This warm Apple Pear Crisp is a cozy treat made with sweet apples and juicy pears, all baked under a crunchy oat topping. It’s simple, tasty, and perfect for any dessert lover!
You can’t go wrong with that crispy topping, right? I always find myself sneaking spoonfuls before it cools down—who can resist? 😋 Top it with ice cream for a sweet touch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith is great for tartness, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness. However, you can mix any apples you have on hand, like Fuji or Gala, to balance out flavors.
Pears: Use ripe pears for the best flavor. Bosc or Anjou are solid choices. If pears are unavailable, just double the apples!
Sugar: The mix of granulated and brown sugar gives depth. If you prefer a healthier option, you can use coconut sugar or maple syrup as a substitute.
Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch, but they’re optional. Omit them for a nut-free dessert or substitute with sliced almonds for a different texture.
Butter: Cold butter is crucial for that perfect crisp topping. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or vegan butter works well too.
How Do I Get the Crisp Topping Just Right?
Getting the topping perfectly crunchy is key to a great Apple Pear Crisp. Start by ensuring your butter is very cold. This way, it mixes into the oats & flour without melting completely.
- Mix the dry ingredients with cold butter until it looks like coarse crumbs. A pastry cutter or your fingers works best.
- Don’t overmix! You want it crumbly for that perfect texture.
- Spread the topping evenly over the fruit without packing it down. This allows it to bake up nice and crunchy.
Happy baking and enjoy that delightful treat!
How to Make Apple Pear Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 3 medium apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 3 medium pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For the Crisp Topping:
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as pecans or walnuts)
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Apple Pear Crisp will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus around 40-45 minutes of baking time. After it’s done baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You’ll have a tasty dessert ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your crisp cooks evenly.
2. Prepare the Fruit Filling:
In a large bowl, toss together the sliced apples and pears with granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and cornstarch (if using). Make sure all the fruit is well-coated to enhance the flavor!
3. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the fruit mixture into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish or any similar size. Spread it out evenly so it cooks nicely.
4. Make the Crisp Topping:
In another bowl, mix together the oats, flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well until combined.
5. Incorporate the Butter:
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix it all together until it resembles coarse crumbs. The cold butter helps create a crunchy topping.
6. Add Nuts (if using):
If you want some extra crunch, mix in the chopped nuts now.
7. Assemble the Crisp:
Spread the oat topping evenly over the fruit layer in the baking dish. It should cover the fruit nicely to make a golden, crispy top.
8. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly and tender.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This helps the filling to settle and makes serving easier.
10. Enjoy:
Serve your Apple Pear Crisp warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that perfect finishing touch!
Enjoy your delicious Apple Pear Crisp!
Can I Use Different Types of Fruit?
Absolutely! While this recipe features apples and pears, you can easily swap in other fruits like peaches, cherries, or berries. Just adjust the sugar depending on the sweetness of the fruit you choose.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for quick reheating.
Can I Make This Crisp Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use gluten-free oats as well if you want the entire dish to be gluten-free!
How Do I Make a Vegan Version?
For a vegan Apple Pear Crisp, replace the unsalted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and use flaxseed meal mixed with water as a binder instead of the cornstarch, if desired. The rest of the ingredients remain the same!
