This apple pear crisp is a warm and cozy dish that combines sweet apples and juicy pears, all topped with a crunchy oat and brown sugar mixture. It’s like a hug in a bowl!
I love serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Watching it melt while you dig in is the best part! Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser for sure! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Honeycrisp or Fuji are fantastic choices for their sweetness and firm texture. You can also use Granny Smith for a tart kick or any apples you have on hand.
Pears: Any ripe pear works, but I prefer Bartlett for its sweetness. If pears are not available, you can double the amount of apples to keep it delicious.
Lemon Juice: This is great for keeping the fruit from browning and adds brightness. If you’re short on lemon, a splash of vinegar can work in a pinch.
Oats: Rolled oats give a lovely texture, but quick oats can be used if that’s what you have. Just know the topping will be slightly softer.
Butter: Use cold unsalted butter for the topping. You can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option, but the topping may be a bit different.
How Do I Make Sure My Crisp Topping is Crunchy?
Getting a crunchy topping is key for this dessert. Here’s how to achieve that perfect texture:
- Make sure to use cold butter when mixing with the dry ingredients; it creates clumps that bake up nice and crispy.
- Don’t skip the blending step! You want to mix until you have coarse crumbs.
- Spread the topping evenly over the fruit so it cooks evenly and doesn’t clump together.
- Keep an eye on it while baking; if the topping starts to get too dark, you can cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Leave it to cool slightly after baking so the juices can settle. Enjoy this tasty treat warm with ice cream or whipped cream on top!
Apple Pear Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 3 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 3 medium pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Apple Pear Crisp takes approximately 15 minutes of prep time and an additional 40-45 minutes for baking. After baking, let it cool slightly, and you’ll be enjoying this warm treat in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or individual ramekins to prevent sticking. This preparation will make it easy to serve later!
2. Mix the Fruit:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples and pears with lemon juice. This will help keep the fruit from browning. Next, add the granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cornstarch. Stir everything together gently until the fruit slices are well-coated.
3. Transfer the Fruit to the Dish:
Now, pour the fruit mixture into your prepared baking dish or divide it evenly among the ramekins. Spread it out so it cooks evenly.
4. Make the Crisp Topping:
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for the topping. Next, add the cold cubed butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until you achieve a crumbly texture.
5. Sprinkle the Topping:
Evenly sprinkle the oat crumble topping over the fruit mixture. Make sure to cover it well so every bite has that crunchy goodness!
6. Bake the Crisp:
Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll want to look for a golden brown topping and bubbly fruit underneath. Your kitchen will smell amazing during this time!
7. Cool and Serve:
When the baking time is up, remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This will help the juices settle. Enjoy it warm topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you like!
This delightful Apple Pear Crisp is a wonderful autumn dessert that combines the sweet and tart flavors of fresh fruit beneath a crunchy, buttery topping. Enjoy every bite! 🍏🍐
Can I Use Different Fruits?
Absolutely! While this recipe is wonderful with apples and pears, you can substitute or mix in other fruits like peaches, berries, or cherries. Just keep in mind that different fruits may vary in sweetness, so adjust sugar accordingly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Apple Pear Crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or heat individual portions in the microwave.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the fruit filling and topping separately, then refrigerate them. When you’re ready to bake, just assemble and bake as directed. If storing unbaked, it can be kept in the fridge for up to a day before baking.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your oats are labeled gluten-free as well. The crisp will turn out just as delicious!