If you’re craving a comforting dessert that seamlessly blends tender seasonal fruit, bursts of tangy dried cherries, and the irresistible crunch of a buttery nut-and-oat topping, the Pear & Dried Cherry Crisp with Walnut Streusel is just begging to land on your table. This classic baked treat takes a luscious medley of ripe pears and cherries, tops it with a fragrant, toasty layer of walnut-packed streusel, and transforms simple, wholesome ingredients into pure, cozy bliss with every spoonful. Families and dinner guests alike will swoon for this inviting dessert, whether served warm from the oven or enjoyed as a next-day treat (if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering everything for this Pear & Dried Cherry Crisp with Walnut Streusel is a breeze, and each component plays a key role in flavor, comfort, and a mix of soft and crunchy textures. Don’t skip a thing—the magic is in how it all comes together!
- Ripe pears: Their natural sweetness and juicy bite form the delicious core of your crisp, so choose pears that are fragrant and just slightly soft to the touch.
- Dried cherries: These give the dessert a tangy pop and jewel-like color; feel free to swap in dried cranberries if you like.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough to lightly sweeten the fruit without overpowering it.
- Fresh lemon juice: Balances the sweetness, prevents browning, and adds a touch of brightness.
- All-purpose flour: A spoonful in the filling helps thicken the juices, and more goes into the streusel for the ideal crumbly texture.
- Ground cinnamon: Warming spice that’s classic in crisps, rounding everything out with a cozy aroma.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Essential for that thick, chunky topping with irresistible chew.
- Light brown sugar: Adds caramelly richness and a touch of moisture to the topping.
- Salt: A pinch heightens every other flavor, making both the fruit and the streusel pop.
- Chopped walnuts: Bring a crunchy, buttery element to the streusel—feel free to toast them first for extra flavor.
- Cold unsalted butter: The secret to clumpy, golden streusel, adding both richness and that desirable crumb.
How to Make Pear & Dried Cherry Crisp with Walnut Streusel
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so you’re ready to bake as soon as everything is assembled. Lightly butter an 8×8-inch baking dish—this helps keep the fruit from sticking and also encourages those mouthwatering golden edges on your Pear & Dried Cherry Crisp with Walnut Streusel.
Step 2: Prepare the Pear and Cherry Filling
In a large bowl, toss your sliced, ripe pears and dried cherries with the granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, all-purpose flour, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. You want every piece of fruit lightly coated; this step infuses the fruit with flavor and helps catch any extra juices as they bubble up in the oven, creating a syrupy base.
Step 3: Add the Filling to the Baking Dish
Spread your well-tossed pear and cherry mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Make sure the fruit is distributed in a smooth, even layer—this ensures the topping will bake up evenly and every bite offers both crisp and fruit.
Step 4: Make the Walnut Streusel Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, light brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and chopped walnuts. Stir them together so every oat and nut gets a little dusting of sweet and spice. Add your cold, cubed butter, and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to gently work the butter in until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs—pockets of butter here mean a crisp, golden topping once baked.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the walnut streusel generously over the fruit, making sure to cover all corners (don’t worry about perfection—the little nooks and crannies are part of the charm). Place your dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is deeply golden and you can see the fruit juices bubbling up at the edges. If your kitchen fills with the scent of toasted nuts and sweet pears, you know you’re on the right track! Let the crisp cool slightly before serving to help set the filling.
How to Serve Pear & Dried Cherry Crisp with Walnut Streusel
Garnishes
To really turn this Pear & Dried Cherry Crisp with Walnut Streusel into an event, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. The contrast of cool cream against warm crisp is simply unbeatable, and a few extra chopped walnuts or a dusting of cinnamon on top wouldn’t go amiss either.
Side Dishes
This crisp plays beautifully with other fall and winter favorites. Serve it after a hearty stew or roasted chicken for a meal that feels like a big, cozy hug. For brunch, pair it with spiced tea or hot coffee and maybe even a splash of crème fraîche—trust me, you’ll be everyone’s favorite host!
Creative Ways to Present
Try assembling the crisp in individual ramekins for elegant, single-serve desserts. Or give it a rustic twist by baking it in a cast iron skillet—perfect for sharing at the table, family style. For a showstopper, serve slightly cooled squares of crisp topped with a scoop of gelato and a drizzle of honey or caramel sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Pear & Dried Cherry Crisp with Walnut Streusel, you’re in luck. Simply cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. The topping will stay a little crisp and the flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even more irresistible the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the crisp either baked or unbaked. Wrap the cooled crisp (or a fully assembled but unbaked dish) tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake or reheat as directed. This makes it a fantastic dessert for holidays and special occasions when you want a head start.
Reheating
To enjoy that just-baked experience, reheat leftovers uncovered in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. This brings the streusel back to life, keeping it crispy instead of soggy. For a quick treat, you can also microwave individual portions—but if you have the time, the oven is well worth it.
FAQs
Can I swap the dried cherries for a different fruit?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries or even dried apricots work beautifully in this recipe, offering a slightly different tang and color profile. Just keep the proportions the same, and let your pantry guide the way.
What’s the best kind of pear to use in this crisp?
Bartlett and Anjou pears both bake up soft and flavorful, but Bosc pears hold their shape a bit more if you like firmer pieces in your Pear & Dried Cherry Crisp with Walnut Streusel. Aim for pears that are ripe but not mushy for the perfect texture.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes, to make a gluten-free version, simply substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour both in the filling and in the streusel. The result is every bit as delicious and satisfying!
How can I tell when the crisp is done?
You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is a deep golden brown and the fruit juices are bubbling up the edges of the dish. Sometimes a little extra time gives you a thicker, syrupy filling, so don’t be afraid to leave it in for an extra 5 minutes if needed.
Is it possible to prep this dessert in advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the fruit filling and the streusel separately, then refrigerate both (covered) for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine, top, and place in the oven. This makes Pear & Dried Cherry Crisp with Walnut Streusel a lifesaver for dinner parties and holiday meals.
Final Thoughts
Every bite of Pear & Dried Cherry Crisp with Walnut Streusel tastes like a warm embrace—comforting, a little bit fancy, and irresistibly nostalgic. Whether you’re new to fruit crisps or have fond memories of them from your childhood, this recipe gives you all the flavor and joy of home baking without any fuss. Give it a try, and watch it become a star in your kitchen season after season!
Print
Pear & Dried Cherry Crisp with Walnut Streusel Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet pears and tart dried cherries topped with a crunchy walnut streusel in this comforting Pear & Dried Cherry Crisp. Perfect for a cozy dessert that captures the essence of fall.
Ingredients
Fruit Filling:
- 5 cups ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Walnut Streusel:
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Prepare fruit filling: In a large bowl, combine pears, cherries, sugar, lemon juice, flour, and cinnamon. Spread in the baking dish.
- Make streusel: Mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and walnuts. Cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over the fruit.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and bubbly. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Can use dried cranberries instead of cherries.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
