Can I use other fruits instead of pears?

Absolutely! You can swap pears for apples, peaches, or even plums. Adjust the sweetness as needed, since some fruits are naturally sweeter than others.

Can I use a different type of flour for the topping?

For sure! Almond flour or oat flour work great. Just note that almond flour might make the topping a bit more crumbly, so you might want to add a tablespoon or two of regular flour to help bind it.

Is the fresh mint really necessary?

You can, but fresh mint really adds a special touch. If you don't have fresh mint, a tiny drop of mint extract in the topping or even a sprinkle of cinnamon can work in a pinch. I tried with some thyme once, it was… interesting.

Can I add nuts to the topping?

Definitely! Add a half-cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or even pepitas (pumpkin seeds) to the topping for some extra crunch and nutty flavor. Hazelnuts would be really good.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. It's also delicious cold, straight from the fridge, if you're into that kind of thing (I totally am!).

Can this crisp be made ahead of time and frozen?

You sure can! Assemble the crisp but don't bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. Baking from frozen is also possible; you'll need to add about 15-20 minutes to the baking time and tent foil over the top after 30 minutes to prevent burning.

I remember the first time I made this crisp. My friend Sarah had just gone through a really tough breakup, and I wanted to bake something comforting for her. Pears were in season, pomegranates were looking gorgeous at the store, and the idea just popped into my head. The combination of the warm, spiced pears, the tart pomegranate jewels, and the buttery, crumbly topping was exactly what we both needed that night—a little bit of sweetness, a little bit of comfort, and a whole lotta love. A great meal will often sooth your soul too, you know? Plus it's quite pretty too.

This Pomegranate Pear Crisp with Mint Sprigs is a delightful autumn dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe pears with the tartness of pomegranate arils and a hint of minty freshness. The crumble topping, made with oats, flour, brown sugar, butter, and pecans, adds a satisfying crunch that complements the soft, juicy fruit filling. This is not just a recipe; it's an experience, a way to bring warmth and joy to your kitchen. Imagine the aroma of baking pears mingling with cinnamon and butter, filling your home with cozy vibes. Are you sensing that? Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or simply a special treat, this crisp is easy to make and sure to impress. Plus you can pretend to be fancy!

Pomegranate Pear Crisp with Mint Sprigs

Name: Pomegranate Pear Crisp with Mint Sprigs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Baked-Fruit
Ingredients: 6 cups (sliced) Pears; 2 tbsp + 1 cup All-purpose flour; 1 tbsp (from 1/2 lemon) Lemon juice; 1/4 cup Granulated sugar; 1/4 tsp + 1/2 tsp Ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup Pomegranate arils; 1/2 cup (packed) Light brown sugar; 1/4 tsp Salt; 1/2 cup (1 stick, cold, cubed) Unsalted butter; 1/2 cup Rolled oats; 1/4 cup (chopped, optional) Pecans or walnuts; for garnish Fresh mint sprigs

A warm and comforting Pomegranate Pear Crisp with Mint Sprigs, featuring sweet pears, tart pomegranates, and a buttery crumble topping. Garnish with fresh mint for an elegant touch!

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 8 servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

📖 Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. I always use butter; it adds a little something extra.
Peel, core, and slice the pears. You want about 6 cups of sliced pears. Aim for slices that are about 1/4 inch thick—not too thin, not too thick. Set 'em aside in a big bowl.
In that bowl with the pears, gently toss them with 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, the juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1 tablespoon), 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. The lemon juice helps prevent browning and brightens the flavor. The flour helps thicken the juices as it bakes. Give everything a good mix-up.
Sprinkle 1/2 cup of pomegranate arils over the pears. These little jewels add a burst of tartness and color! I love how they pop in your mouth. Now, transfer the pear mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of packed light brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This is the dry base for your crumble topping.
Add 1/2 cup (1 stick) of cold, unsalted butter, cut into small cubes, to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want small clumps of butter still visible, not completely blended in.
Stir in 1/2 cup of rolled oats and 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts (if using). The oats add a chewy texture, and the nuts add crunch. The butter and flour and sugar is like magic when it all comes together.
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the pear mixture in the baking dish. Make sure to cover the entire surface for a beautiful, golden crust. Don't be shy!
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly. Keep an eye on it; ovens can vary. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, tent the dish with foil to prevent burning.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. The juices will thicken as it cools. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs for a touch of freshness and elegance. The mint isn't just for looks; it complements the flavors beautifully. Also, you could add a scoop of vanilla ice cream! Or maybe some whipped cream!
Serve warm, and prepare for rave reviews! This dessert is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in the fridge for a couple of days. Reheat gently before serving, if you like.

📝 Notes

For a richer flavor, use brown butter in the crumble topping. Simply melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, swirling occasionally, until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Let it cool slightly before using.
If you don't have fresh mint, a tiny drop of mint extract in the topping can work in a pinch, but fresh is best. A little vanilla ice cream also works wonders.
Adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of your pears and your personal preference. Taste the pear mixture before adding the crumble topping and add more sugar if needed.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.