Irresistibly Easy Cranberry Pear Crisp with Oat Crumble Delight

Sophia

Founder of Vintage cooks

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There’s something truly comforting about the warm, fruity aroma of a freshly baked crisp filling the house on a chilly afternoon. When I combined tangy cranberries with juicy pears and topped it all off with a golden oat crumble, it felt like the perfect balance between tart and sweet, healthy and indulgent. This Cranberry Pear Crisp with Oat Crumble is one of those desserts that’s effortless to make yet impressive enough to serve at a family gathering or cozy weekend treat. What I love most is how versatile it is—whether eaten straight from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed cold, it never fails to delight. If you’re craving a homemade dessert that celebrates seasonal flavors without fuss, this recipe will soon become your go-to favorite.

Why choose Cranberry Pear Crisp with Oat Crumble?

Deliciously simple: This recipe requires minimal prep and basic baking skills, perfect for any home cook. Balanced flavor: The tart cranberries and sweet pears create a harmonious taste that’s refreshing yet comforting. Wholesome texture: The oat crumble adds a satisfying crunch, making every bite memorable. Seasonal star: Ideal for autumn and winter, it highlights the best seasonal fruits. Versatile treat: Serve warm with ice cream or enjoy chilled—either way, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Cranberry Pear Crisp Ingredients

For the Fruit Filling

Fresh cranberries – use tart berries for that signature tang that brightens the dish.
Ripe pears – choose firm but juicy pears to keep a perfect texture after baking.
Granulated sugar – balances the natural tartness of cranberries and pears beautifully.
Lemon juice – adds brightness and helps preserve the fruit’s vibrant color.
Cornstarch – thickens the filling gently, so it’s not runny but perfectly saucy.

For the Oat Crumble Topping

Old-fashioned rolled oats – provide a hearty, nutty crunch essential to the oat crumble.
All-purpose flour – binds the topping and ensures a golden, crisp finish.
Brown sugar – adds deep caramelized sweetness that complements the fruit’s tartness.
Ground cinnamon – infuses warm spice notes that evoke cozy fall feelings.
Cold butter – cut into pieces for a tender, crumbly texture that melts beautifully during baking.

This Cranberry Pear Crisp with Oat Crumble brings together simple, wholesome ingredients to create a delightful seasonal dessert that invites everyone back for seconds.

How to Make Cranberry Pear Crisp with Oat Crumble

Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter, ensuring all edges are coated to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
Prep fruit: In a large bowl, gently toss fresh cranberries and sliced pears with sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch until fruits are evenly coated and the mixture looks glossy.
Transfer filling: Spoon the fruit mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it in an even layer so every bite will have both pears and tangy cranberries.

For the Oat Crumble:

Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, stir together rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined and the color turns a warm golden brown.
Cut in butter: Add cold butter pieces to the oat mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to incorporate until pea-sized crumbs form, creating that signature crisp topping.
Top and bake: Evenly sprinkle the oat crumble over the fruit, then bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes until the topping is golden and fruit filling bubbles at the edges.
Cool and serve: Let the crisp rest for 10 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly, then serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Optional: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Cranberry Pear Crisp with Oat Crumble Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to weave your own personal touch into this delicious crisp recipe. Each variation brings a unique twist to the traditional flavors you love.

Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the oat crumble for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Maple Sweetness: Swap granulated sugar for pure maple syrup in the filling for a deep, rich sweetness.
Berry Burst: Mix in other berries such as blueberries or raspberries with the cranberries for additional color and taste.
Spiced Up: Enhance the crumble with a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a warm, aromatic character that soothes the soul.
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring everyone can enjoy a piece!
Vegan Option: Use coconut oil instead of butter in the crumble and replace the sugar with coconut sugar for a wholesome vegan treat.
Citrus Twist: Add the zest of an orange along with the lemon juice to the fruit filling for a refreshing citrus hint.
Chili Kick: For a surprising heat, stir in a dash of cayenne pepper with the oats for a sweet and spicy contrast.

Tips for the Best Cranberry Pear Crisp with Oat Crumble

Choose firm pears: Select pears that are ripe but still firm to prevent a mushy filling after baking.
Use fresh cranberries: Fresh berries provide the best tart flavor and texture; frozen can water down the crisp if not properly drained.
Don’t skip cornstarch: This thickens the fruit juices during baking, ensuring your Cranberry Pear Crisp with Oat Crumble isn’t watery or runny.
Keep butter cold: For the oat crumble topping, cold butter creates flaky, crunchy crumbs instead of a dense, greasy topping.
Bake until bubbling: Ensure the fruit filling bubbles around the edges before removing from oven for perfectly cooked, juicy fruit.
Let it rest: Allow the crisp to cool slightly so the filling sets, making it easier to serve and enjoy every bite.

