Homemade Apple-Pear Crisp

As the weather cools and apples and pears come into season, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a warm, bubbling fruit crisp. This apple and pear crisp is a timeless dessert that’s equal parts comforting and crowd-pleasing, featuring tender, spiced fruit and a golden oat crumble that crisps up beautifully in the oven.

It’s easy to make and hard to mess up perfect for a cozy night in, a holiday table, or your next potluck.

Ingredients

Fruit filling:

• 2 pounds ripe Bosc pears (about 4 pears), peeled, cored, and chopped

• 2 pounds firm Macoun apples (about 6 apples), peeled, cored, and chopped

• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest

• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice

• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

• 1/2 pound (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, diced

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9x12x2-inch oval baking dish.

2. Prepare the fruit filling
   In a large bowl, toss the chopped pears and apples with the citrus zest and juices. Add sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until evenly coated. Pour the fruit mixture into the prepared baking dish.

3. Make the topping
   In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or by hand), combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, oats, and diced butter. Mix on low speed until the butter forms pea-sized crumbles. This should take about a minute.

4. Assemble
   Evenly distribute the topping over the fruit, making sure all of it is well covered.

5. Bake
   Place the baking dish on a sheet pan (to catch any bubbling juices) and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling.

6. Serve warm
   This crisp is best enjoyed warm from the oven, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Why This Recipe Works

• Using a combination of apples and pears gives a more complex flavor and texture Macoun apples stay slightly firm, while ripe Bosc pears soften beautifully.

• The citrus zest and juices brighten the sweetness and balance the richness of the topping.

• The oat topping adds a satisfying crunch and rustic texture that contrasts with the soft baked fruit.

Tips for Success

• If Macoun apples aren’t available, substitute Honeycrisp or Pink Lady for similar firmness and flavor.

• Keep your butter cold when making the topping it creates the best crumb texture.

• This dessert can be made a few hours ahead and gently reheated before serving.

Apple and pear crisp is one of those timeless desserts that feels indulgent yet nourishing. It's a celebration of fall produce, simple ingredients, and warm flavors the kind of dish that brings people together around the table.

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