Imagine a dessert that combines the warmth of bourbon-kissed pears, the crunch of a buttery oat topping, and a rustic charm that screams home-cooked comfort. This Pear Bourbon Skillet Crisp is not just a dessert; it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your guests begging for seconds. Perfect for cozy nights, dinner parties, or when you simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this recipe promises to elevate your dessert game to restaurant-worthy levels.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ripe pears, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure you have a 10-inch cast-iron skillet ready for baking.
- Peel and core the ripe pears, then slice them into uniform 1/4-inch thick wedges. Place the pear slices in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the bourbon over the pear slices and gently toss to coat. Let the pears marinate for 10 minutes to absorb the bourbon flavor.
- In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, rolled oats, flour, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt. Mix thoroughly until the topping becomes a crumbly mixture.
- Arrange the bourbon-soaked pear slices evenly in the cast-iron skillet, creating a single layer that covers the bottom of the pan.
- Sprinkle the oat and butter crumble mixture evenly over the pear slices, ensuring complete coverage.
- Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the pears are tender and bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let the crisp cool for 10-15 minutes. The filling will continue to set during this time.
- Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Best enjoyed fresh from the skillet.
Tips
- Choose ripe but firm pears for the best texture and flavor. Varieties like Bosc or Anjou work wonderfully in this recipe.
- Don't rush the bourbon marination - those 10 minutes allow the pears to absorb incredible depth of flavor.
- Use a cast-iron skillet if possible, as it provides even heat distribution and creates a beautifully crisp topping.
- For extra richness, consider adding a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping.
- Serve immediately after cooling for the perfect balance of warm, tender fruit and crispy topping.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the bourbon with apple juice or pear nectar.
- Store any leftovers (if there are any!) in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven to maintain the crisp texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 55mg
