Apple Pear Crisp Recipe

Looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert that practically sings of fall? This Apple Pear Crisp is as inviting as your favorite sweater and as flavorful as an orchard in October. With tender apples and pears tucked beneath a buttery, spiced oat-pecan topping, every bite offers a delightful harmony of sweet, tart, crunchy, and gooey. The combination of fruit and spices will have everyone asking for seconds, whether you’re wrapping up a weeknight dinner or bringing something special to a holiday table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Apple Pear Crisp serves a real purpose, from juicy fruit filling to the irresistible, nutty crunch on top. These simple items, many of which you might already have, blend together to create a dessert that’s as comforting as it is crave-worthy.

• All-purpose flour: Gives the crisp topping structure, helping it bake up into tender, golden crumbs.
• Old fashioned oats: Classic oats provide that signature chew and rustic texture in every bite.
• Brown sugar: Adds rich, caramel notes, both to the crisp and the luscious fruit filling.
• Chopped pecan pieces: Brings a nutty crunch and toasted flavor to the topping.
• Fine sea salt: Balances sweetness and deepens the flavor throughout the dessert.
• Ground cinnamon: Evokes warmth and coziness, perfect for a fruit-forward crisp.
• Ground cloves: A pinch is all it takes to complement the apples and pears with aromatic spice.
• Freshly grated nutmeg: Adds a touch of woodsy, irresistible fragrance.
• Salted butter: A must for richness and helps achieve that golden, melt-in-your-mouth topping.
• Honeycrisp apples: Their sweet-tart bite holds up beautifully when baked into a crisp.
• Bartlett pears: Juicy, yet firm, they melt just enough for that dreamy, spoonable filling.
• Pure maple syrup: Lends a subtle, earthy sweetness that complements the fruit and spices.
• Vanilla bean paste or extract: Deepens the flavors and ties everything together with a lovely aroma.
• Corn starch: Thickens the fruit juices to create a luscious, glossy sauce throughout.

How to Make Apple Pear Crisp

Step 1: Prepare the Crisp Topping

Start by melting 6 tablespoons of the salted butter—this will ensure your topping turns out perfectly golden and flavorful. Cool it slightly, then dice the remaining 2 tablespoons into small cubes for later. In a mixing bowl, combine your flour, oats, brown sugar, chopped pecans, spices, and a pinch of salt. Drizzle in the melted butter and use a fork to mix everything together until the mixture forms irresistible clumps. Pop the bowl in the fridge to chill while you work on the filling; this helps the topping stay crunchy and rich as it bakes.

Step 2: Mix the Apple Pear Filling

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and lightly butter a 2-quart baking dish (the more love you give your pan, the easier serving will be later). In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced Honeycrisp apples and Bartlett pears with brown sugar, pure maple syrup, sea salt, vanilla bean paste or extract, cinnamon, and corn starch. Make sure everything gets nicely coated, especially with the cornstarch—it will give the filling that luscious, velvety sauce as it bakes. Take a moment to inhale the aroma—apple, pear, and vanilla is a combo that never gets old!

Step 3: Assemble the Apple Pear Crisp

Pour the fruit filling into your buttered baking dish, making sure to scrape in every drop of those sweet juices. Retrieve your chilled topping from the fridge and scatter it evenly over the fruit; the more craggly nooks and crannies, the better for catching bubbling fruit. Dot the top with those reserved butter cubes for max richness and pop it all in the oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, watching for a bubbling, golden-brown topping that makes your kitchen smell absolutely heavenly.

Step 4: Cool Before Serving

Once your Apple Pear Crisp is out of the oven, patience is key! Let it rest for at least 20 minutes. This gives the filling time to set up, so every spoonful is the perfect mix of saucy fruit and crispy topping. It’s just the right window to brew coffee or scoop ice cream before everyone digs in.

How to Serve Apple Pear Crisp

Garnishes

Take your Apple Pear Crisp over the top with a few simple garnishes. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is classic and melts into dreamy rivers over the warm crisp. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce also pairs beautifully, adding a decadent finishing touch. For extra crunch and color, sprinkle on more chopped pecans or top with a light dusting of cinnamon right before serving.

Side Dishes

As this dessert is already wonderfully rich, lighter sides work best. Pair your Apple Pear Crisp with a fruit salad or a tart cranberry compote for a fresher finish to the meal. If you’re serving it at brunch, warm apple cider or a mug of chai tea accentuate the spiced flavors without competing for the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation, try baking the Apple Pear Crisp in individual ramekins—perfect for parties or intimate dinners. You could also layer it parfait-style in mason jars with whipped cream and a sprinkle of granola, or tuck it into tartlet shells for an elegant twist. No matter how you serve it, the colors and textures will make every guest smile.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover Apple Pear Crisp, simply let it cool to room temperature, then cover the baking dish with foil or plastic wrap. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, so the crisp is often even better the next day!

Freezing

Apple Pear Crisp freezes well, making it perfect to stash for later cravings. Let the crisp cool completely, then transfer to an airtight, freezer-safe container. It’ll keep fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for that just-baked flavor and texture.

Reheating

To enjoy leftover Apple Pear Crisp hot and bubbly again, simply cover with foil and reheat in a 350-degree oven for 15-20 minutes (or until warmed through). For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave does the trick, though the oven keeps the topping crispier.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples or pears in this Apple Pear Crisp?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples and Bartlett pears are a fantastic combo, you can mix and match with other tart-sweet apples (like Granny Smith or Fuji) or swap in Anjou or Bosc pears for a slightly different texture and flavor. Just stick with fruit that holds up well to baking.

Do I need to peel the fruit for this recipe?

Peeling is recommended for a soft, spoonable filling, but it’s not strictly necessary. If you like a bit more texture, feel free to leave the skins on—just be sure to scrub the fruit well before slicing.

Is it possible to make this Apple Pear Crisp gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use your favorite one-for-one gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

What can I use instead of pecans?

If you’re not a fan of pecans or have an allergy, try chopped walnuts, almonds, or leave the nuts out completely for a nut-free version. Toasted pumpkin seeds can also add a fun crunch!

How do I know when my Apple Pear Crisp is done baking?

Your crisp is ready when the topping is an even golden brown and you can see the fruit juices bubbling up along the edges. The aroma is also a good clue—the spiced fruit and toasted oats will fill your kitchen in the best way. If you’re unsure, check that the apples and pears are fork-tender.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a truly comforting dessert that brings instant smiles, give this Apple Pear Crisp a try! Whether it’s a festive gathering or a quiet night in, this sweetly spiced bake will have everyone cozying up for seconds. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new fall (or anytime!) favorite.

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