A Cozy Winter Delight: Ginger-Spiced Pear Crisp
The holiday season is the perfect time to enjoy desserts that not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also nourish your body. Ginger-Spiced Pear Crisp is a dessert that brings together the warm, festive flavors of December while incorporating ingredients packed with health benefits. Here’s why this dish is a must-have for your holiday menu.
Packed with Nutrients from Seasonal Pears
Pears are the star of this recipe, offering natural sweetness and a wealth of health benefits. These fruits are rich in:
- Dietary Fiber: Supports digestion and promotes a healthy gut, keeping you balanced during the indulgent holiday season.
- Vitamin C: Boosts immunity, helping your body fight off seasonal colds and flu.
- Antioxidants: Protect your cells from oxidative stress, reducing inflammation and supporting overall health.
Ginger: The Warming Superfood
Fresh ginger takes this dessert to the next level with its bold, spicy flavor and impressive health properties:
- Anti-Inflammatory Benefits: Ginger contains compounds like gingerol, which help reduce inflammation and may alleviate symptoms of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
- Digestive Support: Known to soothe the stomach, ginger can improve digestion and reduce nausea, making it a perfect post-meal ingredient.
- Immune Boosting: Its antimicrobial properties can help support the body’s defense against seasonal illnesses.
Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Cloves: Spices with Benefits
The trio of spices in this recipe not only enhances its festive aroma but also provides a host of health perks:
- Cinnamon: Balances blood sugar levels and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Nutmeg: May support better sleep and aid digestion, perfect for relaxing during the busy holiday season.
- Cloves: Rich in antioxidants and known for their antimicrobial properties, they add both flavor and a health boost to this dessert.
A Topping That’s Good for You
The crisp topping is more than just a crunchy layer—it’s a nutrient powerhouse:
- Rolled Oats: Provide complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, along with fiber to support heart and gut health.
- Almond Flour: Adds healthy fats and protein, making this dessert more satisfying and nutritious.
- Chopped Nuts: Walnuts or pecans bring omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, which are great for brain and heart health.
- Coconut Oil or Grass-Fed Butter: Healthy fat options that support cell function and nutrient absorption.
Natural Sweeteners for Balanced Blood Sugar
This recipe skips refined sugar in favor of natural options like maple syrup or honey. These sweeteners offer more than just flavor:
- Maple Syrup: Contains minerals like manganese and zinc, which support bone health and immunity.
- Honey: A natural antibacterial and antioxidant-rich sweetener that also soothes sore throats and aids digestion.
A Dessert That Loves Your Gut
With ingredients like ginger, cinnamon, and fiber-rich pears, this crisp is gentle on the gut and promotes a healthy digestive system. It’s an ideal way to enjoy dessert without overburdening your body during the indulgent holiday season.
The Perfect Healthy Holiday Treat
Ginger-Spiced Pear Crisp is more than just a dessert—it’s a flavorful way to nourish your body while celebrating the season. Each ingredient works together to deliver not only comforting flavors but also a variety of health benefits, from immune support to improved digestion.
This December, embrace the joy of holiday baking with a dessert that loves you back. Your taste buds and your body will thank you!
Ginger-Spiced Pear Crisp
Equipment
- 9×9-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- small mixing bowl
- Sharp Knife
- cutting board
- Grater or microplane
- measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 4-5 ripe pears Bosc or Bartlett work well, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger finely grated
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves optional
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder or cornstarch to thicken
For the Crisp Topping
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour or regular flour
- 1/3 cup chopped nuts walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1/4 cup coconut oil melted or grass-fed butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized pie dish with a little coconut oil or butter.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced pears, grated ginger, lemon juice, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), and arrowroot powder or cornstarch.
- Toss everything together until the pears are evenly coated with the spices and thickener.
- In a separate bowl, mix the rolled oats, almond flour, chopped nuts, coconut sugar (or brown sugar), ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Pour the melted coconut oil (or butter) into the oat mixture and stir until everything is well combined and crumbly.
- Spread the spiced pear filling evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the crisp topping over the pears, ensuring the fruit is fully covered.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the pears are bubbly and tender.
- If the topping starts browning too quickly, you can cover the dish with foil for the remaining bake time.
- Remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes to allow the filling to set.
- Serve warm, optionally with a dollop of whipped coconut cream, yogurt, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
