Hello, dessert lovers! There’s nothing more comforting than a warm, homemade crisp straight from the oven, and this Salted Caramel Pear Crisp takes things to a whole new level. The sweet, juicy pears combined with the buttery, crunchy topping and a drizzle of salted caramel make this an irresistible treat. Let’s jump into the details and make your home smell like dessert heaven!
Introduction
Dessert crisps are a staple for those who love the combination of fruity sweetness and crumbly topping. This Salted Caramel Pear Crisp is a seasonal delight that combines the natural sweetness of pears with the indulgent taste of salted caramel. Whether served as a treat for your family or a highlight at a dinner party, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. What makes this crisp stand out is the touch of sea salt, which balances the sweetness and makes every bite a burst of flavor. If you’ve never tried making a crisp before, this recipe is straightforward and guarantees delicious results.
Ingredients
To create this Salted Caramel Pear Crisp, gather the following ingredients:
Pear Filling
- Ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 6 cups)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Crisp Topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup salted butter, cold and diced
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt flakes
How to Make Salted Caramel Pear Crisp
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This ensures your crisp won’t stick to the dish and makes cleanup easier.
Step 2: In a large bowl, toss the sliced pears with lemon juice. The lemon juice not only adds a hint of tanginess but also prevents the pears from browning while you prepare the other components.
Step 3: In another bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and ground cinnamon. This mixture will coat the pears and create a lightly sweetened and spiced base for the crisp.
Step 4: Pour the sugar mixture over the pears and gently toss until the pears are evenly coated. Transfer the pear mixture to the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 5: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients well to ensure even distribution of flavors.
Step 6: Add the diced cold butter to the oat mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the mixture until it forms a crumbly texture. The butter is key to creating that irresistible, crunchy topping.
Step 7: Sprinkle the crumbly oat mixture evenly over the pears in the baking dish. Make sure the topping covers the pears completely for the best texture and flavor.
Step 8: Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the pears are tender. The aroma of cinnamon and baked pears will fill your kitchen.
Step 9: Once baked, remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly. This allows the flavors to meld and ensures that it’s warm but not too hot to handle.
Step 10: Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the warm crisp, letting it seep into the nooks and crannies of the topping. Finish by sprinkling the sea salt flakes on top for a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness.
Step 11: Serve the Salted Caramel Pear Crisp warm. For an extra indulgent treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Helpful Tips
- Choosing Pears: Use ripe but firm pears, such as Bartlett or Anjou, for the best texture. Overripe pears may become too mushy during baking.
- Caramel Sauce Options: If you’re short on time, store-bought caramel works great, but homemade salted caramel takes this dessert to the next level.
- Oat Substitutes: If you prefer a finer texture, quick oats can be used instead of old-fashioned oats, but the topping will be less crumbly.
- Allergy Adjustments: Substitute gluten-free flour and oats to make this dish gluten-free, or use vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
Cooking Tips
- Prevent a Soggy Crisp: Be sure to coat the pears evenly with the sugar-cornstarch mixture to avoid excessive liquid pooling at the bottom.
- Evenly Crumbly Topping: If your topping feels too dry, add a tiny bit of melted butter or a teaspoon of water to help it bind.
- Perfect Browning: To ensure a golden-brown topping, rotate the dish halfway through baking or broil for the last 1-2 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
The Salted Caramel Pear Crisp is best served warm, but it’s also delicious at room temperature. Pair it with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. For a decadent dessert, serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce. This dish is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any time you want to impress your guests with a homemade dessert.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for this Salted Caramel Pear Crisp:
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Potassium: 220mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 28g
- Vitamin C: 10%
- Calcium: 6%
- Iron: 8%
This dessert provides a good dose of fiber from the pears and oats, while the caramel sauce adds a touch of indulgence.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The topping may soften slightly, but the flavors remain delicious.
Reheat: Warm the crisp in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore its crunchy topping, or microwave individual portions for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Repurpose: Leftover crisp makes a great breakfast when served with yogurt or as a topping for pancakes or waffles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use other fruits instead of pears? Yes! Apples, peaches, or a combination of berries work wonderfully in this recipe. Adjust the sugar and spices to match the fruit’s natural sweetness.
What if I don’t have sea salt flakes? Regular sea salt or kosher salt can be used in a pinch, but flakes offer a more delicate texture and flavor.
Can I prepare this dish in advance? Absolutely. Assemble the crisp and refrigerate it, unbaked, for up to 24 hours. Bake it fresh before serving for the best texture.
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Conclusion
The Salted Caramel Pear Crisp is an easy-to-make dessert that delivers an explosion of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, it’s sure to be a hit. The combination of tender pears, crunchy topping, and salted caramel drizzle is irresistible. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!