Combine a few basic ingredients to create this Apple, Pear and Cranberry Crisp! This recipe requires only 10 minutes of prep and is full of flavor and subtle sweetness.
If you want a simple, light and flavorful fall dessert, this Apple, Pear and Cranberry Crisp is an excellent choice. It’s an easy twist on classic apple crisp, adding pears and a pop of tart cranberries for balance. Prepared in about ten minutes and baked until golden and bubbling, this dessert is welcoming, fragrant, and perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy weeknight treat.
Warm, comforting and naturally sweet, this crisp pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The mix of apples and pears keeps the filling tender while the cranberries add bright acidity that cuts through the sweetness.
Ingredients You Need
A few ingredient notes and substitutions:
- Brown sugar: Light brown sugar gives a soft caramel flavor; coconut sugar can be used as a one-to-one substitute for a less refined option.
- Flour: All-purpose flour works well in the topping. Use a gluten-free all-purpose blend if you need a gluten-free version.
- Fruit: Pears and cranberries add interest, but you can omit one if you prefer. If you skip the pears, add two extra apples to keep the filling volume the same.
Expert Notes
- Prepare the fruit filling and the oat topping in two separate bowls so each component mixes evenly.
- When combining the topping, make sure melted butter fully coats the oats, flour and sugar. Thorough mixing prevents a dry topping and helps it form crisp clusters.
- Before adding the topping to the fruit, crumble it in your hands to create larger, rustic chunks that bake up golden and crunchy.
- Bake the crisp in an 8-inch square baking dish for even depth and attractive presentation.
- This crisp is best served warm and is especially delicious topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage
Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating in a low oven helps revive the crisp topping. This particular recipe does not freeze well, as the texture of the topping changes after freezing and thawing.
Our Apple, Pear and Cranberry Crisp is a consistent favorite because it’s straightforward to make and highlights seasonal fruit. The combination of tender baked fruit and a buttery oat topping creates the ideal comfort-dessert experience without requiring advanced techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
Other Fall Dessert Recipes
- Classic Apple Crisp
- Pumpkin Pie
- Sweet Potato Pie
- Pecan Pie Cheesecake
- Apple Crumble Bars
Apple, Pear and Cranberry Crisp
Ingredients
For the fruit filling:
- 2 pears, peeled, cored and chopped into large chunks
- 4 apples, peeled, cored and chopped into large chunks
- 3/4 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Zest and juice from one lemon
For the topping:
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the pears, apples and cranberries. Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon zest and lemon juice. Stir gently to coat the fruit and set the bowl aside while you prepare the topping.
- In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter with the oats, flour, cinnamon, brown sugar and a pinch of salt until everything is evenly moistened. Be sure the butter coats the oats to prevent a dry topping.
- Pour the fruit mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the oat topping over the fruit and use your hands to crumble it into larger, rustic pieces so it bakes into clusters.
- Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. Let the crisp cool briefly, then serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven to refresh the topping.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
This recipe was originally published in November 2013 and updated with new photos and tips in November 2020. It’s a reliable, crowd-pleasing dessert that highlights seasonal fruit and comes together with minimal effort.