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There's just something magical about that first bite of a warm crisp on a chilly evening, isn't there? For me, it brings back memories of crisp mountain air, cozy sweaters, and the scent of woodsmoke. I particularly like maple flavor that reminds me of when i used to visit my grandpa in Canada when I was little. This Maple Walnut Pear Crisp is a celebration of those simple joys. The sweet pears, softened and infused with warm spices, are the perfect complement to the crunchy, nutty topping. It's a dessert that’s easy to make but feels truly special.
Don't be intimidated by the word 'crisp.' This recipe is surprisingly simple and straightforward. We'll start by prepping the pears, then whip up a quick and easy topping with maple syrup, walnuts, oats, and a few other goodies. A little butter, a touch of cinnamon, and a sprinkle of love and you've got a dessert that'll have everyone asking for seconds. I once made this for a potluck, and I almost didn't get any myself--it disappeared that fast!
Required Equipments
9-inch Baking Dish
Large Mixing Bowl
Pastry Blender or Fork
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Peeler
Knife
Cutting Board
Maple Walnut Pear Crisp: Frequently Asked Questions
Maple Walnut Pear Crisp
Embrace the cozy flavors of fall with this delightful Maple Walnut Pear Crisp! Sweet, tender pears mingle with a crunchy maple-infused walnut topping for a dessert that’s both comforting and elegant.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:6 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and a perfectly golden-brown crisp.
Prepare the Pears: Peel, core, and slice the pears into about 1/4-inch thick pieces. Aim for uniform slices to ensure even cooking.
Mix the Pear Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced pears with the lemon juice, maple syrup, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss gently to coat the pears evenly. This prevents the pears from browning and adds a burst of flavor.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pear mixture into a 9-inch baking dish. A pie plate or square baking pan works perfectly. Make sure the pears are evenly distributed in the dish.
Make the Crisp Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, chopped walnuts, brown sugar, and salt. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This creates those delightful clumps in the topping. Don't overmix!
Add Maple Syrup: Drizzle the maple syrup over the crisp topping. Use your hands to gently mix it in until everything is evenly moistened. This gives the topping a wonderful maple flavor and helps it clump together.
Assemble the Crisp: Sprinkle the maple walnut crisp topping evenly over the pear filling. Make sure the pears are mostly covered for the best texture and flavor.
Bake the Crisp: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the pear filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent the topping from burning. If it starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil.
Cool Slightly and Serve: Remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken slightly and prevents burning your mouth!
Serve Warm: Serve the Maple Walnut Pear Crisp warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The combination of warm crisp and cold creaminess is simply divine! A drizzle of extra maple syrup never hurts either. Hehe.
📝 Notes
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free rolled oats and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
You can substitute pecans or almonds for the walnuts.
Feel free to add a pinch of ginger or cardamom to the pear filling for an extra layer of flavor.
If your pears are very juicy, you may need to add an extra tablespoon of flour to the filling.