This Apple Pear Crisp is a warm and cozy dessert that combines juicy apples and sweet pears, all topped with a crunchy oat mixture. Every bite is like a hug on a plate!
Honestly, the crunch on top is the best part! I love serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—it’s a perfect match. Trust me, it will make your taste buds dance! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I love using Granny Smith for their tartness, but Honeycrisp is sweeter. You can mix apples for more depth. If you’re in a pinch, any firm apple will do!
Pears: Any ripe pears work great. Bartlett or Bosc are excellent choices. If you can’t find pears, use extra apples or try peaches for a twist.
Oats: Rolled oats give a lovely texture. If you’re gluten-free, swap in gluten-free oats. Quick oats can also work, but they’ll create a softer topping.
Butter: I prefer unsalted butter for control over the saltiness. If you need a dairy-free option, try coconut oil or vegan butter. Just keep it cold for best results!
Nuts: I love walnuts or pecans for crunch but use almonds or skip them if you prefer nut-free. Seeds, like pumpkin or sunflower, can be a nice replacement.
How Do You Ensure the Crisp Topping is Perfectly Crunchy?
The crisp topping is key to this dish! To achieve that perfect crunch, follow these steps:
- Use cold butter. It keeps the topping crumbly and prevents it from becoming a paste.
- Mix the butter with dry ingredients using your fingers or a pastry cutter until you see pea-sized pieces. This creates texture.
- Spread the topping evenly over the fruit. Don’t pack it down; let some air circulate during baking for extra crunch.
- Watch it closely in the last few minutes of baking. Over-baking can burn the topping, so look for a golden color.
Following these tips will give you a deliciously crunchy topping paired with tender, bubbly fruit! Enjoy your baking! 🍏🍐
Delicious Apple Pear Crisp Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fruit Filling:
- 3 medium apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 3 medium pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thicker filling)
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Apple Pear Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. So, set aside around 1 hour for prepping and baking, and then let it cool a bit before you dig in. Perfect timing for your cozy dessert night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9 inch (or similar size) baking dish to prepare it for the delicious crisp.
2. Prepare the Fruit Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the sliced apples and pears. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch if you want a thicker filling. Mix gently to coat the fruit evenly with all those sweet and spicy flavors.
3. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the fruit mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer. This will be the tasty base for your crisp!
4. Make the Crisp Topping:
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, the remaining brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter to the mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. If you like, stir in those chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
5. Assemble the Crisp:
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the fruit layer in the baking dish. Don’t pack it down too hard; the air needs to circulate while baking to keep it nice and crunchy!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Put your dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling and tender!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delightful contrast of flavors and temperatures!
Enjoy this cozy and comforting Apple Pear Crisp that’s sure to become a favorite dessert in your home! 🍏🍐
Can I Use Different Fruits for This Crisp?
Absolutely! You can substitute the apples and pears with other fruits like peaches, cherries, or even mixed berries. Just keep an eye on the sugar levels, as some fruits are sweeter than others!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. It’ll still turn out delicious!
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep the fruit filling and topping in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge and assemble them before baking when you’re ready to serve!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy again, reheat in the oven or microwave until warm, and add a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate treat!