Rustic Pear & Walnut Crisp

A cozy dessert that highlights fresh pears and crunchy walnuts beneath a golden, buttery crumb topping. Perfect for fall entertaining or any time you want an elegant yet comforting dessert.
Essential Ingredients
For the Pear Filling:
- 6-7 ripe but firm pears (Anjou or Bartlett)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
- Pinch of salt
For the Walnut Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Method
Step 1: Preparation
- Preheat oven to 375°F
- Butter 9×13 inch baking dish
- Core and slice pears (1/4-inch thick)
- Toss with lemon juice
Step 2: Create Filling
- Mix in large bowl:
- Sliced pears
- Granulated sugar
- Flour
- Spices
- Salt
- Transfer to baking dish
Step 3: Make Topping
- Combine dry ingredients:
- Oats
- Flour
- Brown sugar
- Walnuts
- Cinnamon
- Salt
- Add cold butter pieces
- Work with fingers until crumbly
- Stir in vanilla
Step 4: Assembly & Baking
- Spread topping over pears
- Bake 40-45 minutes until:
- Top is golden
- Pears are tender
- Edges are bubbling
- Cool 15 minutes
Pro Tips
- For Best Results:
- Use barely ripe pears
- Cut fruit uniformly
- Keep butter cold
- Don’t overwork topping
- Make-Ahead Options:
- Prepare topping separately
- Store in refrigerator
- Assemble before baking
Storage Guidelines
- Room temperature: 2 days
- Refrigerated: up to 5 days
- Reheat to restore crispness
- Don’t freeze assembled
Serving Ideas
Perfect with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh whipped cream
- Caramel drizzle
- Extra toasted walnuts
Ideal for:
- Fall gatherings
- Holiday desserts
- Family dinners
- Weekend baking
Remember:
- Choose firm pears
- Use fresh lemon juice
- Let cool slightly
- Serve warm
- Add toppings last
This delightful dessert showcases seasonal pears while providing a satisfying contrast of textures. The buttery, nutty topping perfectly complements the tender, spiced fruit beneath.