Delightful Gluten-Free Pear Crisp: Your Ultimate Fall Dessert Recipe

Embrace the comforting flavors of autumn with our exquisite Gluten-Free Pear Crisp recipe. This delightful dessert brings together a warmly spiced pear filling and a perfectly buttery, crunchy oatmeal crumble topping. It’s the ideal treat for any fall gathering, especially when served warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream and a luscious drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce. Forget complicated pies; this pear crisp offers all the comforting flavors with remarkable ease, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

This Fall Fruit Crisp Is A Great Alternative To Pie!

While apple and pumpkin often steal the spotlight during autumn, a fantastic pear dessert truly stands out. This easy gluten-free pear crisp recipe is a prime example, offering a delicious and straightforward alternative to traditional fall pies. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore it:

• Effortless Preparation: When you’re craving a homemade dessert but don’t want the fuss of a complex pie crust, this easy pear crisp is your go-to solution. With simple, accessible ingredients, the entire recipe comes together efficiently, often using just one mixing bowl for both the spiced pear filling and the delectable oat crumble topping. It’s truly simpler than pie, making it perfect for busy evenings or when you need a reliable, crowd-pleasing dessert with minimal effort and quick cleanup.
• Harmonious Flavors: Every bite of this pear crisp is a celebration of autumn. You’ll experience the succulent sweetness of perfectly ripe Bartlett pears, beautifully infused with a curated blend of rich, warm fall spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and cloves. A hint of vanilla further elevates the aroma, while brown sugar lends a deep, caramel-like sweetness to both the filling and the buttery topping. For an unparalleled experience, serve it warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream and a luxurious drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s a truly heavenly combination of flavors and textures!
• Essential Serving Tip: To truly unlock the full potential of this yummy fall fruit crisp, do not skip the accompaniments! A cold scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a dollop of fresh whipped cream, creates an exquisite contrast with the warm, bubbling fruit. The optional, but highly recommended, drizzle of caramel sauce adds an extra layer of rich sweetness and sophistication, making each serving a truly unforgettable experience. This combination is what transforms a great crisp into an extraordinary one!

Happy baking! xo, Emily

Gather Your Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Gluten-Free Pear Crisp

Ready to embark on a delightful baking journey? Here’s a comprehensive look at the fresh, wholesome ingredients you’ll need to create this incredibly easy and delicious gluten-free pear crisp. We’ll delve into each component, offering tips and insights to ensure you achieve the most delectable results and understand the role each ingredient plays.

How to Make Gluten-Free Pear Crisp: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

For exact ingredient measurements, detailed instructions, and additional helpful tips, please refer to the complete recipe card provided below. This section offers an expanded guide to walk you through each step.

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking. Next, lightly grease an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan. A ceramic pan is often preferred for fruit crisps as it provides excellent, even heat distribution, leading to a consistently baked filling and a beautifully golden topping. Greasing the pan prevents sticking and ensures your delicious crisp can be served cleanly and easily.
2. Prepare the Spiced Pear Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine your peeled and diced pears (cut into roughly 1-inch pieces) with the light brown sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice (if you’re using it), ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, and a tiny pinch of salt. Gently toss all these ingredients together. Ensure the pear pieces are thoroughly coated with the spice and sugar mixture; this step is crucial for developing that rich, aromatic flavor in every bite. Once mixed, transfer the pear mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
3. Create the Buttery Crumble Topping: One of the best parts about this recipe is the minimal cleanup! Using the same mixing bowl from the pear filling (no need for extra dishes!), combine the certified gluten-free oats, the remaining light brown sugar, gluten-free measure-for-measure flour, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Now, add the cold, cubed butter. Using a fork, a pastry blender, or even your clean fingertips, work the butter into the dry ingredients. Continue mixing until the mixture is moist, crumbly, and distinct clusters of butter-infused oats and flour begin to form. These clusters are what will bake into that irresistible, golden-brown, and perfectly crispy topping.
4. Assemble Your Pear Crisp: Evenly sprinkle the prepared crumble topping over the spiced pear filling in the baking dish. For a beautiful presentation and a delightful variation in texture, aim for a mix of larger and smaller crumble pieces. A pro tip: I like to leave a small border (about half an inch) around the edge of the pan uncovered by the crumble. This thoughtful detail allows the fruit filling to bubble up enticingly during baking, which is a visual signal that the cornstarch is activating and thickening the filling to perfection.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the assembled crisp in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 45-55 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’ll know it’s ready when the fruit filling is visibly bubbling around the edges of the pan and sometimes even through the crumble (this indicates the cornstarch has properly thickened), and the oat crumble topping has turned a rich, inviting golden brown. If you notice the topping browning too quickly before the filling seems fully cooked, simply tent the pan loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning while the fruit continues to tenderize.
6. Crucial Cooling Step – Don’t Skip It!: Once baked, remove the pear crisp from the oven. It’s incredibly tempting to dig in immediately, as the aromas are heavenly, but resist the urge! Allow the crisp to cool for at least 20-30 minutes before serving. This cooling period is absolutely vital; it gives the fruit filling time to set and thicken properly. Directly from the oven, the filling will be thinner and more liquid, but as it cools, it will achieve that desirable gooey, rich consistency that makes every bite perfect.
7. Serve & Store: For the absolute best and most decadent experience, serve this warm, delightful pear crisp with a generous scoop of cold vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. A drizzle of luscious caramel sauce adds a final touch of indulgence that truly elevates this dessert. Any leftovers can be stored, covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap (in its original baking dish is ideal to prevent sogginess), in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. I don’t recommend transferring leftovers to an airtight container, as the crumble tends to lose its crispness and mix into the filling.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Pear Crisp

