Classic Apple and Pear Crumble Recipe with Cinnamon Topping

This Apple Pear Crisp is the perfect fall dessert: tender, spiced apples and pears baked under a buttery oat crumble. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy treat that’s excellent for family dinners or holiday gatherings.

What is a Crumble?

A crumble is a simple, comforting dessert with a fruit filling topped by a streusel-like mixture. The filling is usually made from seasonal fruits—apples, berries, pears, or a combination—tossed with sugar, spice, and a thickener. The topping blends flour, sugar, butter, and often oats or nuts, producing a crisp, golden finish when baked. Unlike pie, a crumble has no bottom crust, which keeps the focus on the contrast between soft, bubbling fruit and a crunchy, buttery topping.

What you’ll love about this Apple Pear Crisp Recipe:

• Simple Ingredients: Fresh fruit, oats, flour, sugar, butter—no specialty items required.
• Seasonal Favorite: Apples and pears are ideal in autumn and add natural sweetness and texture.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Easy to make and popular with all ages, great for weeknights or entertaining.

Recipe Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for the Apple Pear Crisp:

Topping:

• Rolled oats
• All-purpose flour
• Dark brown sugar
• Unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• Ground cinnamon

Fruit Mixture:

• Apples, peeled and diced
• Pears, peeled and diced
• Granulated sugar
• Lemon juice
• Ground cinnamon
• Cornstarch

Ingredient Notes:

• Apples and Pears: Choose a mix of tart and sweet apples for balance; Bartlett or Bosc pears hold their shape well.
• Butter: Use chilled butter to help create a crumbly, textured topping.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm depth—feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra complexity.

How to make Apple Pear Crisp: STEP-BY-STEP

STEP 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

STEP 2: In a medium bowl, combine oats, flour, dark brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Cut in chilled butter with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture becomes crumbly.

STEP 3: In a large bowl, toss diced apples and pears with granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and cornstarch until evenly coated.

STEP 4: Spread the fruit mixture into the prepared dish. Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the fruit.

STEP 5: Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the fruit is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.

STEP 6: Let the crisp cool about 15 minutes before serving so the filling thickens slightly.

Pro Tip:

For an extra-crisp topping, place the crisp under the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking. Watch it closely to avoid burning.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
• Freezing: Freeze before or after baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as directed.

Additions & Substitutions

Additions:

• Nuts: Stir 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping for extra crunch.
• Spices: Add nutmeg or ground ginger to complement the cinnamon.
• Cranberries: Mix in 1/2 cup dried cranberries for a bright, tart contrast.

Substitutions:

• Butter: Use coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
• Flour: Substitute whole wheat or gluten-free flour if preferred.
• Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar can replace brown sugar for a less-refined option.

FAQs about this Apple Pear Crisp Recipe:

1. Can I use just apples or just pears?
   Yes. Use all apples or all pears if you prefer; reduce sugar slightly if the fruit is very sweet.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead?
   Yes. Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
3. How do I know when it’s done?
   The filling should be bubbling and soft, and the topping should be golden brown.
4. Can I use frozen fruit?
   Yes. Thaw and drain well to avoid excess liquid before using.

Apple and Pear Crumble

Vicky Hadley ~ Little Chef Within