Name: Pear Cranberry Crisp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups sliced pears; 2 cups fresh cranberries; 1/2 cup brown sugar (for filling); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for filling); 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (for topping); 1/3 cup brown sugar (for topping); 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping); 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed

When the chill of winter or the crispness of fall hits the air, there’s no better dessert to serve than a bubbling dish of Pear Cranberry Crisp. This cozy and comforting treat balances tender, juicy pears with tart cranberries and tops it all off with a buttery oat crumble that turns golden and crunchy in the oven.

It has that just-right balance of sweetness and tang, making it a go-to for gatherings or a simple family night treat. Whether you’re looking to impress at the holidays or just want something special to serve warm with ice cream, this crisp delivers rustic elegance with ease.

Why You’ll Love This Pear Cranberry Crisp

Perfect flavor contrast: The juicy, mellow pears balance the tart pop of cranberries.
Crisp topping heaven: That golden oat topping has the ideal crunch with warm notes of cinnamon and brown sugar.
Easy to prep: No pie crusts, no fuss—just slice, toss, top, and bake.
Versatile: Great for fall, winter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas tables.
Naturally beautiful: The ruby red berries and caramelized fruit look stunning fresh out of the oven.

What Kind of Pears Should I Use?

For this crisp, you’ll want pears that hold their shape while baking. Bosc and Anjou are great choices because they’re firm and mildly sweet. Avoid overripe pears as they tend to get too soft and watery during baking. If your pears are a bit underripe, no worries—the oven heat will coax out their juices beautifully.

Ingredients for the Pear Cranberry Crisp

Every ingredient in this Pear Cranberry Crisp serves a purpose—either building the fruity base or creating that irresistible topping.

Pears: The star of the show. Choose ripe but firm pears like Bosc or Anjou for the best texture and flavor.
Fresh Cranberries: Their natural tartness balances the sweetness of the pears and adds vibrant color.
Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness to both the filling and topping.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These warm spices elevate the fruit with a cozy, seasonal flavor.
All-purpose Flour: Used to slightly thicken the fruit filling and bind the crumble.
Old-fashioned Rolled Oats: Give the topping that golden, crispy texture.
Butter: Cold and cubed, it creates those delicious, crumbly chunks in the crisp topping.
Lemon Juice: Enhances the flavor of the fruit and keeps the pears from browning.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the fruit mixture.

How To Make the Pear Cranberry Crisp

Step 1: Prep the Fruit

Peel, core, and slice your pears into 1/2-inch thick wedges. Toss them with fresh cranberries, brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, vanilla, and spices in a large bowl until evenly coated.

Step 2: Make the Crisp Topping

In another bowl, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold cubed butter. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture forms small clumps.

Step 3: Assemble in a Baking Dish

Pour the fruit mixture into a greased baking dish and spread the oat topping evenly over the top, covering all the fruit.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crisp, and the fruit is bubbling up around the edges.

Step 5: Cool Slightly and Serve

Let the crisp cool for 10 minutes before serving. It’s fantastic on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How to Serve and Store Pear Cranberry Crisp

This recipe yields 6 to 8 servings, making it perfect for dinner parties or a family dessert night. Serve it warm for ultimate comfort—a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top takes it to the next level.

To store, cover the baking dish and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, just pop a serving in the microwave or warm the whole dish in a 300°F oven until heated through.

What to Serve With Pear Cranberry Crisp?

Vanilla Ice Cream

A classic pairing. The cold creaminess balances the warm, tart filling.

Fresh Whipped Cream

A lighter option if you’re not in the mood for ice cream.

Maple Glazed Nuts

Sprinkle over the top for added crunch and nutty sweetness.

Mulled Wine

Perfect for holiday vibes and complements the warm spices in the crisp.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Yes, it might sound strange, but cheddar and fruit desserts are a classic combo!

Greek Yogurt

A dollop of plain or vanilla yogurt turns this into a sweet-and-tangy breakfast.

Spiced Chai Tea

The spices in the tea echo the cozy notes in the crisp.

Want More Fruit Dessert Ideas?

If you love this Pear Cranberry Crisp, you’ll probably enjoy these other cozy treats:

Magic Lemon Cobbler for a tart-sweet surprise in every spoonful.
Easy Apple Crisp Bars if you crave something hand-held and just as warm.
Peach Cobbler Crumble Bars with summery sweetness and a buttery crumble.
Chocolate Raspberry Drip Cake for a decadent dessert bursting with berry flavor.
Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups for something creamy, tangy, and utterly divine.

Save This Pin 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 add pecans to the topping? Maybe a splash of orange juice to the fruit? I love hearing your spins on these cozy classics.

Explore beautifully curated fruit desserts and more seasonal bakes on Nora Nosh Recipes and discover your next favorite dish!