❓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.

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

Description

This Cinnamon Apple Pear Crisp is the ultimate fall dessert—juicy apples and sweet pears baked under a buttery oat topping with warm cinnamon spice. Easy to make and impossible to resist, it’s perfect for holidays or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Filling:

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

For the Topping:

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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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix the filling: In a large bowl, toss pears, apples, brown sugar, flour, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Spread evenly in baking dish.
Make the topping: In a separate bowl, mix flour, sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in butter until crumbly, then stir in oats and optional pecans.
Top the filling with the oat mixture, spreading evenly.
Bake for 40–45 minutes or until topping is golden and fruit is bubbling.
Cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.

Notes

Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours.
Freeze: Baked crisp can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven.
Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for best flavor.
Gluten-free: Use GF oats and flour.
Dairy-free: Swap butter for coconut oil or vegan butter.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Holiday Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pan)
Calories: 310
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg