Spiced Pear & Walnut Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream

Introduction

There’s nothing more comforting than a warm, spiced fruit crisp fresh from the oven, and this Spiced Pear & Walnut Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream is the ultimate dessert for cozy evenings or festive gatherings. Juicy pears, roasted to perfection, combine with crunchy walnuts and a buttery spiced topping, creating a dessert that is rich in texture, fragrant with warm spices, and perfectly balanced. The addition of creamy vanilla ice cream brings a cooling, luscious element that elevates the dish to a restaurant-quality treat.

This crisp is simple to prepare, yet incredibly impressive—ideal for casual family dinners, holiday celebrations, or entertaining guests. The sweet-tart pears are naturally flavorful, while the spiced walnut topping adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the soft fruit filling. The combination of sweet, warm, and nutty flavors makes this dessert a crowd-pleaser year-round.

Background & Inspiration

Fruit crisps and crumbles have long been a staple of home baking, especially in regions where seasonal fruits are abundant. Pears, with their delicate sweetness and tender flesh, are a perfect choice for a crisp, as they hold their shape while baking yet become soft enough to meld with the buttery topping.

The addition of walnuts adds richness and texture, while warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ginger create an aromatic experience reminiscent of autumn and winter festivities. Pairing the crisp with vanilla ice cream is a classic approach, enhancing both temperature contrast and creaminess, making each bite indulgent yet balanced.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting and cozy: Perfect for cooler evenings or holiday meals.
Quick to assemble: Minimal prep with maximum flavor impact.
Textural contrast: Juicy pears with crunchy walnut topping.
Customizable: Adjust spices, nuts, or fruit for personal preference.
Make-ahead friendly: Prepare the topping or filling in advance for convenience.

Ingredients & Equipment

For the Pear Filling:

6 medium ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
2 tbsp lemon juice
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Walnut Crisp Topping:

¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup rolled oats
½ cup brown sugar
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp ground cinnamon
6 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
½ cup chopped walnuts

For Serving:

Vanilla ice cream or your favorite plant-based alternative
Optional: drizzle of honey or maple syrup

Equipment:

Baking dish (8×8 inches or similar)
Mixing bowls
Whisk and spoon
Pastry cutter or fork for topping
Sharp knife and cutting board

Pro Tip: Use slightly underripe pears for the best texture—they will hold up during baking without turning mushy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pear Filling

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large bowl, toss the pear slices with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 2: Make the Walnut Crisp Topping

In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped walnuts for added crunch and nuttiness.

Step 3: Assemble the Crisp

Evenly sprinkle the walnut topping over the pear filling, covering the fruit completely. Press lightly to help the topping adhere but don’t compact it too much—you want it to remain crumbly for texture.

Step 4: Bake the Crisp

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the topping is golden brown and crisp. Check midway and, if necessary, tent with foil to prevent over-browning. The aroma of baked pears and warm spices should fill your kitchen.

Step 5: Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream

Allow the crisp to cool slightly before serving. Scoop portions into bowls and top generously with vanilla ice cream. Optional: drizzle with honey or maple syrup for added sweetness. Serve warm for the best contrast of textures.

Expert Tips & Troubleshooting

Prevent soggy topping: Ensure butter is cold and cut into small cubes for a crumbly texture.
Fruit balance: If pears are too juicy, sprinkle 1 tsp of flour over them before adding the topping to thicken the filling.
Even baking: Rotate the baking dish halfway through to ensure the topping browns evenly.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for a crisp finish.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
Serve alongside warm caramel sauce or fruit compote for added indulgence.
For a festive twist, add a sprinkle of toasted coconut or chocolate chips to the topping.
Ideal as a make-ahead dessert for dinner parties—just warm slightly before serving.

Variations & Customizations

Fruit swap: Use apples, plums, or mixed berries instead of pears.
Nut alternatives: Replace walnuts with pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts.
Gluten-free: Use almond flour or gluten-free oats for the topping.
Vegan option: Substitute butter with coconut oil or plant-based butter and use vegan ice cream.
Extra spices: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for a more aromatic dessert.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Prepare filling and topping separately: Store in the fridge until ready to assemble and bake.
Leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10–15 minutes to restore crispness before serving with ice cream.

FAQ

Can I use canned pears?
Yes, but drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture, and reduce sugar slightly.

Can I freeze the crisp?
Yes, freeze before baking in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use plant-based butter and vegan ice cream for a fully dairy-free dessert.

Conclusion

This Spiced Pear & Walnut Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream is a warm, comforting, and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender, sweet pears, crunchy walnut topping, and creamy ice cream creates a dessert that’s rich in flavor, texture, and visual appeal.

Quick to assemble yet elegant in presentation, it’s a dessert that can impress guests or provide a cozy finish to a family meal. Serve it warm, pair with ice cream, and enjoy the delightful harmony of sweet, spiced, and nutty flavors in every bite.