Brown Butter Pear Crisp

The Brown Butter Obsession That Led to This Pear Crisp

Lately I can’t stop browning butter. It goes into my waffles, pumpkin cupcakes, even syrup. So when pears started piling up on my counter, I knew exactly what to do: make a brown butter pear crisp. The nutty aroma of browned butter with cinnamon and pears is something else. I tossed chopped pears with sugar, lemon, and spices, then topped them with an oat crumble made with that liquid gold. Baked it in my cast iron skillet until bubbly and golden. The hardest part was waiting for it to cool so I didn’t burn my tongue. Worth it, though. Served with vanilla ice cream, it’s the kind of fall dessert you’ll want to eat for breakfast too. (I may have done that.)

Why This Brown Butter Pear Crisp Works So Well

• The brown butter brings a deep nutty richness that plain butter can’t match, it’s what makes this a standout brown butter dessert.
• It’s a quick easy fall dessert that comes together in about 10 minutes of prep, then the oven does the rest.
• You can use any pears you have on hand, making it a great way to use up a fall fruit surplus.

Key Ingredients for Pear Crisp

• Pears: Use ripe but firm pears like Bosc or Bartlett. They hold their shape during baking and provide a nice texture. Avoid overly soft pears as they’ll break down.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling salt. Browning the butter is what gives this crisp its signature nutty flavor, don’t skip it.
• Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats create a hearty, chewy topping. Quick oats will make it pasty, and steel-cut oats won’t soften enough.

Kitchen Tools for Cast Iron Skillet Crisp

• 10-inch cast iron skillet: For even browning and a rustic look. You can also use a 9×13 baking dish.
• Small saucepan: Light-colored so you can see the butter change color while browning.
• Mixing bowls: One large, one medium, plus a small bowl for the brown butter.

Tips for a Perfect Brown Butter Pear Crisp

Check the crisp after 40 minutes. The topping should be deep golden brown and the filling bubbling. If yours browns too fast, tent with foil for the last few minutes. Also, let the crisp cool on a rack for a full 10 minutes, it firms up the filling so it doesn’t turn soupy.

Mastering the Brown Butter for This Crisp

Browning butter is the key to this recipe. Use a light-colored saucepan so you can see the color change. Swirl often, and once it smells nutty and turns amber, pour it into a bowl immediately to stop the cooking. Any darker and it’ll burn. Also, don’t skip the cold butter in the topping, it creates that crumbly, streusel-like texture.

Brown Butter Pear Crisp Variations to Try

This crisp is flexible. Swap the pears with apples to make a brown butter apple crisp, or use a mix of both. Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend and use certified gluten-free oats. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, any 9×13 baking dish works, just keep an eye on the bake time.

Best Ways to Serve Brown Butter Pear Crisp

Serve this crisp warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. The hot fruit and cold ice cream make a classic pair. For extra indulgence, drizzle with salted caramel sauce. Whipped cream works too if you want something lighter. It also pairs nicely with a cup of coffee or an apple cider cocktail for a full fall dessert experience.

How to Store Leftover Pear Crisp

Store leftover pear crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The topping will soften, but it’s still delicious. To keep it crispier, reheat individual portions in the oven.

How to Freeze Brown Butter Pear Crisp

You can freeze this crisp before baking. Assemble the filling and topping in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F, adding 10-15 minutes to the bake time. Alternatively, freeze baked crisp after it cools completely. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

Best Way to Reheat Pear Crisp

The best way to reheat brown butter pear crisp is in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the topping recrisps. The microwave is faster but will make the topping soggy, so avoid it if you want that crunchy texture.

Brown Butter Pear Crisp FAQs