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There's something incredibly inviting about a homemade fruit crisp, isn't there? Especially as the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp (pun intended!). I recall a chilly evening last fall, the rain pattering softly against the windows, and the aroma of cinnamon and baked fruit wafting from the kitchen. My grandmother, Nana Elsie as we called her, was at the stove, her hands moving with the practiced grace of a seasoned baker. It was then I knew I needed a recipe like hers, to bring that cozy warmth and love into my own home… this recipe is pretty close!
The combination of cherries, almonds, and pears might sound a tad unusual, but trust me—it's a match made in dessert heaven. The tartness of the cherries cuts through the sweetness of the pears, while the almond extract and crunchy topping add a nutty depth that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, it's versatile! Throw in some blackberries or even raspberries. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience, a memory waiting to be made. Did I mention it tastes amazing with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream? Oh, and it’s ridiculously easy, which is always a win in my book. What's not to love, right?
Required Equipments
9-inch Baking Dish
Large Mixing Bowl
Pastry Blender or Fingers
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Oven
Knife
Cherry Almond Pear Crisp: A Symphony of Autumn Flavors: Frequently Asked Questions
Cherry Almond Pear Crisp: A Symphony of Autumn Flavors
Indulge in a warm and comforting Cherry Almond Pear Crisp, where sweet cherries, juicy pears, and crunchy almond topping unite in a delightful dessert. Perfectly balanced and easy to make, this crisp is a surefire way to impress your family and friends!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:6 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the crisp bakes evenly and the topping gets wonderfully golden brown.
Lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish with butter. This prevents the fruit from sticking and makes serving a breeze.
In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of sliced pears (about 3 medium pears), 1 cup of pitted cherries (fresh or frozen, thawed), 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract. Gently toss to combine. The lemon juice helps prevent the pears from browning and brightens the flavors.
Pour the fruit mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Make sure there are no super high spots.
In a separate bowl, prepare the crisp topping. Combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of rolled oats (not instant!), 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup of chopped almonds, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk together until well combined. This mixture creates the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and spiced goodness.
Add 1/2 cup (1 stick) of cold, unsalted butter, cut into small cubes, to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients for the best texture. Don't overmix!
Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the fruit mixture in the baking dish. Make sure the topping covers the fruit entirely. You want a nice, even layer for that perfect crispy bite.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling. Keep an eye on it; ovens vary, and you don’t want to burn the topping.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. This allows the fruit to set a bit and prevents it from being too soupy.
Serve warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired. A sprinkle of extra chopped almonds adds a lovely finishing touch. Trust me, it's divine!
📝 Notes
For a richer flavor, use brown butter in the topping.
Add a pinch of nutmeg to the fruit mixture for extra warmth.