Pear Cranberry Crisp is one of those desserts that solves the everyday struggle of making something quick yet memorable. Tired of desserts that either take hours to prep or turn out too bland?
This recipe delivers a warm, cozy treat with juicy pears, tart cranberries, and a golden buttery crisp topping.
As a recipe developer at Cooks Foody, I’ve tested countless fruit desserts, and this one has never failed to wow guests and family. In this post, I’ll walk you through why this recipe works, how to prep the fruit, easy step-by-step instructions, pro tips, flavor variations, serving ideas, and FAQs.
Why This Pear Cranberry Crisp Recipe Works
- Uses simple, seasonal fruits for maximum flavor.
- Ready to bake in under 15 minutes perfect for busy schedules.
- Warm, crisp topping with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Ideal for weeknights, family gatherings, or holiday tables.
Choosing the Right Fruit for Pear Cranberry Crisp
Best Pears for This Recipe
Bartlett and Bosc pears bring the perfect mix of sweetness and firmness, holding their shape while baking.
Buying Tips
Look for pears that are slightly firm but give a little when pressed at the neck. Fresh cranberries should be plump and bright red.
Substitutions
Swap apples for pears if you want a different flavor profile, or use dried cranberries when fresh are not in season.
Ingredients & Prep for Pear Cranberry Crisp
Fruit Prep Essentials
Peel, core, and slice the pears evenly to ensure even baking. Rinse cranberries and remove any soft or shriveled ones.
Flavor Mix
- 5 medium ripe pears, sliced
- 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
Crisp Topping
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed
Pantry Staples
Butter, sugar, oats, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg make up the crisp’s signature texture and flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Pear Cranberry Crisp
Pre-Cooking Prep for Pear Cranberry Crisp
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter.
Cooking Method for Pear Cranberry Crisp
- In a bowl, toss pears and cranberries with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Transfer fruit mixture into the baking dish.
- Mix oats, flour, sugar, and butter until crumbly. Spread evenly over fruit.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until the topping is golden and fruit is bubbling.
Doneness Check for Pear Cranberry Crisp
The fruit should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the topping should be crisp and golden brown.
Resting for Pear Cranberry Crisp
Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to thicken.
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends or save it for later!
I’d love to see your unique twist feel free to share your photos on Pinterest
Pro Tips for Perfect Pear Cranberry Crisp
Avoiding Soggy Fruit in Pear Cranberry Crisp
Use firm pears and don’t overmix the fruit with sugar too early this prevents excess liquid.
Tool Recommendations for Pear Cranberry Crisp
Use a ceramic or glass baking dish for even heating, and a pastry cutter for mixing the topping.
Storage & Reheating for Pear Cranberry Crisp
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness.
Flavor Variations for Pear Cranberry Crisp
| Variation Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Spicy Twist | Add ginger or cardamom for warmth. |
| Gluten-Free | Swap flour with almond or oat flour. |
| Global Flavors | Try a drizzle of maple syrup for Canadian flair or add orange zest for a Mediterranean twist. |
Serving Suggestions for Pear Cranberry Crisp
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Serve warm for the coziest experience.
- Perfect addition to a Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert spread.
FAQs for Pear Cranberry Crisp
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries work just as well no need to thaw.
How do I keep the topping crunchy?
Use cold butter and don’t overmix the crumb topping.
Is this recipe safe for kids?
Absolutely it’s a family-friendly dessert with no alcohol or processed additives.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make this cozy Pear Cranberry Crisp, it’s time to bring warmth and sweetness to your table. Join thousands of home cooks at Cooks Foody who love creating simple, delicious recipes.
Print
Pear Cranberry Crisp 5-Star Simple & Irresistible Dessert
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy Pear Cranberry Crisp with tender pears, tart cranberries, and a buttery oat topping baked until golden brown.
Ingredients
5 medium pears, peeled and sliced
1 ½ cups fresh cranberries
½ cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
1 cup rolled oats
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup cold butter, cubed
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
3. Toss pears and cranberries with sugar and spices.
4. Transfer fruit into dish.
5. Mix oats, flour, sugar, and butter until crumbly.
6. Spread topping evenly over fruit.
7. Bake 40–45 minutes until golden and bubbling.
8. Rest 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Use firm pears for best texture.
Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Pear Cranberry Crisp, fruit crisp, fall dessert