Cozy Pear Crisp for Two: A Simple & Delicious Dessert

Pear crisp is the quintessential comfort dessert, perfect for chilly evenings or a sweet treat any time of year. This recipe is scaled down for two, making it ideal for a romantic date night, a cozy night in, or simply when you don’t want a ton of leftovers. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and bakes up into a warm, bubbly, and satisfying dessert that’s sure to please.

## Why You’ll Love This Pear Crisp for Two

* **Perfectly Portioned:** No more resisting the urge to eat the entire batch! This recipe is designed for two people, minimizing waste and maximizing enjoyment.
* **Easy to Make:** With just a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip up this pear crisp in no time.
* **Comforting and Delicious:** The warm, soft pears combined with the buttery, crumbly topping is a match made in dessert heaven.
* **Versatile:** Customize this recipe with your favorite spices, nuts, or toppings to create your own unique pear crisp.
* **Elegant yet Simple:** This dessert is fancy enough for a special occasion but easy enough for a weeknight treat.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

### For the Pear Filling:

* 2 medium pears, peeled, cored, and diced (such as Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc)
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
* 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
* 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

### For the Crisp Topping:

* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
* 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
* 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Small baking dish (such as an 8×8 inch square dish or two individual ramekins)
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Pastry blender or fork (for cutting butter into the topping)
* Vegetable peeler
* Cutting board
* Knife

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### 1. Prepare the Pears

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your baking dish or ramekins with butter or cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
* Wash, peel, core, and dice the pears into approximately 1/2-inch pieces. Aim for consistent sizing so the pears cook evenly.
* In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced pears, lemon juice, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). The lemon juice prevents the pears from browning and adds a touch of brightness. The flour helps to thicken the filling as it bakes. Gently toss everything together until the pears are evenly coated.
* Add the vanilla extract and toss again gently. Vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the pear filling.
* Transfer the pear mixture to the prepared baking dish or divide it evenly between the two ramekins. Dot the top of the pear mixture with the small pieces of butter. This adds richness and flavor to the filling as it bakes.

### 2. Make the Crisp Topping

* In a separate medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Whisk these dry ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed.
* Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The colder the butter, the better the topping will be. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
* If using, stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts. Nuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the crisp topping.

### 3. Assemble and Bake

* Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the pear filling. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the pears for a perfect crisp crust.
* Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the pear filling is bubbly. Keep a close eye on the crisp towards the end of the baking time to prevent the topping from burning. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the baking dish with foil.
* Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. This allows the filling to thicken and the topping to set.

### 4. Serve and Enjoy

* Serve the pear crisp warm, on its own, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. These additions enhance the flavors and textures of the dessert.

## Tips for the Best Pear Crisp

* **Use Ripe Pears:** Slightly ripe pears will bake up softer and sweeter. Avoid using pears that are too hard or too mushy.
* **Don’t Overmix the Filling:** Overmixing the filling can result in a gummy texture. Gently toss the ingredients together until just combined.
* **Keep the Butter Cold:** Cold butter is crucial for creating a crumbly topping. Use butter straight from the refrigerator and work quickly to prevent it from melting.
* **Adjust Sweetness to Taste:** If you prefer a sweeter dessert, add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar to the filling or topping.
* **Add a Pinch of Salt:** A pinch of salt to the filling and topping can enhance the flavors and balance the sweetness.
* **Use Different Spices:** Experiment with different spices like ginger, cardamom, or cloves to create your own unique flavor profile.
* **Add a Streusel Topping:** For an even more decadent topping, add a streusel layer with more butter, flour, sugar, and nuts.
* **Bake in Individual Ramekins:** Baking in individual ramekins makes for a beautiful presentation and ensures even baking.
* **Line your baking sheet with parchment paper:** Although you’ve greased your baking pan, sometimes the juices from the crisp can bubble over and make a mess in your oven. Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper will make cleanup a breeze!

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Apple Crisp:** Substitute the pears with apples for a classic apple crisp.
* **Berry Crisp:** Use a mixture of berries such as blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries for a berry crisp.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free rolled oats to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Vegan:** Use vegan butter and maple syrup instead of brown sugar to make this recipe vegan.
* **Add Almonds:** Sliced almonds can be added to the topping for extra crunch and flavor.
* **Maple Syrup:** Replace brown sugar with maple syrup for a richer, more complex flavor in the topping.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Vanilla Ice Cream:** A classic pairing that complements the warm pear crisp perfectly.
* **Whipped Cream:** Light and airy whipped cream adds a touch of elegance to the dessert.
* **Caramel Sauce:** A drizzle of caramel sauce adds extra sweetness and richness.
* **Greek Yogurt:** For a healthier option, serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt.
* **Cinnamon Sugar:** Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of warmth and spice.

## Storage Instructions

* **Leftovers:** Store leftover pear crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The topping may soften slightly over time.
* **Reheating:** Reheat leftover pear crisp in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the topping may not be as crisp.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 350-400
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 10-12g
* Cholesterol: 40-50mg
* Sodium: 50-75mg
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g
* Fiber: 5-7g
* Sugar: 30-40g
* Protein: 3-5g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use canned pears?**
A: While fresh pears are preferred for their texture and flavor, you can use canned pears in a pinch. Be sure to drain them well and reduce the amount of sugar in the filling accordingly.

**Q: Can I freeze pear crisp?**
A: Yes, you can freeze pear crisp, either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the crisp in a freezer-safe dish and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To freeze after baking, let the crisp cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen pear crisp can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.

**Q: My topping is too dry. What should I do?**
A: If your topping is too dry, add a tablespoon or two of melted butter or milk until it reaches the desired consistency.

**Q: My topping is too wet. What should I do?**
A: If your topping is too wet, add a tablespoon or two of flour or rolled oats until it reaches the desired consistency.

**Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can assemble the pear crisp ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the topping just before baking to prevent it from becoming soggy.

**Q: What kind of pears should I use?**
A: Bartlett, Anjou, and Bosc pears are all good choices for pear crisp. Use whatever variety you prefer or have on hand.

## Get Ready to Bake!

This Pear Crisp for Two is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, comforting, and incredibly delicious. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a warm and bubbly treat!