Spiced Pear Crisp: Your Cozy, Irresistible Thanksgiving Desserts Star

Ever get overwhelmed scrolling through endless Thanksgiving Desserts lists and wonder, “Why can’t I find something both simple and show-stopping?” Well, friend, this Spiced Pear Crisp checks all the boxes. I stumbled on this recipe last year when I desperately needed a Thanksgiving Treats option that wasn’t another pumpkin pie (no offense, pumpkin). The warm spices, tender pears, and golden crumble topping made it an instant hit at my table.

This recipe sits proudly among my top Thanksgiving Baking Recipes and doubles as one of the easiest Thanksgiving Desserts Easy you can pull together. FYI, you can totally prep it ahead of time—just pop it in the oven while you’re plating those Thanksgiving Appetizers. Ever wondered why a crisp works better than a pie? It’s all about that perfect ratio of fruit to topping—I’ll let you in on my secrets below. Ready to add one of the most delightful Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas to your menu? Let’s dive in! 🙂

Ingredients

I always say, great recipes start with quality ingredients. Here’s what you need for the fruit filling and the crisp topping:

• 6–7 ripe but firm pears (about 2 pounds), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for a gluten-free twist)
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, but highly recommended!)

Instructions

This section breaks down into three parts—fruit prep, topping mix, and baking magic. I swear it’s easier than assembling your Thanksgiving Side Dishes.

1. Prepare the Fruit Filling

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, you don’t want to forget this step—you’ll burn the bottom while you scroll through Instagram recipes. Been there, done that.
2. In a large bowl, toss the sliced pears with lemon juice. This keeps them bright and prevents any brownish holiday heartbreak.
3. Add granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Stir gently until every slice gets a cozy spice blanket.
4. Transfer the spiced pears to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading them into an even layer. This step helps ensure consistent baking—no more half-raw fruit!

2. Make the Crisp Topping

5. In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, remaining cinnamon, and chopped nuts. Pro tip: bigger nut chunks = bigger crunch. IMO, it’s worth the extra bite.
6. Pour melted butter over the dry mix and stir until it clumps together. You want sticky clusters, not dusty crumbs.
7. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the pears, covering every nook. Don’t worry about perfection—the rustic look is part of the charm.

3. Bake & Serve

8. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the topping turns golden brown and you see bubbles at the edges. Oven temperatures vary, so keep an eye out around minute 30.
9. Let the crisp rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. I know it’s tempting, but those juices need a moment to set—or you’ll have a soupy situation.

This recipe ranks high among my Thanksgiving Desserts Recipes—it’s reliable, delicious, and darn near foolproof.

Variations

You can swap things around like a boss. Try using apples instead of pears for a classic take, mix in dried cranberries or cherries for a tart pop, or stir in a handful of shredded coconut for tropical vibes. If you’re feeling extra festive, add a pinch of cardamom or allspice to the filling. These tweaks turn this crisp into one seriously Fun Thanksgiving Desserts experience.

Serving & Tips

Serve this crisp warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream—because, why not? It also pairs beautifully with a robust cup of coffee or a spiced chai latte for that ultimate cozy vibe. To make ahead, assemble the dish and refrigerate (covered) for up to 12 hours; just bake before guests arrive. Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days, and they reheat like a dream—just zap in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes. You can even freeze the unbaked crisp for up to a month—perfect for last-minute Thanksgiving Food Ideas and stress-free hosting.

Final Thoughts

I still remember my first bite of this crisp at my aunt’s house—it tasted like home, laughter, and childhood laughter. This recipe morphed from a simple kitchen experiment into a holiday tradition I look forward to year after year. Whether you’re balancing a million Thanksgiving Food Recipes or just want a sweet finale, this Spiced Pear Crisp delivers. Give it a whirl, and I bet it’ll become as nostalgic for you as it is for me. Happy baking! 🙂

FAQs

Can I use frozen pears instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain excess liquid before mixing with spices. Frozen pears work well in a pinch, but fresh gives you that crisp texture and bright flavor.

How do I make this crisp gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour for almond or oat flour, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. The topping still turns golden and crunchy—no one will guess it’s GF!

What if I don’t have nuts? Can I skip them?

No nuts? No problem. The crisp is still fantastic without them. You could also toss in sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free crunch alternative.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

For sure! Use two baking dishes or a larger casserole pan. Just watch the baking time—it may need an extra 5–10 minutes if it’s piled high.

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