Name: Spiced Cranberry Pear Crisp Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 7 ripe but firm pears, peeled and cut into large chunks; 2 cups fresh cranberries; 1/3 cup sugar; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces; 1/2 cup chopped pecans; Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly captures the essence of cozy autumn evenings and festive gatherings, then you’ve got to try this Spiced Cranberry Pear Crisp. It’s a delightful harmony of sweet, tart, and warming spices all baked into a bubbly, golden crust that just calls for a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The tender pears complement the sharp cranberries beautifully, while the crisp topping offers that perfect crunchy contrast. Trust me, this Spiced Cranberry Pear Crisp is one of those recipes that instantly feels like a warm hug from your oven and will quickly become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.

Spiced Cranberry Pear Crisp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, yet perfectly balanced ingredients is the first step toward creating that unforgettable Spiced Cranberry Pear Crisp. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s adding vibrant color, juicy sweetness, or that irresistible crisp texture. From fresh fruit to aromatic spices and crunchy pecans, this recipe brings together the best of autumn’s bounty.

Pears: Use 7 ripe but firm pears peeled and cut into large chunks for ideal texture and natural sweetness.
Fresh cranberries: 2 cups add a burst of tartness and jewel-like color that makes the dish pop.
Sugar: 1/3 cup helps balance the tartness of cranberries with just the right amount of sweetness.
Flour: 2 tablespoons to gently thicken the fruit filling and 1/2 cup as part of the crisp topping for structure.
Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon brightens the fruit flavors and prevents browning of pears.
Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves): Just the right pinch (1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon cloves) infuses the crisp with warm autumn aromas.
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon amplifies all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Brown sugar: 1/2 cup adds a deep caramel note and helps achieve that golden, crunchy top.
Rolled oats: 1 cup delivers hearty texture and helps bind the topping together.
Butter: 1/2 cup, cold and cut into small pieces, creates the signature crumbly crisp topping.
Pecans: 1/2 cup chopped for a wonderful nutty crunch that elevates the whole dessert.
Vanilla ice cream: Optional but highly recommended for serving, adding a creamy, cooling contrast.

How to Make Spiced Cranberry Pear Crisp

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

First things first, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s warming up, lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. This ensures that none of that delicious fruit and topping will stick and makes cleanup a breeze. Having your oven ready at the right temperature is a key step to getting that perfect crisp texture.

Step 2: Mix the Fruit Filling

In a large bowl, toss together the cut pears, fresh cranberries, sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until everything is evenly coated. This step is where your crisp gets its distinctive flavor and fruit combination. The flour acts as a thickener while the lemon juice brightens the natural sweetness of the pears, balancing the tart cranberries perfectly.

Step 3: Assemble the Fruit Layer

Pour your luscious fruit mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly so every bite has that beautiful blend of fruit. This is the stage where the magic starts to take shape, giving you a colorful and inviting base for the crisp topping.

Step 4: Create the Crisp Topping

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and rolled oats. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped pecans to add an extra layer of delicious crunch. This topping mixture is what makes the Spiced Cranberry Pear Crisp irresistibly crunchy and golden once baked.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Sprinkle the topping evenly over the fruit in your baking dish. Place it in your preheated oven and bake for 70-90 minutes, or until the topping is a gorgeous golden brown and crispy, and the fruit filling is bubbling with sweet-tart goodness. The longer baking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the topping to crisp just right.

Step 6: Serve Warm with Vanilla Ice Cream

Remove the crisp from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This is the perfect moment to scoop some vanilla ice cream over the top — it melts slowly over the warm fruit and crunchy topping, creating a dreamy sweet-and-spicy experience.

How to Serve Spiced Cranberry Pear Crisp

Garnishes

Enhance your Spiced Cranberry Pear Crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a few additional chopped pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon over the top. Fresh mint leaves can also add a pop of color and a refreshing twist to each bite.

Side Dishes

This crisp pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced tea or mulled cider to keep the warm, cozy theme going. If serving as part of a holiday meal, consider light, neutral sides like a simple green salad or warm, crusty bread to balance the dessert’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, try serving the crisp in individual ramekins or mason jars for each guest. You can also layer the warm fruit and crumble topping in parfait glasses, alternating with yogurt or custard for a stunning dessert parfait. These fun twists add a personal touch and make your Spiced Cranberry Pear Crisp even more memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover your leftover Spiced Cranberry Pear Crisp tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 4 days and tastes even better reheated as the flavors have time to meld further.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked crisp by wrapping the assembled dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake it straight from frozen, just adding extra bake time until it’s bubbly and crisp on top.

Reheating

To reheat, place the crisp in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 20 minutes or until warmed through and the topping is re-crisped. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the topping soggy.

FAQs

Can I use canned pears instead of fresh?

While fresh pears give the best texture and flavor for the Spiced Cranberry Pear Crisp, you can use canned pears in a pinch. Just drain them well and reduce added sugar slightly as canned pears tend to be sweeter.

What other nuts can I use instead of pecans?

Walnuts or sliced almonds work beautifully as substitutes, offering a different but equally delightful crunch and flavor profile.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Use a plant-based butter alternative and omit the ice cream or use a dairy-free version to make this crisp vegan-friendly without compromising taste.

Can I make individual servings instead of a large crisp?

Yes, dividing the ingredients into small ramekins or muffin tins works perfectly for portion control and fun personal servings.

How do I make the topping extra crispy?

Make sure the butter is very cold and cut in well to create coarse crumbs before baking. Also, baking until golden brown and bubbling guarantees that perfect crisp texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so special about the warm spices, tart cranberries, and tender pears coming together in this Spiced Cranberry Pear Crisp. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a holiday feast, or simply a cozy night in, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfied sighs all around. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and watch it become a new seasonal favorite in your home.

Spiced Cranberry Pear Crisp Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 19 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious and cozy Spiced Cranberry Pear Crisp featuring tender, sweet pears and tart cranberries topped with a crunchy, spiced oat and pecan crumble. Perfect for fall or winter, this warm dessert is best served with vanilla ice cream for a comforting treat.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish to ensure the crisp doesn’t stick during baking.
Mix the Fruit Filling: In a large bowl, combine the peeled and chunked pears, fresh cranberries, sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss everything gently until the fruit is evenly coated and the mixture is well combined. Pour this fruit mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Prepare the Crisp Topping: In a separate medium bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and rolled oats. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped pecans evenly.
Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the prepared topping evenly over the fruit layer in the baking dish, covering it completely. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 70 to 90 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp and the fruit filling is bubbly and cooked through.
Serve: Remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm topped with creamy vanilla ice cream for a perfect balance of warm and cold flavors.

Notes

Use firm pears to prevent mushiness during baking.
Adjust sugar according to the sweetness of the fruit and your preference.
To make ahead, assemble the crisp and refrigerate uncovered for a few hours before baking.
Substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans if desired.
For a vegan version, use coconut oil or vegan butter and non-dairy ice cream.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 80 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American