Name: Pear Cranberry Crisp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 ripe pears, peeled and sliced; 1 ½ cups cranberries (fresh or frozen); ½ cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; ½ cup old-fashioned oats; ⅓ cup all-purpose flour; ¼ cup brown sugar; ¼ teaspoon salt; 5 tablespoons butter, cold and cut into cubes

When the weather turns crisp and cozy, nothing beats the warm aroma of a fruit crisp bubbling in the oven. This Pear Cranberry Crisp captures the essence of fall with juicy ripe pears and tart cranberries, all nestled under a golden, buttery oat topping that’s equal parts rustic and indulgent. It’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight but elegant enough for a holiday dessert table.

The natural sweetness of pears balances beautifully with the bold, zesty cranberries. With just the right amount of cinnamon and a crisp topping that adds a satisfying crunch, this dessert is a cozy classic. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and you’ve got yourself a seasonal showstopper.

Why You’ll Love This Pear Cranberry Crisp

This recipe is a seasonal favorite because it comes together quickly, celebrates fresh fruit, and offers that nostalgic feeling of comfort food. It’s a great way to use up extra pears that are a little too soft for snacking, and the cranberries bring a holiday flair with their vibrant color and tart bite. Plus, the crisp topping is made with pantry staples, making it an easy dessert to throw together at a moment’s notice.

Can I Use Fresh or Frozen Cranberries?

Absolutely. Fresh cranberries are ideal when they’re in season, but frozen cranberries work just as well and require no thawing. Just toss them right into the mix. If using dried cranberries, consider soaking them in warm water or juice first to plump them up and soften the texture.

Ingredients for the Pear Cranberry Crisp

This fruit crisp is packed with real fruit flavor and a topping that bakes into a golden, crumbly crown.

Pears bring natural sweetness and a tender texture that’s perfect for baking. Use ripe but still slightly firm pears for the best results.

Cranberries add a tart, festive contrast to the soft pears, brightening the whole dessert.

Brown Sugar gives the fruit filling depth and caramel-like sweetness.

Cinnamon brings cozy warmth that enhances both the fruit and the topping.

All-Purpose Flour helps thicken the fruit juices and binds the topping together.

Old-Fashioned Oats offer the perfect chewy-crisp texture in the topping.

Butter is essential for that rich, golden-brown crumble we all love.

Salt sharpens the sweetness and balances the flavors.

How To Make the Pear Cranberry Crisp

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Base

Peel and slice the pears, then mix them with cranberries, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of flour. Toss until everything is coated evenly and transfer to a baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Crisp Topping

In a separate bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the butter using a fork or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the topping evenly over the fruit. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling. Let it cool slightly before serving.

How to Serve and Store This Crisp

This crisp is best served warm, straight from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream. The contrast of hot and cold makes every bite irresistible.

You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or warm in the oven to restore that lovely crisp top. This recipe serves about 6 people generously, perfect for a family dessert or a small gathering.

What to Serve With Pear Cranberry Crisp?

Vanilla Ice Cream

The classic pairing. Melts beautifully over the warm fruit and adds creamy sweetness.

Whipped Cream

Light, airy, and slightly sweet—the perfect contrast to the rich crisp topping.

Caramel Sauce

Drizzle some warm caramel for an extra decadent touch.

Spiced Tea or Mulled Cider

A warm drink brings out the cozy flavors in this fall-inspired dessert.

Chopped Toasted Nuts

Add a sprinkle of pecans or walnuts for crunch and nutty depth.

Greek Yogurt

For a breakfast-style twist, try a scoop of vanilla Greek yogurt instead of ice cream.

Maple Syrup

A light drizzle adds a sweet, earthy flavor that ties the dessert together.

Want More Fall Dessert Ideas?

If you’re into cozy autumn treats like this crisp, you’ll want to check out some of these other reader favorites:

• Pumpkin Bread With Maple Cream Cheese Filling is loaded with fall flavor and swirls of maple richness.
• Warm and Cozy Apple Crisp gives you that nostalgic hug in every bite.
• Butter Pecan Cheesecake brings buttery crunch and creamy decadence to your dessert table.
• Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are chewy, spiced, and perfect for sharing.
• White Chocolate Orange Creamsicle Truffles if you’re looking for something creamy, citrusy, and fun.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try adding nuts or a different fruit? Maybe a touch of orange zest?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Ask me anything in the comments if you need tips or want to share your twist!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and everyday desserts on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to favorite.

Conclusion

Pear Cranberry Crisp is the kind of dessert that invites you to slow down and savor the moment. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can serve up a dish that’s brimming with seasonal flavor, comfort, and charm. It’s a must-make for chilly nights, holiday dinners, or any time you want a rustic dessert that feels like a warm hug.