Delicious 5-Ingredient Apple and Pear Crisp Recipe to Crave

There’s nothing like pulling a bubbling apple and pear crisp out of the oven—the smell of cinnamon filling your kitchen, that irresistible crunch when you scoop into the golden oat topping. This recipe is my absolute go-to when I want dessert that feels fancy but couldn’t be simpler to throw together. After years of testing fruit crisp recipes (my friends call me the “Crisp Queen”), I’ve nailed down the perfect balance of sweet, juicy apples and pears with that addictive crispy-crunchy topping that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

What I love most? You probably have all the ingredients in your pantry right now. The magic happens when tart apples and floral pears caramelize together under a blanket of buttery oats—no fancy techniques required. Trust me, this apple and pear crisp will become your new favorite dessert for cozy nights in or last-minute dinner parties. Pro tip: always make extra—it disappears fast!

Why You’ll Love This Apple and Pear Crisp

This apple and pear crisp is one of those rare desserts that checks every box—it’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. After making it countless times (sometimes at 3 AM when a craving hits), here’s why I think you’ll adore it:

• Effortless baking: No mixer, no fuss—just toss fruit, sprinkle topping, and bake. Even my 8-year-old nephew can make it (and has!).
• Year-round favorite: Works with summer’s juiciest pears or winter’s tart apples. I’ve even used slightly overripe fruit with amazing results.
• Perfect sweetness: The brown sugar oat topping balances the fruit’s natural tang—not too sugary, not too bland. My secret? A pinch of nutmeg in the filling.
• That addictive crunch: Cold butter cubed small = extra crispy clusters. Listen for the satisfying crackle when you break through the golden crust.
• Endlessly adaptable: Serve it warm with ice cream for dessert, or cold with yogurt for breakfast (no judgment here!).

Honestly? This apple and pear crisp tastes like a hug in dessert form. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s my most requested recipe.

Ingredients for Apple and Pear Crisp

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cozy dessert sing – I’ve learned through trial and error that quality ingredients make all the difference. Grab these simple staples:

• 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best) – peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch wedges
• 2 large pears (Bosc or Anjou hold their shape well) – peeled and sliced same thickness as apples
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – fresh squeezed keeps the fruit from browning
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – adjust up if your fruit is extra tart
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – my secret is using Vietnamese cinnamon for extra warmth
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg – freshly grated if possible
• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats – not quick-cooking (they get mushy)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – spooned and leveled to measure correctly
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar – pack it firmly into the measuring cup
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter – cubed into small pieces straight from fridge

A quick tip from my kitchen disasters: measure your butter when it’s cold, but let your mixing bowl and tools be at room temperature – it helps the topping come together perfectly. Now let’s get baking!

How to Make Apple and Pear Crisp

This is where the magic happens – turning simple ingredients into that perfect apple and pear crisp with the crispiest topping and juiciest fruit. I’ve burned my fair share of crisps over the years (who knew sugar could bubble over so dramatically?), so follow these steps for foolproof results every time.

Step 1: Prep the Fruit

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) – this gives the crisp that perfect golden start. Now grab your peeled, sliced apples and pears and toss them in a big bowl with the lemon juice (this keeps them from turning brown – learned that the hard way when I forgot once!). Sprinkle in the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Here’s my trick: use your hands to mix it all together gently but thoroughly, making sure every slice gets coated. The sugar will start drawing out the fruit’s juices almost immediately – that’s exactly what you want for that saucy bottom layer.

Step 2: Make the Crisp Topping

Now for the best part – the crumbly oat topping that makes this apple and pear crisp irresistible. In another bowl (or honestly, I sometimes just use the same one after dumping in the fruit), combine the oats, flour, and packed brown sugar. Then comes the butter – make sure it’s chilled! Use your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until you’ve got a mix of pea-sized crumbs and some larger clusters. Pro tip: if your hands run warm like mine, work quickly so the butter stays cold – this gives you those perfect crispy bits.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Dump your spiced fruit mixture into a 9×9 baking dish (no need to grease it – the fruit juices do that for you). Now sprinkle the oat topping evenly over everything – don’t press it down! The loose topping is what creates that amazing texture. Bake for 35-40 minutes until you see thick, bubbly juices around the edges and the topping turns golden brown. Your kitchen will smell like heaven! Let it cool just 10 minutes (the hardest wait of your life) before serving warm with ice cream melting over the top.

