This Apple Pear Crisp is a warm and cozy dessert that’s easy to make! Packed with sweet apples and juicy pears, all topped with a buttery, crunchy oat mixture, it’s simply delicious.
Whenever I bake this, the lovely smell fills my kitchen and makes everyone smile. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream, and you’ve got happiness in a bowl! 🍏🍐
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Use your favorite baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice balance of sweet and tart. If you prefer something sweeter, try Fuji or Gala apples. You can even mix different types for varied flavor!
Pears: Any ripe pear works well, but Bartlett and Anjou are great choices. If you can’t find pears, just use more apples or substitute with peaches for a twist!
Lemon Juice: This prevents the fruit from browning. If you’re out, a splash of apple cider vinegar can do the trick too. It adds a nice tang to the dish!
Butter: I love using unsalted butter for better control over the salt in the topping. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or vegan butter makes a great substitute.
How Do I Get That Perfect Crisp Topping?
Getting the topping just right is key to a great Apple Pear Crisp! You want it to be buttery and crunchy. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Make sure your butter is cold. This helps create a flaky texture in the topping.
- Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl first, then cut in the butter until it looks like coarse crumbs. Don’t overmix; lumps are okay for texture!
- Evenly distribute the topping over the fruit. This ensures every bite has that yummy crisp.
Keep an eye on it while baking, and if it’s browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil.
How to Make Apple Pear Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fruit Filling:
- 3 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 2 medium apples)
- 3 cups pears, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 2 medium pears)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for fruit mixture)
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious Apple Pear Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll bake it for 40-45 minutes. In total, you should plan for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish, including cooling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready to bake your crisp perfectly!
2. Prepare the Fruit:
In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the sliced apples and pears with the lemon juice. This helps keep the fruit fresh and bright. Then, add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and flour. Mix everything well so the fruit is evenly coated with the sweet and flavorful mixture.
3. Transfer the Fruit to the Dish:
Grab a greased 9×9-inch baking dish or another similar ovenproof dish. Pour the prepared fruit mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly so it cooks nicely.
4. Make the Crisp Topping:
In a medium bowl, mix the old-fashioned oats, flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Next, add the cold butter cubes. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend everything together until it looks like coarse crumbs. Don’t worry if there are some larger chunks; they’ll add to the crispiness!
5. Assemble and Bake:
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the fruit layer in the baking dish. This topping will create a deliciously crunchy layer. Bake the crisp in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it; it’s ready when the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly and tender.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done baking, remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly. This makes serving easier! Serve warm, and if you’d like, top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that extra treat!
Enjoy your delicious Apple Pear Crisp! It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Crisp?
Absolutely! You can mix and match with different fruits like peaches, berries, or cherries. Just make sure to adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit used.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Can I Make This Crisp Gluten-Free?
Yes! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. This will make a delicious gluten-free version!
Is There a Vegan Option for This Recipe?
You can easily make this recipe vegan by replacing the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute. Additionally, use a vegan-friendly sugar option!
