Salted Caramel Pear Crisp is the perfect dessert for autumn, combining the natural sweetness of ripe pears with the richness of homemade salted caramel and a buttery, crunchy topping. This dish offers a delightful balance of flavors, with the smooth caramel sauce complementing the soft, juicy pears and the crisp topping adding texture. It’s an easy-to-make treat that will impress family and friends and make your home smell heavenly while baking.
Ingredients
- Ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- Lemon juice (to prevent browning)
- Granulated sugar (to sweeten the pears)
For the salted caramel sauce:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
For the crisp topping:
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, toss the sliced pears with lemon juice and granulated sugar to coat. This helps to balance the sweetness and prevent browning.
- Spread the pear mixture evenly in a baking dish (about 8×8 inches).
- Prepare the salted caramel sauce by combining the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the pears.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the crisp topping by mixing the oats, flour, brown sugar, softened butter, cinnamon, and salt. Use a fork or your fingers to blend the mixture until it forms a crumbly texture.
- Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the pears and caramel sauce.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the pears are tender.
- Serve the Salted Caramel Pear Crisp warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Variations
- Spiced Pear Crisp: Add a teaspoon of ground ginger or nutmeg to the crisp topping for a spicier twist.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or oat flour for a gluten-free dessert.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk or almond milk in place of heavy cream and dairy-free butter for the caramel sauce.
- Additional Fruit: Combine the pears with other seasonal fruits, like apples or cranberries, for a mixed-fruit crisp.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the crisp to cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or bake the entire dish in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until hot and bubbly.
10 FAQs About Salted Caramel Pear Crisp
- Can I use canned pears for this recipe? Fresh pears are recommended for the best texture and flavor. However, canned pears can be used if fresh ones aren’t available, but make sure to drain them well before use.
- How do I know when the crisp topping is done? The topping should be golden brown and crisp. If it is still pale, give it a little extra time in the oven, checking every 5 minutes.
- Can I make the salted caramel sauce ahead of time? Yes, the salted caramel sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat it before drizzling over the pears.
- Can I use a different type of sugar? While brown sugar is the best option for making salted caramel, you can use white granulated sugar if needed. However, the flavor won’t be as rich.
- Is this dessert gluten-free? The recipe as written contains flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- What should I serve with this dessert? This crisp pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt for a slightly tangy contrast to the sweetness.
- Can I freeze Salted Caramel Pear Crisp? Yes, you can freeze the crisp before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then bake from frozen at 350°F for 45-50 minutes, or until heated through and golden on top.
- What type of pears should I use for this recipe? Bartlett pears are ideal for baking because of their sweetness and tender texture. Other varieties like Bosc or Anjou will work too, though they may retain a firmer texture.
- Can I add nuts to the topping? Yes, you can add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the crisp topping for added crunch and flavor. Simply mix them in with the oats and flour.
- Can I make this recipe in a larger dish? If you’d like to make a larger batch, you can easily double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch dish. Just adjust the cooking time by checking for doneness after 35-40 minutes.
Conclusion
Salted Caramel Pear Crisp is a mouthwatering dessert that offers the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors. The juicy pears, complemented by the rich salted caramel sauce and crunchy topping, make this dish a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether served as a cozy fall dessert or a special dish for a holiday gathering, it’s sure to become a favorite. With easy preparation and the option for variations, you can tailor this dessert to your taste and enjoy a warm, comforting dessert that’s simply irresistible.