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.
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.
- 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 recipe is super simple to make. The hardest part 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 9×13 pan and bake for a family style dish. If you find yourself looking for other cranberry or even holiday ideas you could try the CranApple Crostata or Chocolate Cranberry Scones. Don’t let fall go by without making this crisp.
Cranberry Pear Spice Crisp
Ingredients
Cranberry Pear Spice Crisp
- 3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
- 4 large pears, cored and sliced
- 2 cups drained and thawed frozen cranberries, or fresh
Crisp topping
- 1 cup quick cooking or old fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/3 cup all purpose 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.
- 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 bubbly, 30 - 35 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.
19 comments… add one
Beth October 7, 2019, 3:57 pm
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 October 7, 2019, 4:15 pm
Thanks so much!
Krissy Allori October 7, 2019, 4:38 pm
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 October 7, 2019, 4:44 pm
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Bella October 7, 2019, 4:38 pm
yummm this looks so good. I love a good crisp super tasty.
serena October 7, 2019, 4:44 pm
Thanks Bella!
Sharon October 7, 2019, 5:42 pm
This cranberry and pear crisp looks like a delicious fall treat. Great for holiday dessert as well.
serena October 8, 2019, 9:30 am
It’s so great for a holiday dessert.
Jen October 7, 2019, 6:07 pm
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 October 8, 2019, 9:30 am
Perfect for the family. You can make it family style or in individual ramekins. Enjoy 🙂
Whitney October 7, 2019, 6:29 pm
This looks like the perfect fall dessert! I would love to try it with apples!
serena October 8, 2019, 9:29 am
Easily swap out the pears for apples. It would be delicious!
Caitlyn Erhardt October 7, 2019, 7:00 pm
Yum! I love pears this time of year and this crisp look divine!
serena October 8, 2019, 9:29 am
Thanks so much!
Emily October 8, 2019, 8:35 am
Wow! This sounds absolutely delicious. I love anything with cranberries in it.
serena October 8, 2019, 9:29 am
I know what you mean! Love cranberries
Amanda October 8, 2019, 9:26 am
Now this is my kind of dessert. I love anything with pears!
serena October 8, 2019, 9:28 am
Me too!
Christa October 8, 2019, 5:01 pm
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.