Apple picking gets all the glory this time of year, but pear picking (and eating) is just as fun – and delicious.

Confession, yes I did go apple picking last weekend, (lots of apple recipes to come!) but I still want to celebrate a different flavor of fall with this simple and nourishing pear and raisin crisp – you’ll love it.

Pssst: just a few things before getting into the recipe, because I like keeping you all updated on this and that. For one, I got engaged! Second, I signed another lease on my current Portland apartment, and third: fall is here in Portland and it is making me oh so happy.

Fall + Pears

Because fall is here in the Pacific Northwest, all things cozy and warming are making a very quick appearance back into my day-to-day life. Because fall is my spirit animal, I’ve been obsessed with roasted root vegetables, hearty stews, tea, warm blankets, and lots and lots of sweaters as of late. And pears, of course.

Pears are a good source of fiber (roughly 22 percent DV in each one), copper, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Pears are a good source of pectin, a fiber that’s water-soluble (and is able to bind to cholesterol and other substances in the digestive tract) and is associated with improved digestive health and lowered cholesterol.

Pears (and their skins) are also packed with phytonutrients including flavanols, anthocyanins, and carotenoids. These plant compounds are associated with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, as well as decrease the risk of many chronic diseases.

This pear and raisin crisp is a simple way to enjoy this seasonal fruit. Chopped pears are mixed with raisins, sweet maple syrup, and warming spices, and topped with an oat and coconut oil topping in no time at all. In the oven, the pears become slightly softer, the raisins become plump and juicy, and the oat topping turns a golden brown.

Serve this crisp warm with vanilla bean ice cream and prepare to go full on fall mode. Enjoy!

Perfect pears + warming spices + juicy raisins + hearty oats = an easy and delicious crisp to ring in fall.

Pear and Raisin Crisp

6 firm pears
½ Tablespoon cornstarch
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp ginger
½ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp sea salt
2 Tablespoons maple syrup
½ cup raisins
1 ½ cup rolled oats
1 tsp cinnamon
3 Tablespoons coconut oil, solid
2 Tablespoons maple syrup

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a medium sized baking dish with coconut oil.

In a small bowl combine oats, cinnamon, coconut oil, and maple syrup. Use your hands to mix everything together and form clumps. Set aside.

Cut pears into long slices and add to a large bowl. Sprinkle with cornstarch, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, sea salt, and maple syrup. Use your hands to evenly mix everything together. Add raisins to the mixture and stir well. Pour pears into baking dish and sprinkle with crumble topping.

Bake crisp for 35-40 minutes, or until crisp is golden brown and pears and bubbling.

Remove from oven and let sit 5-10 minutes before serving. Scoop out, serve with ice cream, and devour!