Can I substitute other fruits for the pears?

Absolutely! You can use other fruits like apples, blackberries, or even cranberries. Adjust the spices accordingly – cinnamon works great with apples, while a pinch of nutmeg complements berries beautifully.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free as well, as some oats can be processed in facilities that handle wheat.

Can I prepare this crisp ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the crisp topping ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also assemble the entire crisp and keep it in the fridge, unbaked, for a few hours before baking. Add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Can this crisp be frozen?

I wouldn't recomend freezing this. Frozen pear can affect texture. You'll end up with a soggy crust.

Is the almond extract essential to the recipe?

While almond extract enhances the vanilla flavor, it is not necessary. If you don't have any on hand, simply omit it. The crisp will still be delicious with just the vanilla extract.

There's something undeniably comforting about a warm, fruity crisp, especially as the days get shorter and the evenings cooler. One evening, reminiscing about my grandma's apple crumble, I wondered if I could recreate that nostalgic feeling with pears. And so, my French Vanilla Pear Crisp was born—a delightful twist on a classic that's perfect for any occasion. Or maybe no occasion at all. Who needs an occasion to bake a crisp? Certainly not me. I mean, my friends think I'm weird for baking a pie on a Tuesday... but I don't care! Do you?

This recipe isn't just about throwing ingredients together; it's about creating an experience. Imagine the sweet aroma of vanilla and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen, the sight of golden-brown crisp topping, and the satisfying taste of tender pears. Plus, it's incredibly easy to make. Seriously, even someone who claims they can't bake can nail this recipe. One of my friend's nearly burned down her apartment trying to make toast, but I bet even she could make this. Well, maybe with supervision.

French Vanilla Pear Crisp

Name: French Vanilla Pear Crisp
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Baked-Fruit
Ingredients: 6-8 medium Pears; 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar; 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1/4 teaspoon Almond Extract (optional); 1 cup All-Purpose Flour; 1 cup Rolled Oats; 3/4 cup Packed Brown Sugar; 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 cup (1 stick) Cold Unsalted Butter

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of this French Vanilla Pear Crisp. Tender pears baked under a golden, buttery oat topping infused with vanilla and a hint of almond – a simple yet elegant dessert that’s sure to please!

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 8 servings servings

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 65 minutes

📖 Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure the rack is in the center position.
Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This prevents the crisp from sticking and makes serving easier.
Wash, peel, core, and slice the pears. You’ll want about 6-8 medium pears, depending on their size. Aim for slices that are about ¼ inch thick. Not too thin, not too thick – just right! I find that Anjou or Bartlett pears work best, but honestly, use what you have on hand. Experiment!
In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the sliced pears with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract (if using). Make sure the pears are evenly coated with the sugar and flour mixture. This will help to create a slight thickening effect as the pears bake. A little bit of lemon zest can add some flair if you have any.
Spread the pear mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Make sure the layer is uniform so that it bakes evenly.
In a separate mixing bowl, prepare the crisp topping. Combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of rolled oats, 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk or stir these dry ingredients together until they are well combined. This ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the topping.
Add 1/2 cup (1 stick) of cold, unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This process is crucial for creating a crumbly, delicious topping. Don't overmix! You want small pieces of butter remaining.
Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the pear mixture in the baking dish. Gently pat it down to ensure it adheres slightly to the pears. This will help the topping to bake into a cohesive layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the pear filling is bubbling. Keep an eye on it, as ovens can vary. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the dish with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This allows the filling to set up a bit and prevents it from being too runny. A 10-15 minute cooling period is usually sufficient.
Serve warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, can also add a nice touch.