This Apple Pear Crisp is a warm and comforting dessert that brings together sweet apples and juicy pears, topped with a crunchy oat and brown sugar mix. Perfect for cozy nights!
Honestly, I can’t resist the smell of it baking – it feels like a warm hug for your home. I love serving it with a scoop of ice cream on top. Yum! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Use your favorite sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for great flavor. In a pinch? Go for Granny Smith for a tart twist.
Pears: Ripe Bartlett or Bosc pears work wonders! If you can’t find them, try Asian pears for a unique texture.
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: Both sugars add sweetness. For a healthier option, you can use coconut sugar in equal amounts.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon really amps up the flavor. If you want to mix it up, try adding pumpkin pie spice for a fall-like vibe!
Butter: Unsalted butter gives more control over salt levels. You can use coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
How Do I Get a Perfectly Crispy Topping?
Getting that crunchy topping is key for your Apple Pear Crisp! Here’s how:
- Keep your butter cold; this helps create a flaky texture when baked.
- Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Avoid over-mixing; you want some clumps for extra crunch!
- Spread the topping evenly over the fruit without pressing down too much.
- Don’t skip the baking time; this is crucial for the topping to get golden.
How to Make Apple Pear Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 3 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 3 medium apples)
- 3 cups pears, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 3 medium pears)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
For Serving:
- Ice cream or whipped cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Apple Pear Crisp takes about 15 minutes of prep time, and then you’ll need about 40-45 minutes for baking. So, in just under an hour, you can have a warm dessert that’s perfect for sharing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, butter a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Fruit Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples and pears together with granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Make sure the fruit is well-coated in this sweet mixture, then transfer it into your prepared baking dish.
3. Make the Topping:
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter to this mix. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, blend until the mixture looks crumbly, with tiny lumps forming. This helps create that delightful, crunchy topping.
4. Assemble the Crisp:
Evenly sprinkle the crumbly oat mixture over the fruit layer in the baking dish. Make sure to cover it well, so every bite has that yummy topping.
5. Bake it Up:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. Look for a golden-brown topping and bubbly, tender fruit to know it’s ready!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm on its own, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra treat. A light dusting of cinnamon on top would be a lovely finishing touch.
Enjoy your cozy Apple Pear Crisp! It’s perfect for dessert or even as a sweet breakfast treat the next day.
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Crisp?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match with other fruits like peaches, berries, or even cherries. Just keep the total fruit volume the same for best results.
What If I Don’t Have Cornstarch?
No worries! You can skip the cornstarch entirely or substitute it with an equal amount of flour to help thicken the filling. Just make sure to mix it well with the fruits.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Apple Pear Crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy it warm, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave for a few seconds.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. It’ll still be just as delicious!
