
I tested this out and loved it! I can't wait to make it for one of my "fancier looking" desserts for Thanksgiving for my family.
serena says
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Bella says
yummm this looks so good. I love a good crisp super tasty.
serena says
Thanks Bella!
Sharon says
This cranberry and pear crisp looks like a delicious fall treat. Great for holiday dessert as well.
serena says
It's so great for a holiday dessert.
Jen says
Wow, this is so delicious and I super love pears. I would love to try your recipe this coming week coz my family is coming over for the weekend, great for dessert 🙂
serena says
Perfect for the family. You can make it family style or in individual ramekins. Enjoy 🙂
Whitney says
This looks like the perfect fall dessert! I would love to try it with apples!
serena says
Easily swap out the pears for apples. It would be delicious!
Caitlyn Erhardt says
Yum! I love pears this time of year and this crisp look divine!
serena says
Thanks so much!
Emily says
Wow! This sounds absolutely delicious. I love anything with cranberries in it.
serena says
I know what you mean! Love cranberries
Amanda says
Now this is my kind of dessert. I love anything with pears!
serena says
Me too!
Christa says
Fall is my favorite and recipes like this one is the reason why! This looks absolutely delicious and I can’t wait to try it.
Kristina says
Very good! Thanks for the recipe.
serena says
Thanks!
Pam Greer says
I found my Thanksgiving dessert!
serena says
Enjoy!
Emily Flint says
There is nothing better than a crisp and I love that you put cranberries in this one!
serena says
Thanks Emily!
Amanda Dixon says
This is such a great fall dessert! The spice with the pear was lovely, and the texture of the crisp topping was perfect.
serena says
So glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Audrey says
I love the combination of pear and cranberry!!
serena says
Thanks so much!
Priya Maha says
Looks so delish!
serena says
Thanks!
Amy Bloodworth says
The pear/ cranberry combo is such a great idea! Delicious!
serena says
Thanks Amy 🙂
Liz says
These are delectable fall flavors. So good!
serena says
Thanks!
Sabrina says
This is a great crisp. Simple easy ingredients and delicious sweet tart flavours!
serena says
Thanks Sabrina!