Choosing the Right Pears: For an optimal gluten-free pear crisp, ripe yet firm Bartlett pears are your best bet. Avoid overly soft varieties that can become mushy, losing their appealing texture during baking. Instead, choose pears that are turning a lovely golden yellow but still have a slight, gentle give when pressed. This balance ensures they soften beautifully while retaining their shape and a delightful bite.

Mix It Up with Apples! For an intriguing twist on flavor and texture, consider making an apple pear crisp by using a combination of half apples (such as crisp Granny Smith or sweet Honeycrisp varieties) and half pears in your fruit filling. This creates a wonderfully complex taste profile and adds a familiar crunch that many enjoy, offering a delightful variation on the classic.

To Peel or Not to Peel? Peeling pears for this crisp is entirely a matter of personal preference. While I typically peel apples for apple crisp to avoid any tough skins, the thin skins of Bartlett pears don’t usually affect the texture or flavor significantly, and I often leave them on. If you prefer a smoother, more refined texture or are simply concerned about the appearance of the skins, feel free to peel them beforehand. It’s truly up to your preference!

Pan Choice Matters: The material and size of your baking pan can indeed influence the baking time of your crisp. I frequently use a 9×9 inch ceramic baking pan, which provides excellent, even heat distribution, promoting consistent baking. If you opt for a metal pan, be aware that your crisp might bake more quickly due to metal’s higher heat conductivity, so start checking for doneness a few minutes early. Conversely, if you use an 8×8 inch pan, which is deeper, the crisp may require a slightly longer baking time to ensure the fruit filling is bubbling vigorously and the topping is golden brown throughout. Adjust your baking time as needed.

Making Ahead & Storage: This easy pear crisp is fantastic for meal prepping or making ahead for entertaining. You can assemble the crisp completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, simply add about 10-15 minutes to the total baking time if baking directly from the fridge. Once baked, store any leftovers, covered loosely in the original baking dish, in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To maintain the crispness of the topping, I advise against transferring leftovers to an airtight container, as this often leads to a soggy crumble.

Reheating Tips: To restore the crisp’s delicious warmth and crunchy topping, reheat individual servings in a microwave for 30-60 seconds, or a larger portion in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until warmed through and the topping is lightly re-crisped. The oven method is best for rejuvenating the topping’s texture.

More Fall Fruit Dessert Recipes To Try

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Crisp

Gluten-Free Cranberry Apple Crisp

Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Gluten-Free Cranberry Crumble Bars

Gluten-Free Pear Crisp: A Flavorful Fall Delight

Rated 5 out of 5 stars from 1 vote.

Author:
Emily Dixon, Sweets & Thank You

Our easy gluten-free pear crisp recipe is a celebration of fall flavors, featuring a warm, aromatic spiced pear filling and an irresistible buttery oatmeal crumble topping that everyone will love! Perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time:
25 minutes

Cook Time:
45 minutes

Cooling Time:
25 minutes

Total Time:
1 hour 35 minutes

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Ingredients

For The Spiced Pear Filling

• 6 cups diced pears (cored and cut into 1-inch pieces – preferably ripe, firm Bartlett pears for best texture)
• ¼ cup light brown sugar (50 grams – adds caramel depth)
• 2 Tablespoons cornstarch (16 grams – for a perfectly thickened filling)
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional, but highly recommended for brightness)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances all flavors)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (warm, classic fall spice)
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (earthy and aromatic)
• ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom (adds a unique, citrusy floral note)
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves (for deep, resonant warmth)
• 1 pinch salt (less than 1/8 teaspoon – balances and elevates flavors)