Tips for the Best Apple and Pear Crisp

After burning my share of crisps (and salvaging even more), I’ve picked up some game-changing tricks for apple and pear crisp perfection:

• Choose your apples wisely: Firm varieties like Granny Smith hold their shape during baking—soft apples turn to mush. My secret? Mix one tart and one sweet apple for balanced flavor.
• Taste before adding sugar: Some pears are sweeter than others. I always nibble a fruit slice first to gauge sweetness, then adjust the sugar (start with 1/3 cup for very ripe fruit).
• Serve it right: The crisp keeps cooking as it cools! Wait 10 minutes before serving—that window when juices thicken but the topping stays crisp. Vanilla ice cream is non-negotiable in my house—the melting cream pooling into those cinnamon-scented juices is everything.

One last tip? Bake it on a sheet pan—no more bubbling-over disasters ruining my oven floor!

Ingredient Substitutions

Life happens—you’re out of brown sugar or your friend can’t eat gluten. No worries! My apple and pear crisp is crazy adaptable. Here’s what I’ve successfully swapped over the years:

• Flour alternatives: Almond flour works beautifully for gluten-free (use 3/4 cup instead of 1/2 cup AP flour—it’s more absorbent).
• Sweetener swaps: Coconut sugar replaces brown sugar 1:1 with a caramel-like depth. Maple syrup works too—reduce fruit sugar by 1 tbsp.
• Fruit variations: No pears? Double the apples or mix in berries (frozen works—no thawing needed). My favorite combo? Blackberries + apples.
• Butter options: Cold coconut oil makes a decent vegan crisp topping (same measurement), though the texture’s slightly different.

The moral? Don’t skip dessert just because you’re missing an ingredient—improvise!

Serving and Storage Tips

Here’s how I make sure every bite of this apple and pear crisp is as delicious as the first: serve it warm (but not piping hot—about 10 minutes out of the oven is perfect) with a scoop of vanilla ice cream slowly melting into the crispy topping. Any leftovers? No problem! Just cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave for 30 seconds or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to recrisp that glorious topping.

Apple and Pear Crisp FAQs

Over the years, I’ve gotten so many questions about this apple and pear crisp recipe—here are the answers to what everyone asks me most!

Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen apples and pears work in a pinch—just thaw and drain them well first (no one wants a soggy crisp). You might need to bake 5-10 minutes longer since frozen fruit releases more liquid.

How long does apple and pear crisp stay fresh?
Honestly? It rarely lasts more than a day in my house! But properly stored in the fridge, it keeps for 3 days. The topping softens over time, but 5 minutes under the broiler brings back its crunch.

Can I make this ahead for a party?
Yes! Prep the fruit and topping separately up to a day ahead, store them covered in the fridge, then assemble and bake when needed. Your guests will smell it baking and go wild!

Why did my topping burn?
Oven temperatures vary—if you notice browning too fast, tent loosely with foil. Also, make sure your oven rack isn’t too high—middle position is best for even cooking.

Can I double this recipe?
Of course! Use a 9×13 baking dish instead and add 5-7 minutes to the bake time. I do this for Thanksgiving every year—it disappears just as fast as the smaller version.

Nutritional Information

Okay, let’s talk nutrition – because I know we all like to balance our indulgences! Here’s what you’re getting in each warm, comforting serving of this apple and pear crisp (remember, nutritional values are estimates and vary based on ingredients used):

• Calories: 280 per serving (that’s 1/6th of the pan)
• Sugar: 32g – mostly from the natural fruit sugars and brown sugar topping
• Fat: 12g (7g saturated from that glorious butter)
• Carbs: 45g – with 4g fiber from all those wholesome oats and fruit
• Protein: 2g – not bad for dessert!

Now let’s be real – I’m not claiming this is health food, but it’s packed with real ingredients instead of weird additives. Those apples and pears? Full of fiber and vitamins. The oats? Great for heart health. And that butter? Well… everything in moderation, right? My philosophy? Enjoy your dessert fully, then go for an extra walk tomorrow!

Try this recipe and share your results – I’d love to hear how your apple and pear crisp turns out!

Delicious 5-Ingredient Apple and Pear Crisp Recipe to Crave

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A simple and delicious dessert combining apples and pears with a crispy oat topping.

• Author: Kitchen Hub
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large apples, peeled and sliced
• 2 large pears, peeled and sliced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss apples and pears with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Place in a baking dish.
3. In a bowl, mix oats, flour, and brown sugar. Cut in butter until crumbly.
4. Sprinkle topping over fruit.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and bubbly.
6. Serve warm.

Notes

• Use firm apples like Granny Smith for texture.
• Adjust sugar based on fruit sweetness.
• Top with ice cream for extra indulgence.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 32g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg