Looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dessert that combines the sweetness of pears and apples with the tartness of fresh cranberries? This Pear and Apple Crisp with Fresh Cranberries is the perfect fall and winter treat! Packed with warm spices, a buttery oat topping, and juicy fruit, this dessert is sure to impress your family and guests.
In this exclusive 2000-word article, we’ll cover:
- The health benefits of the ingredients
- Step-by-step instructions for making the perfect crisp
- Tips for variations and serving suggestions
- How to store and reheat leftovers
- FAQs about fruit crisps
This recipe to help food bloggers and home cooks find the best apple and pear crisp recipe online. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Pear and Apple Crisp
- This dessert is:
- Easy to make – No fancy techniques required!
- Perfectly balanced – Sweet pears & apples + tart cranberries.
- Great for holidays – Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or cozy family dinners.
- Customizable – Swap fruits or adjust sweetness to your liking.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
Before diving into the recipe, let’s explore why these ingredients are great for you:
1. Pears
- High in fiber, aiding digestion.
- Rich in antioxidants like vitamin C.
- May help reduce inflammation.
2. Apples
- Packed with soluble fiber (good for heart health).
- Contains quercetin, a natural anti-inflammatory compound.
3. Fresh Cranberries
- Loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants.
- May support urinary tract health.
4. Oats (In the Topping)
- A great source of whole grains.
- Helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Pear and Apple Crisp with Fresh Cranberries – Full Recipe
Ingredients
For the Fruit Filling:
- 2 large pears (Bartlett or Anjou), peeled & sliced
- 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled & sliced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (to prevent browning)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (to thicken juices)
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional – walnuts or pecans work well)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish (or similar size).
Step 2: Mix the Fruit Filling
- In a large bowl, combine sliced pears, apples, and cranberries.
- Add sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch.
- Toss gently until well-coated.
- Pour the mixture into the baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Crisp Topping
- In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt.
- Add cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter (or fingers) to blend until crumbly.
- Stir in chopped nuts (if using).
Step 4: Assemble & Bake
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the fruit.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the fruit is bubbly.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Pair with a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra decadence.
- Great with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven (350°F for 10-15 mins) or microwave (30-60 secs).
- Freeze (unbaked or baked) for up to 3 months – just thaw before reheating.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Vegan: Substitute butter with coconut oil.
- Nut-Free: Skip nuts or use seeds (like pumpkin seeds).
- Other Fruits: Try adding raspberries or blackberries.
FAQs About Fruit Crisps
1. Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes! No need to thaw—just mix them in directly.
2. Why is my crisp topping not crispy?
You may have overworked the butter. Keep it cold and crumbly before baking.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Pear and Apple Crisp with Fresh Cranberries is a must-try dessert that’s both comforting and flavorful. Whether for a holiday gathering or a simple family treat, this recipe delivers perfection every time.
Try it today and let us know how it turns out in the comments!
