This Apple Pear Crisp is a warm, cozy treat that’s full of sweet and juicy fruit. With a crunchy topping made from oats, brown sugar, and butter, it’s a delightful dessert!
There’s something about that crispy topping that makes it hard to resist. I love enjoying it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Who can say no to that combo? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great. They add a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of the pears. If you don’t have apples on hand, try using more pears or swap in some peaches for a different twist.
Pears: Bartlett or Bosc pears are perfect for this dish since they are sweet and juicy. If pears aren’t available, try using frozen mixed fruit instead, just adjust the sugar based on the fruit’s sweetness.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness to the fruit. You can substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or use a sugar alternative like honey or maple syrup but use less, as they are sweeter.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best to control the salt content. For a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a plant-based butter can work well too. It might slightly change the flavor, but in a good way!
How Do You Get the Perfect Crisp Topping?
The topping is what makes a crisp truly shine! Getting that ideal crunchy texture requires attention while mixing the butter with the dry ingredients. Here’s how to do it right:
- Keep your butter cold! It helps achieve a crumbly texture.
- Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the dry mix until it looks like coarse crumbs.
- Don’t overmix – leave some larger bits of butter for a crunchier topping after baking!
Bake the topping until golden brown for that dreamy contrast with the soft fruit below. Enjoy this tasty, warm treat!
How to Make Apple Pear Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 3 large apples (about 1 1/2 pounds), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 3 large pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
For the Topping:
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), cold and cut into small pieces
For Serving (Optional):
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Apple Pear Crisp takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare and 40 to 45 minutes to bake. You’ll have a warm, comforting dessert ready in about an hour, perfect for a cozy evening at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish or individual ramekins with some butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Fruit:
In a large bowl, mix the sliced apples and pears. Add the granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and optional vanilla extract. Toss everything together until the fruit is well coated. Spread this delicious fruit mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. Make the Topping:
In another bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. This will be your crunchy topping. Next, add the cold butter pieces into the mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Assemble the Crisp:
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the fruit layer in the baking dish. Be as generous as you’d like – a good topping makes all the difference!
5. Bake the Crisp:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for the topping to be golden brown and the fruit to be bubbling—delicious smells will fill your kitchen!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s finished baking, remove your Apple Pear Crisp from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This makes it easier to serve. Enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a lovely dollop of whipped cream for that extra touch!
Enjoy this comforting Apple Pear Crisp as a delicious dessert or warm snack – it’s a crowd-pleaser!
Can I Use Different Fruits for This Crisp?
Absolutely! If you’re out of apples or pears, feel free to substitute with other fruits like peaches, berries, or even cherries. Just adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruits you choose!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free oats and replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The crisp should still turn out delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy it cold or reheat it in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I Prepare This Crisp Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can slice the fruit and mix it with sugar and spices up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate. Prepare the topping right before baking for the best texture!