Make Ahead Options

Preparing your Cranberry Pear Crisp with Oat Crumble in advance is a fantastic way to save time on a busy day. You can easily make the fruit filling and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply toss the cranberries and pears with sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch, then cover and refrigerate. The oat crumble topping can also be prepared ahead and kept in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just layer the fruit mixture into your baking dish, sprinkle the oat crumble on top, and pop it in the oven. This make-ahead strategy keeps your dessert just as delicious, allowing you to enjoy more time with family and friends!

What to Serve with Cranberry Pear Crisp with Oat Crumble?

When it comes to creating a complete meal, pairing your sweet treat with complementary flavors and textures can elevate the entire experience.

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream beautifully contrasts the tartness of the crisp, creating a delightful, decadent bite. It’s indulgence at its finest!
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a luscious touch to each spoonful, enhancing the dessert’s sweetness without overpowering its flavors.
Spiced Chai Tea: A warm cup of spiced chai brings cozy notes that harmonize with the crisp’s fruity undertones, making the perfect drink to sip while enjoying your dessert.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling a warm caramel sauce will add a sweet, buttery flavor that pairs seamlessly with the tart fruit and oat crumble—every bite feels indulgent!
Roasted Nuts: Chopped roasted nuts, like pecans or walnuts, add a crunchy element that complements the softness of the pears while enhancing the overall texture.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits lightens the meal and offers a burst of color and flavor, balancing the richness of the crisp with added brightness.
Coffee: A rich cup of coffee enhances the dessert experience, providing a bittersweet counterbalance to the sweetness of the cranberry pear crisp with oat crumble.
Dark Chocolate Shavings: Add a sprinkle of dark chocolate for an unexpected twist; its richness contrasts beautifully with the tart fruit and adds an elegant touch to your dessert.

Let these pairings transform your Cranberry Pear Crisp into a memorable dish that will keep guests coming back for more!

How to Store and Freeze Cranberry Pear Crisp with Oat Crumble

Room Temperature: Store any leftover crispy topping at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered loosely with foil to maintain crispiness.

Fridge: Wrap the cooled Cranberry Pear Crisp with Oat Crumble in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the baked crisp in a tightly sealed container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it in the oven until heated through.

Reheating: To enjoy leftovers, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, ensuring the topping remains crunchy and the filling is warm.

Cranberry Pear Crisp with Oat Crumble Recipe FAQs

How do I know if my pears are ripe enough for this crisp?
Choose pears that are firm to the touch but yield slightly when gently pressed near the stem. Overly soft or mushy pears will break down too much during baking, while very hard pears won’t soften properly. I recommend using Bosc or Anjou varieties for the best balance of firmness and sweetness.

Can I store leftover Cranberry Pear Crisp with Oat Crumble in the fridge?
Absolutely! Once cooled, cover the crisp tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay delicious for up to 5 days. For best texture, reheat it in the oven to revive the crisp topping before serving.

Is it possible to freeze this crisp, and how should I do it?
Yes, freezing is a great way to enjoy this dessert later. Let the baked crisp cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then warm it in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes to restore that crunchy topping and bubbly filling.

What if my oat crumble topping turns out soggy instead of crunchy?
This can happen if the butter wasn’t cold enough or the crumble was packed too tightly. To avoid sogginess, ensure your butter is chilled and cut into pea-sized pieces before mixing it into the dry ingredients. Also, sprinkle the topping loosely over the fruit for better air circulation and crispiness. Baking long enough until golden and bubbling is key!

Are fresh cranberries absolutely necessary, or can I use frozen?
Fresh cranberries offer the best tartness and texture for this recipe. If you only have frozen, use them but thaw and drain well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the filling watery. Using fresh berries will give you that bright, tangy pop that makes the crisp so memorable.

Is this Cranberry Pear Crisp safe for pets or those with allergies?
While delicious for humans, this dessert contains ingredients like sugar and butter that aren’t suitable for pets. Also, if you or your guests have gluten sensitivities, you can substitute gluten-free oats and flour to make it allergy-friendly. Just be sure to use certified gluten-free products to avoid cross-contamination.