Bake a Perfect Spiced Pear Crisp
There’s something truly magical about early autumn. The air gets a little crisper. The leaves start their beautiful show. And my kitchen? It fills with the most amazing aromas. That’s when I know it’s time for a Spiced Pear Crisp. It’s my go-to comfort dessert. It reminds me of grandma’s kitchen. The one Alara Kohn talks about. This recipe is so easy. It brings such warmth to our home. The sweet pears with cozy spices are just perfect.
Why You’ll Love This Spiced Pear Crisp
- It’s incredibly easy to make.
- It uses beautiful seasonal ingredients.
- The warm spices are so inviting.
- It offers a delightful sweet and tart flavor.
- It’s the ultimate autumn treat.
Gathering Your Spiced Pear Crisp Ingredients
Making a great Spiced Pear Crisp starts with good ingredients. Clara Kohn always said simple things are best. Quality really matters, you know? Fresh pears are a must. And don’t skimp on the butter! It makes all the difference for that perfect crumbly topping.
Pears for Your Spiced Pear Crisp
For this Spiced Pear Crisp, I love using pears like Bosc or Anjou. They stay a little firm when baked. This means your crisp won’t get mushy. You’ll need about 6 cups of sliced pears. That’s usually 4 to 5 medium pears. Make sure they’re cored and sliced about 1/4-inch thick. They’ll bake up beautifully.
Spices and Sweeteners for Your Spiced Pear Crisp
The magic in this Spiced Pear Crisp comes from its warm spices. I use 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. It keeps the pears from browning. Then, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar adds sweetness. Ground cinnamon is key. I use 1 teaspoon. A pinch of nutmeg, just 1/4 teaspoon, adds depth. These spices really make the pear flavor sing.
The Crunchy Oat Topping for Your Spiced Pear Crisp
The topping is where the crunch happens! You’ll need 1/2 cup all-purpose flour. And 1/2 cup rolled oats. Make sure they aren’t the instant kind. They give the best texture. Mix these with 1/3 cup packed brown sugar. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt for balance. The secret is 1/2 cup of cold butter. Cut it into small cubes. This cold butter makes the topping wonderfully crumbly.
Crafting Your Spiced Pear Crisp Step-by-Step
Now for the fun part! Making this Spiced Pear Crisp is so straightforward. Savana Loyal always says to keep it simple, but make it taste amazing. Let’s get this dessert ready.
Preparing the Pear Filling
First, take those lovely sliced pears. Put them in a big bowl. Add the lemon juice. This stops them from going brown. Now sprinkle in the granulated sugar. Add the cinnamon and nutmeg. Give it all a good toss. You want every pear slice coated. Then, pour this sweet pear mix into your 8×8 inch baking dish. It’s starting to smell wonderful already!
Making the Oat Topping
Next, let’s make that irresistible topping. Grab another bowl. Mix the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and salt. Stir them together well. Now, add the cold butter cubes. Use a pastry blender or just your fingers. Work the butter into the dry stuff. You want it to look like coarse crumbs. Don’t overmix it. We need those little buttery bits for texture.
Assembling and Baking Your Spiced Pear Crisp
Time to put it all together! Sprinkle that delicious crumble topping evenly over the pears. Make sure it covers them well. Now, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pop the dish in. Bake it for about 35 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown topping. And the pears should be soft and bubbly. Let it cool just a little bit. This helps it set up perfectly before you serve. It smells like autumn!
Tips for a Wonderful Spiced Pear Crisp
Making this Spiced Pear Crisp is so rewarding. Alara Kohn always says to trust your taste buds. Don’t be afraid to make it your own! A few little tricks make it even better. Let’s make your crisp truly special.
Pear Perfection for Your Crisp
Choose pears that are firm but yield slightly to pressure. This means they’re ripe. Avoid pears that are too soft. They can get mushy when baked.
Achieving the Ideal Topping
The key to a great topping is cold butter. It creates flaky crumbs. If your topping seems too wet, add a bit more flour. You want crumbly bits, not a paste.
Adjusting Spices in Your Spiced Pear Crisp
Feel free to play with the spices! If you love cinnamon, add a little more. Nutmeg adds warmth. You can even add a pinch of ginger. Taste your pear mixture before adding the topping.
Serving and Storing Your Spiced Pear Crisp
This Spiced Pear Crisp is a real crowd-pleaser. It’s best served warm. It brings that cozy feeling right to your table. It really feels like home, just like in our family kitchen.
Delicious Serving Pairings
For the ultimate treat, serve your Spiced Pear Crisp warm. A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is pure bliss. Or try a dollop of fluffy whipped cream. It’s simply divine.
Storing Leftover Spiced Pear Crisp
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the crisp cool completely. Then, cover it well. Store it in the refrigerator. It stays good for about 2 to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to bring back that lovely crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spiced Pear Crisp
Sometimes questions pop up when you’re baking. I get it! Making this Spiced Pear Crisp is pretty simple. But let’s cover some common things. It helps make sure your crisp turns out perfectly every time.
What are the best pears to use for Spiced Pear Crisp?
For the best Spiced Pear Crisp, choose pears that are firm but ripe. Bosc or Anjou pears are great choices. They hold their shape well when baked. This keeps your crisp from getting too soft.
Can I make Spiced Pear Crisp ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Assemble the Spiced Pear Crisp. Cover it well. Store it in the fridge for up to a day. Then just bake it when you’re ready. The topping might soften a bit.
My Spiced Pear Crisp topping is too dry, what did I do wrong?
A dry topping usually means the butter wasn’t cold enough. Or it was overmixed. Try using very cold butter next time. Cut it in just until crumbs form. Don’t make it a paste.
How do I reheat Spiced Pear Crisp?
To reheat your Spiced Pear Crisp, use your oven. Pop it in at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This helps keep the topping nice and crisp. A microwave works too, but the topping may soften.
Estimated Nutritional Information for Spiced Pear Crisp
This Spiced Pear Crisp is a delightful treat. Here’s a general idea of its nutrition. Calories are around 350 per serving. Fat is about 18g. Protein is roughly 3g. Carbohydrates are approximately 45g. These numbers are estimates. They can change based on your ingredients. Enjoy this comforting dessert!
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Autumn’s Best Spiced Pear Crisp 6 Ways
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Create a comforting Spiced Pear Crisp, perfect for using up autumn pears. This recipe features warm spices and a crunchy oat topping, offering a delightful taste of the season.
Ingredients
- 6 cups sliced pears (about 4-5 medium)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced pears with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour the mixture into an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Evenly sprinkle the oat topping over the pears in the baking dish.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the pears are tender and bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.
- You can adjust the spices to your preference.
- If your pears are very ripe, you may need to reduce the sugar slightly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Sugar: Approximately 30g
- Sodium: Approximately 100mg
- Fat: Approximately 18g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 45g
- Fiber: Approximately 4g
- Protein: Approximately 3g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 45mg
