If you’re craving a cozy fall dessert that’s just as impressive as it is comforting, Browned Butter Pear Crisp is your ticket to pure, golden-brown satisfaction. Imagine juicy pears bubbling beneath a blanket of toasty, nutty crumbs, infused with the deep aroma of browned butter—each spoonful feels like a hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re new to crisps or already obsessed, the layers of flavor and homey texture will win over even the pickiest dessert lover. There’s just something irresistible about this classic, especially when that luscious browned butter comes into play!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dessert keeps things wonderfully simple, letting fresh, ripe pears and just a handful of pantry staples shine. Every ingredient has its own little job, from making the filling juicy and fragrant to giving the topping that irresistible crunch. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Ripe pears: The star of the show—choose pears that are just soft enough to yield to gentle pressure for ultimate flavor and juiciness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the fruit and draws out those lovely juices without overwhelming the natural pear flavor.
- Lemon juice: A splash of tartness keeps things lively and helps balance the sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: Warm and aromatic for that classic cozy vibe.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch adds depth and a subtly spicy undertone.
- Salt: A tiny bit brings out both the fruity and buttery notes in the dish.
- Unsalted butter, browned: Browning the butter unlocks an incredible, nutty aroma that takes this crisp to the next level.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the crumble structure and helps it crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Adds a chewy, hearty bite to the topping.
- Packed brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness and brings a hint of molasses flavor to every bite.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): For extra crunch and a touch of earthy richness—totally optional but highly recommended!
- Salt: Another sprinkle here for the topping sharpens and balances all the flavors.
How to Make Browned Butter Pear Crisp
Step 1: Prep the Fruit
Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your pears—aim for slices about a half-inch thick so they soften perfectly without turning mushy. Toss them into a big mixing bowl along with granulated sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and that crucial dash of salt. Give it all a good toss: you want the pears glossy and evenly coated, ready to burst with flavor once baked.
Step 2: Assemble the Filling
Spread your sweetly spiced pears into a lightly greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Arrange them evenly so every bite is packed with tender fruit. Don’t worry if a little syrup pools at the bottom—it’ll bubble up and soak into the crust!
Step 3: Brown the Butter
This is where the magic happens in Browned Butter Pear Crisp. Place your butter in a small saucepan over medium heat and let it melt, swirling often for those golden, nutty notes. As it turns a beautiful amber (after about 5 minutes), you’ll catch a rich aroma—once those little brown specks appear, take it off the heat and allow it to cool for a moment before using.
Step 4: Mix the Crisp Topping
In a medium bowl, combine flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, nuts (if you like), and salt. Pour in that glorious browned butter and stir everything together until you get a crumbly mixture. It should clump together lightly—exactly what you want for a crisp, rustic topping.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Spoon the topping evenly over your waiting pears. Don’t pack it down—fluffy is good! Pop the dish into your preheated 350°F oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is toasted and the fruit is bubbling at the edges. Let your Browned Butter Pear Crisp cool just a little to help the flavors settle—but don’t wait too long, as it’s best enjoyed warm!
How to Serve Browned Butter Pear Crisp
Garnishes
The classic finishing touch is a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, slowly melting into every nook and cranny, or a cloud of freshly whipped cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce can add a little extra wow, and if you’re feeling fancy, a few toasted nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon over the top makes it truly bakery-worthy.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple: serve the crisp as the showstopper at the end of a meal, perhaps preceded by a light soup or salad. For brunch, pair with strong coffee or a spiced chai latte to highlight those warm flavors in the Browned Butter Pear Crisp.
Creative Ways to Present
Try dividing the fruit and topping between individual ramekins for adorable single servings (just reduce the baking time slightly). Or, scoop the crisp into mason jars, layer with whipped cream, and take your dessert on the go for outdoor picnics or festive gatherings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover your Browned Butter Pear Crisp tightly and refrigerate; it’ll keep beautifully for up to three days. The topping may soften a bit, but a quick reheat crisps things right up.
Freezing
You can freeze the fully baked (and cooled) crisp for up to two months. For best results, wrap in two layers of plastic wrap, then a layer of foil, and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-from-the-oven crispness, reheat individual servings in the microwave for a minute, or pop the whole dish in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes until warm and bubbly again. A little patience gives you just-baked flavor, days later.
FAQs
Can I use apples instead of pears?
Absolutely! This recipe works just as well with apples—or even a mix of pears and apples for a fun twist. Just be sure to slice them evenly so they cook through at the same rate.
What’s the best pear variety for crisp?
Bosc, Bartlett, or Anjou pears are all fantastic. Choose ones that are ripe but still a bit firm, as they’ll hold their shape and not turn to mush when baked into your Browned Butter Pear Crisp.
How do I know when the butter is browned enough?
Watch for butter that’s golden with chestnut-brown flecks on the bottom. The aroma should smell nutty but not burnt—pull it off the heat once it deepens in color for just the right depth of flavor in your crisp.
Can I make the topping nut-free?
Definitely! Just skip the nuts—maybe add an extra tablespoon of oats for some added chew. The topping will still be irresistibly golden and crisp.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you swap in your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free, you can enjoy Browned Butter Pear Crisp without any gluten worries.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something truly special about gathering around a bubbling pan of Browned Butter Pear Crisp, sharing its warmth and richness with people you love. If you’re ready to fill your kitchen with the sweet scent of pears and toasty brown butter, this recipe is absolutely calling your name—give it a try and discover just how comforting homemade baking can be!
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Browned Butter Pear Crisp Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of this Browned Butter Pear Crisp. Sweet, tender pears are topped with a crunchy oat and nut mixture, all enhanced by the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter. Perfect for a cozy dessert on chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Pears:
- 6 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, browned
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the pears: In a bowl, mix pears with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Transfer to the baking dish.
- Brown the butter: Melt butter in a saucepan until golden brown, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the topping: Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, nuts, and salt. Pour the browned butter over and mix until crumbly.
- Top the pears: Sprinkle the topping over the pears in the baking dish.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and bubbly. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Try with apples or add pear liqueur for variation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