For The Buttery Crumble Topping

• ¾ cup certified gluten-free oats (I recommend a mix of quick oats & rolled oats for varied texture)
• ¾ cup light brown sugar (150 grams – contributes to a rich, golden topping)
• ½ cup gluten-free measure-for-measure flour* (60 grams – ensure it contains xanthan gum)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for aromatic sweetness)
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (to balance the sweetness)
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed (113 grams – for that irresistible crispiness, or use vegan butter)

To Serve (Optional, but Highly Recommended)

• Vanilla ice cream (creamy and cool)
• Caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought – for a decadent finish)

Instructions

1. 1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. 2. Make Pear Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced pears, brown sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, and a pinch of salt. Gently stir to ensure all the pear pieces are evenly coated. Transfer this aromatic pear mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
3. 3. Prepare Crumble Topping: Using the same bowl (no need for extra dishes!), combine the certified gluten-free oats, light brown sugar, gluten-free measure-for-measure flour, vanilla, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a fork, pastry blender, or your clean hands to work the butter into the dry ingredients. Mix until the mixture is moist, crumbly, and distinct clusters begin to form.
4. 4. Assemble the Crisp: Evenly sprinkle the prepared crumble topping over the spiced pear filling in your baking dish. For a visually appealing and texturally diverse crisp, aim for a variety of crumble piece sizes—some larger, some smaller. Leave a small border (about ½ inch) around the edges of the pan without topping; this allows the fruit filling to bubble up during baking, indicating it’s perfectly cooked and thickened.
5. 5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake the crisp in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the fruit filling is visibly bubbling around the sides (a sign that the cornstarch has activated and is thickening the mixture beautifully), and the oat crumble topping is gorgeously golden brown. If the topping starts to brown too quickly before the filling is ready, you can loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil.
6. 6. Crucial Cooling Step (Don’t Skip!): Remove the pear crisp from the oven. As tempting as it is to serve immediately, it’s vital to let it cool for 20-30 minutes before serving. This cooling period allows the fruit filling to properly set and thicken. When piping hot, the filling will be thinner and more liquid, but it will achieve a perfectly gooey, rich consistency as it cools.
7. 7. Serve & Store: For the ultimate dessert experience, serve this warm, aromatic pear crisp with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream, and a decadent drizzle of caramel sauce. Store any leftovers, covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap in the original baking dish, in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Avoid transferring to an airtight container, as this can make the crumble soggy.

Notes

• Pear Selection Matters! This gluten-free pear crisp recipe works best with ripe, yet still firm Bartlett pears. These pears hold their shape beautifully and develop a delightful tender texture when baked. Avoid pears that are too soft or mushy, as they can disintegrate during cooking. Look for pears that are golden yellow but still have a slight give.
• To Peel or Not to Peel? Peeling the pears is entirely a personal preference. While I often peel apples for crisps, the thin skin of Bartlett pears usually doesn’t detract from the enjoyment of this dessert. If you prefer a smoother texture or simply don’t like pear skins, feel free to peel them first!
• Gluten-Free Flour Essentials: For the best results in this recipe, always use a high-quality measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend that explicitly states it contains xanthan gum. This ingredient is crucial for providing the necessary structure to the crumble topping. Do not substitute with almond flour (which can burn easily) or coconut flour (which will lead to an unpleasantly dry topping).
• Baking Pan Impact: The type and size of your baking pan can affect baking time. I typically use a 9×9 inch ceramic pan, which provides excellent, even heat distribution. If you use a metal pan, your crisp may bake faster, so start checking for doneness a few minutes early. Conversely, an 8×8 inch pan, being deeper, may require a slightly longer baking time.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the pear filling and the crumble topping separately up to a day in advance. Store the pear mixture covered in the fridge and the crumble mixture in an airtight container at room temperature. Assemble just before baking for fresh-baked deliciousness.
• Serving Variations: Beyond vanilla ice cream and caramel, consider serving your warm pear crisp with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts for extra crunch, or even a dash of gluten-free granola for added texture.

Recipe Video

Course:
Dessert

Cuisine:
American

Diet:
Gluten Free

Keywords:
fruit crisp, pears, gluten-free dessert, fall recipe, Thanksgiving dessert, pear crumble, spiced pears, oat topping

Find the full recipe and more delicious gluten-free treats at:

sweetsandthankyou.com/gluten-free-pear-crisp/