Crockpot Salted Caramel Pear and Pecan Crisp Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To elevate the presentation, serve the crisp in individual stoneware bowls. The rustic aesthetic complements the comforting nature of the warm fruit and crunchy topping.

A small drizzle of additional salted caramel just before serving adds a beautiful sheen and intensifies the flavor profile. The contrast between the warm fruit and a cool accompaniment, like a dollop of whipped cream, can also enhance the dining experience.

If you find the topping is not browning sufficiently, you can transfer the crisp to a baking dish and place it under a preheated oven broiler for one to two minutes. Watch it closely, as the sugar in the streusel can burn very quickly. This step is optional but provides a deep, caramelized finish that many appreciate in a classic crisp dessert.

Variations

• Apple Pear Crisp: Substitute half of the Bartlett pears with crisp Granny Smith apples. The tartness of the apples pairs beautifully with the salted caramel and adds a slightly different texture to the finished dish.
• Spiced Pecan Crisp: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg and cloves to the streusel mixture. These warm spices enhance the autumn flavors and create a more complex, aromatic profile that pairs perfectly with the pears.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezer

The crisp can be frozen for up to 1 month, though the texture of the topping will be significantly softer upon thawing.

Reheat

Reheat individual portions in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warm and the topping is crisp again.

Store any leftover crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days. Keep in mind that the topping will lose some of its crunch over time due to the moisture in the pears, but the flavor will remain excellent. To restore some of the texture, you can briefly reheat individual portions in the oven or a toaster oven.

You can prepare the pear filling and the streusel topping separately a few hours in advance. Store the pear mixture in the Crockpot base and keep the streusel in a sealed container until you are ready to assemble and cook.

This is a great way to save time for a dinner party, as you only need to combine the layers and start the Crockpot when your guests arrive.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish warm, ideally within thirty minutes of finishing the cooking time. The warmth of the pears paired with the crunchy pecan streusel is the highlight of the recipe.

For an extra touch of indulgence, consider serving it with a side of unsweetened whipped cream or a small scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream to balance the sweetness of the caramel.

The dish is also elegant enough to serve at room temperature if necessary, though the textures are best when warm. When plating, ensure each serving includes a generous portion of the caramelized pear base along with a good amount of the crisp topping.

A final sprinkle of flaky sea salt helps to highlight the flavors and cut through the richness of the caramel sauce.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crockpot Salted Caramel Pear and Pecan Crisp

Prep 15 minCook 2 h 30 minRest 10 minTotal 2 h 55 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 6 cups sliced Bartlett pears
• 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1/4 tsp flaky sea salt, for serving

Instructions

1. Place the sliced Bartlett pears into the base of the Crockpot. Drizzle the salted caramel sauce and vanilla extract over the pears, tossing gently with a spatula to ensure an even coating across all fruit slices.
2. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, rolled oats, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and chopped pecans. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the pear layer. Place a clean paper towel across the top of the Crockpot before securing the lid. This technique prevents condensation from dripping onto the crisp, keeping it crunchy. Cook on high for 2.5 hours. Once finished, serve warm with a drizzle of extra caramel and a pinch of flaky sea salt.

Contains: gluten, milk, tree nuts

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

3.5 g

Carbohydrates

52 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

6 g

Sugar

32 g

Sodium

210 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.