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Okay, hear me out: pear crisp. But not just any pear crisp. This is Pear Crisp with Dates and Walnuts, and it's honestly so much better than those bland, forgettable desserts your aunt used to make (sorry, Aunt Carol!). I remember one Thanksgiving… well, never mind, let’s just say some desserts are better left in the past. This recipe, though? This one’s a keeper. One rainy afternoon, I was just trying to use up some pears that were about to turn. I threw in some dates I had in the pantry, grabbed some walnuts because… well, walnuts are always a good idea, right? The result was so astonishing I decided to share it with you.
This crisp is a symphony of textures and flavors: the soft, yielding pears, the chewy sweetness of dates, and the satisfying crunch of walnuts, all topped with a buttery, golden oat crumble. It's rustic, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make. Plus, it's a great way to use up those fall fruits. I once tried to make it with quince... big mistake. Pears are the way to go. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (or a dollop of whipped cream, if you're feeling extra), and prepare for your taste buds to sing. I have made it at Christmas and new years as well, where it always gets many compliments.
Required Equipments
9x13 inch baking dish
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Paring knife
Vegetable peeler
Pear Crisp with Dates and Walnuts: Frequently Asked Questions
Pear Crisp with Dates and Walnuts
Indulge in a warm and comforting Pear Crisp with Dates and Walnuts. This easy-to-make dessert features tender pears, sweet dates, crunchy walnuts, and a buttery oat topping, perfect for any occasion. This is better than an apple pie!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:8 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is a crucial step! A proper preheat ensures even cooking and that beautifully browned crust we're after.
Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Trust me, you don't want the crisp sticking to the bottom; it's a heartbreak waiting to happen.
Peel, core, and slice the pears. Aim for slices about 1/4 inch thick. Not too thick, not too thin – just right! Place the sliced pears in a large mixing bowl.
Add the chopped dates, walnuts, lemon juice, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to the bowl with the pears. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the pears are evenly coated with the spices and other goodies.
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and cold butter (cut into small cubes). Using your fingers or a pastry blender, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It's kinda therapeutic, right?
Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the pear mixture in the baking dish. Make sure to cover all the pears for that perfect crispy topping.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the pears are tender. The aroma alone will drive you wild, I promise!
Remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This allows the filling to set a bit, preventing a soupy mess. Nobody wants that!
Serve warm, and if you're feeling fancy, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Oh my goodness. This step is optional but highly recommended. A small splash of cream is also good.
📝 Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a tablespoon of bourbon or rum to the pear mixture before baking.