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Do you ever just crave something warm and comforting? I sure do. Lately, it's been this Oat Bran Pear Crisp. My grandma used to make a similar apple crisp every fall, and the smell alone would fill the house with such cozy memories. While I can't replicate her exact recipe (secrets, you know!), this pear crisp comes pretty darn close. And it's just a bit healthier thanks to the oat bran. I remember one cold November afternoon, the aroma of baking apples wafted through the house, mingling with the scent of fallen leaves. Grandma's apple crisp was a symbol of warmth and comfort, a sweet beacon against the chill of the season.
What makes this recipe special, you ask? Well, for starters, the pears! Choose pears that are ripe but still firm – Bosc or Anjou varieties work wonderfully. Their sweetness intensifies as they bake, creating a luscious filling that complements the nutty oat bran topping. And speaking of the topping...oh, the topping! It's a blend of oat bran, oats, flour, brown sugar, butter, and spices, creating a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft pears underneath. I had a mishap last week when I accidentally grabbed salt instead of sugar! The crisp was, to put it mildly, interesting. Learn from my mistakes people!!
Trust me; this Oat Bran Pear Crisp is incredibly easy to make. No fancy equipment or complicated techniques required. Just simple ingredients, a little bit of love, and about an hour in the oven. I like to serve mine warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It's the perfect ending to any meal, or a delightful treat on its own. My friend, Sarah, once said it tasted like "a hug in a bowl". I couldn't agree more. What does this recipe mean to you? I hope it brings you the same comfort and joy it brings me!
Required Equipments
8x8 inch baking dish
Mixing bowls
Pastry blender or fingertips
Measuring cups and spoons
Vegetable peeler
Knife
Oat Bran Pear Crisp: A Cozy Delight: Frequently Asked Questions
Oat Bran Pear Crisp: A Cozy Delight
Indulge in a comforting Oat Bran Pear Crisp, featuring tender pears baked under a crunchy oat bran topping. This delightful dessert is perfect for cool evenings and offers a wholesome twist on a classic favorite.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:6 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 41 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial to ensure even baking and that perfect golden-brown topping.
Lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the crisp from sticking and make serving easier.
Peel, core, and slice 4 medium pears. Aim for slices that are about 1/4 inch thick. Not too thin, not too thick – just right! If you are like me and always have a hard time with pears, use a vegetable peeler.
In a medium bowl, gently toss the sliced pears with 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Make sure the pears are evenly coated with the mixture.
Pour the pear mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup of oat bran, 1/2 cup of rolled oats, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of packed light brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Stir well to combine all the dry ingredients.
Cut in 1/2 cup (1 stick) of cold unsalted butter into the oat mixture using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is where the magic happens! The cold butter creates those lovely, crispy bits in the topping.
Sprinkle the oat bran mixture evenly over the pear mixture in the baking dish. Ensure the entire surface is covered for maximum crispiness.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the pears are tender. Keep an eye on it, and if the topping starts to brown too quickly, tent the dish with foil.
Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and prevents burning your tongue!
Serve warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup. Enjoy every delicious bite!
📝 Notes
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping for extra crunch.
A squeeze of lemon juice over the pears before baking will prevent them from browning.