This Apple Pear Crisp is a warm and cozy dessert bursting with sweet, juicy fruit. The topping is crunchy and golden, making each bite a delightful mix of flavors and textures!
Honestly, it’s the perfect treat after dinner. I could enjoy a scoop with ice cream or just straight from the pan. Who can resist that tempting smell? 🍏🍐
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith adds a nice tartness, while Honeycrisp is sweet and crisp. You can use any apple, but mix varieties for better flavor! If you want to avoid tartness, go for Fuji or Gala apples.
Pears: Ripe pears add a lovely sweetness and softness. If you can’t find ripe ones, try Bosc or Bartlett pears. There’s no need to peel them if you enjoy a little extra texture!
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the fruit nicely. For a healthier option, consider coconut sugar or honey. Just keep in mind, you may need to adjust the amount slightly.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices give warmth and depth. Feel free to add more or substitute with pumpkin pie spice for a fun twist.
Butter: Cold, unsalted butter creates a crumbly texture. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or vegan butter instead!
How Do I Get the Crisp Topping Just Right?
The perfect topping is all about texture! You want it to be crunchy and golden without being too soggy. Here are some steps to ensure it turns out great:
- Keep the butter cold. This helps create that amazing crispy texture. Cut it into small cubes to mix in easily.
- Mix the dry ingredients first. This ensures everything is evenly distributed before adding butter.
- Don’t over-mix! Mix until everything looks crumbly. Overworking the butter can make it greasy instead of crisp.
- Spread the topping evenly over the fruit. This allows for even baking and browning.
Remember to enjoy the aromas while it bakes. It’s a wonderful way to warm up your kitchen!
How to Make Delicious Apple Pear Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fruit Filling:
- 3 large apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and chopped
- 3 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light 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 Apple Pear Crisp will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. So overall, you’re looking at around 1 hour for a delicious, warm dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s ready when your crisp is assembled.
2. Prepare the Fruit Filling:
In a large bowl, mix your chopped apples and pears with granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Toss it all together so every piece of fruit is nicely coated with the mixture. Once mixed, transfer this fruity goodness to a greased 8×8 inch baking dish (or something similar).
3. Make the Crisp Topping:
Next, in another bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to mix. Now add the cold cubed butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix the butter into the dry ingredients until it looks like coarse crumbs. This will give you that amazing crunchy topping!
4. Assemble and Bake:
Spread the crisp topping evenly over the fruit mixture in the baking dish. Pop your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and you can see the fruit bubbling underneath.
5. Cool and Serve:
Once done, carefully remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. It’s hard to wait, but this allows the juices to settle a bit! Serve your warm crisp topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you like.
Enjoy your comforting Apple Pear Crisp! It’s the perfect cozy dessert anytime of the year!
Can I Use Different Fruits in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While apples and pears work wonderfully together, you can experiment with other fruits like peaches, berries, or cherries. Just keep in mind that the sweetness and juiciness may vary, so adjust the sugar accordingly.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven for the best texture. You might want to add a little more butter to refresh the topping!
Can I Make This Crisp Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and make sure your oats are labeled gluten-free. The taste will still be delicious!
What Should I Serve with Apple Pear Crisp?
This dessert is best served warm, and adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream elevates it to another level of deliciousness. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also be great additions!
