Cinnamon Apple Pear Crisp: 7 Irresistible Steps to Cozy Dessert Bliss

Name: Cinnamon Apple Pear Crisp: 7 Irresistible Steps to Cozy Dessert Bliss
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium/large ripe pears, peeled and sliced (4–5 cups); 3 medium/large apples, peeled and sliced (4–5 cups); ½ cup packed light or dark brown sugar; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp ground nutmeg; ¼ tsp salt; ¾ cup all-purpose flour; ¾ cup packed brown sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats; Optional: 1 cup chopped pecans

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Introduction

As the air turns crisp and leaves start to fall, there’s one dessert that captures the essence of the season like no other: Cinnamon Apple Pear Crisp. Imagine the scent of warm cinnamon filling your kitchen, buttery oat topping bubbling over soft, juicy fruit—this is comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re prepping for a family dinner, Friendsgiving, or just craving something sweet on a chilly evening, this rustic dessert is both effortlessly elegant and deeply satisfying.

What sets this Cinnamon Apple Pear Crisp apart is its perfect balance—tart apples, sweet ripe pears, and a generous hit of cinnamon all tucked beneath a golden, crumbly topping made with brown sugar, oats, and cold butter. And the best part? No dough rolling, no crust stress, no fuss. Just a simple mix, sprinkle, and bake.

In this guide, you’ll discover exactly how to master this cozy classic, from choosing the right fruit to achieving that ideal crunchy topping. Let’s dive into your new favorite fall dessert.

What is Cinnamon Apple Pear Crisp?

At its core, Cinnamon Apple Pear Crisp is the ultimate no-fuss dessert—an oven-baked fruit dish topped with a buttery, crumbly oat mixture that turns golden and crisp as it bakes. It’s the cozy cousin of pies and cobblers, but without the need for rolling dough or worrying about soggy crusts.

Unlike a pie, where the fruit is encased in a shell, or a cobbler, which uses a biscuit-style topping, a crisp gets its irresistible texture from a streusel-like mixture made of oats, flour, sugar, and cold butter. When baked, the topping becomes delightfully crunchy, creating the perfect contrast to the soft, juicy filling below.

What makes this Cinnamon Apple Pear Crisp recipe stand out is the use of two fruits that complement each other beautifully: tart, slightly firm apples and sweet, juicy pears. The cinnamon adds warmth, while brown sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit. The result is a dish that’s as comforting as it is impressive—and ideal for fall dinners, holidays, or casual nights in.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this Cinnamon Apple Pear Crisp is a foolproof way to bring the flavors of fall to your table.

Ingredients – What You’ll Need & Why

To create the perfect Cinnamon Apple Pear Crisp, every ingredient matters. From the juicy fruit base to the buttery oat topping, here’s what goes into this fall-favorite dessert—and why each part matters.

🍎 Fresh Fruit (Apples & Pears)

4 medium/large pears – Ripe but firm Bosc or Anjou pears bring natural sweetness and keep their shape in the oven.
3 medium/large apples – Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp work beautifully. Combining varieties adds complexity to your Cinnamon Apple Pear Crisp.
Slice evenly (¼-inch thick) to ensure the fruit cooks at the same rate.

🍬 Brown Sugar (Light or Dark)

Found in both the filling and the topping, brown sugar deepens the flavor with notes of caramel and molasses.

🌾 All-Purpose Flour

Used to thicken the fruit juices and bind the oat topping for a satisfyingly crunchy finish.

🌿 Pure Vanilla Extract

A teaspoon of vanilla brings out the richness of both the fruit and the spices in this Cinnamon Apple Pear Crisp.

🌰 Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg

Cinnamon is the namesake spice here, infusing every bite with warmth. A touch of nutmeg adds subtle complexity.

🧂 Salt

Don’t skip it! Just a pinch sharpens the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

For the Topping

🧈 Unsalted Butter (Cold & Cubed)

Cold butter cut into flour creates the crumbly, golden topping every apple pear crisp recipe needs.

🌾 Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats

These oats give the topping a chewy, crisp finish. Quick oats can be substituted, though the texture will differ.

🍯 Optional: Chopped Pecans

Nuts add extra crunch and flavor. Toast them first for a deeper nutty aroma.

Swaps & Additions

Lower sugar option: Use coconut sugar or a monk fruit blend.
Gluten-free version: Use a GF flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
Dairy-free alternative: Swap butter for coconut oil or plant-based butter.
Boost brightness: Add lemon juice or citrus zest to lift the fruit’s flavor.

Cinnamon Apple Pear Crisp ingredients with apple, pear, cinnamon, brown sugar and oats — **Don’t miss out—share and pin this recipe on Pinterest today!**

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this Cinnamon Apple Pear Crisp is delightfully simple—no mixer, no dough, no stress. Just a few bowls, fresh ingredients, and a cozy oven. Follow these step-by-step instructions to bake a dessert that’s warm, bubbling, and deeply satisfying.

🔥 Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. A glass or ceramic dish works best for even heat distribution.

🍐 Step 2: Prepare the Fruit Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

4–5 cups sliced ripe pears (about 4 medium/large)
4–5 cups sliced apples (about 3 medium/large)
½ cup light or dark brown sugar
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp salt

Toss until fruit is evenly coated, then pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.

🍯 Step 3: Make the Oat Topping

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

¾ cup flour
¾ cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

Cut in ½ cup cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in:

1 cup old-fashioned oats
Optional: 1 cup chopped pecans for extra crunch

Sprinkle this topping generously over the fruit filling.

🕒 Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit juices are bubbling around the edges.

If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 10 minutes.

❄️ Step 5: Cool Slightly Before Serving

Let the crisp cool on a wire rack for at least 5–10 minutes. This allows the juices to thicken and makes serving easier.

Serve warm, at room temperature, or even chilled—whatever your preference. Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an irresistible finish.

🧊 Storage Tips

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze baked crisp (fully cooled) for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Freeze unbaked crisp as well—thaw overnight before baking.

“Making crisp topping for cinnamon apple pear crisp with butter, oats, and brown sugar in a rustic bowl.” — **Don’t miss out—share and pin this recipe on Pinterest today!**

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Apple Pear Crisp

A well-made Cinnamon Apple Pear Crisp is all about balance—flavorful fruit, just the right amount of sweetness, and a crisp, golden topping. These expert tips will help you nail it every time.

🧁 1. Choose the Right Apples and Pears

Apples: Use a mix like Granny Smith and Fuji or Honeycrisp for sweet-tart flavor and structure.
Pears: Bosc and Anjou hold their shape well during baking—ideal for your crisp.
Avoid overripe fruit as it can make your Cinnamon Apple Pear Crisp watery.

🧈 2. Cold Butter is Non-Negotiable

For that crumbly, textured topping, use cold, cubed butter. Warm butter leads to soggy results—not what you want in a crisp.

🥄 3. Slice Fruit Evenly

¼-inch slices of apple and pear ensure even baking and the ideal texture in your Cinnamon Apple Pear Crisp.

🔥 4. Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden brown and the fruit juices bubble up around the edges.

🧂 5. Don’t Skip the Salt

Add a pinch (¼ tsp) of salt to the topping mixture—it enhances flavor and balances the sweetness beautifully.

🍋 6. Brighten It Up

A teaspoon of lemon zest or juice in the fruit layer adds freshness and complexity.

🍽️ 7. Serve It Right

This dessert is made for ice cream. Vanilla is classic, but caramel or cinnamon ice cream pair wonderfully with a warm slice of Cinnamon Apple Pear Crisp.

Variations & Dietary Swaps for Cinnamon Apple Pear Crisp

What makes Cinnamon Apple Pear Crisp such a staple fall dessert is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, or just feeling creative, these simple variations ensure everyone can enjoy this cozy favorite.

🌾 Gluten-Free Cinnamon Apple Pear Crisp

Swap in:

A gluten-free 1:1 flour blend instead of all-purpose
Certified gluten-free oats

The result? A crisp that’s golden, chewy, and gluten-free without sacrificing flavor or texture.

🥥 Dairy-Free Version

To make your Cinnamon Apple Pear Crisp dairy-free:

Replace butter with vegan butter or coconut oil
Use a plant-based vanilla extract

This version is perfect for guests with dairy sensitivities.

🍊 Citrus Zest Twist

Add a tablespoon of lemon or orange zest to the filling for a brighter, more aromatic take on this apple pear crisp recipe.

🍏 All Apple or All Pear

If you’re short on one fruit:

Go all-in on apples for a tart, crisp dessert
Use only pears for a softer, sweeter bake

Both options work well and keep the Cinnamon Apple Pear Crisp spirit alive.

🧂 Spice Up Your Crisp

Give it an aromatic boost:

Add ground ginger or cardamom
Try pumpkin spice mix for holiday vibes

🍫 Flavor Add-Ons

Mix in or top with:

Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts)
Mini chocolate chips
A drizzle of caramel or maple syrup

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Whether you’re a first-time baker or a seasoned crisp lover, questions are bound to pop up. Here are answers to the most common ones about making the perfect Cinnamon Apple Pear Crisp.

❓Can I use just apples or just pears?

Absolutely! While the combo of apples and pears creates a beautiful balance, using only one fruit still works wonderfully. Just keep an eye on sweetness—pears are typically sweeter than apples, so you may want to reduce the sugar slightly.

❓What are the best types of apples and pears for baking?

Best apples: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn.
Best pears: Bosc and Anjou hold their shape best during baking.
These varieties help ensure your Cinnamon Apple Pear Crisp has the right mix of texture and flavor.

❓Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Yes, but the topping will be softer and less textured. Old-fashioned oats are ideal for that classic crisp topping. If using quick oats, don’t reduce the flour or it may turn greasy.

❓How do I prevent the topping from becoming soggy?

Make sure your butter is cold and evenly cut into the dry ingredients. Also, don’t overbake—the topping should be golden and just crisp when done. Let it rest a few minutes before serving to help it firm up.

❓Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes! Try cutting the sugar in both the filling and topping by about 25%. You can also use natural sweeteners like maple syrup, coconut sugar, or a monk fruit blend for a lower-glycemic version of this easy fruit crisp dessert.

❓Is it okay to make it ahead of time?

Definitely. Assemble the crisp and refrigerate it (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, pop it straight into the oven—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s cold.

❓Can I freeze this Cinnamon Apple Pear Crisp?

Yes, both baked and unbaked versions freeze well:
Baked: Cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Unbaked: Wrap tightly and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

❓How do I know when it’s done?

Look for a golden-brown topping and bubbling fruit juices around the edges. A fork should pierce the fruit easily, and the crisp should smell rich and buttery.

Conclusion

There’s something magical about a dessert that’s both rustic and elegant—easy enough for a weeknight, yet special enough for the holidays. This Cinnamon Apple Pear Crisp checks every box: juicy, spiced fruit, a buttery oat topping, and a flavor that tastes like fall in every bite.

Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, a cozy Sunday dinner, or meal-prepping desserts for the week, this crisp is guaranteed to win hearts and empty plates. Best of all, it comes together with minimal effort and flexible ingredients.

Have you tried this Cinnamon Apple Pear Crisp recipe?

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