Apple and Pear Crisp with Walnut Oat Crumble Topping
Warm apple and pear crisp with walnut oat topping—juicy pears, fall fruit, and a golden crisp topping. Best served with vanilla ice cream!
When the cooler months roll in, there’s nothing more comforting than the smell of warm baked fruit filling the kitchen. This Apple & Pear Crisp with Walnut Oat Crumble Topping is the perfect balance of sweet, spiced fruit and a crunchy golden topping. It’s an easy recipe that feels both rustic and elegant—something you’ll be proud to serve at family dinners, holiday gatherings, or even as a casual weeknight treat.
Made with juicy pears and crisp apples, this dessert celebrates the best of fall fruit. The addition of a buttery crisp topping with oats and walnuts adds texture, flavor, and just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even some creamy yogurt, this great dessert is one that everyone will ask for again and again.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to love this apple pear crisp recipe. First, it’s incredibly simple—no need for fancy baking skills or complicated steps. If you’ve ever made an apple crisp or apple crumble, you’ll find this recipe just as approachable but with the added bonus of sweet, ripe pears.
Second, it’s versatile. You can use different apple varieties, like Honeycrisp apples for sweetness or Granny Smith apples for a tart contrast. The pears bring natural juiciness, creating a filling that’s perfectly tender after baking. The crumble topping is hearty with oats, nutty walnuts, and a touch of brown sugar, making it a great way to highlight seasonal produce.
A Breakdown of the Ingredients
Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dessert shine:
- Apples – Both Honeycrisp apples and Granny Smith apples work beautifully here. Honeycrisp adds sweetness while Granny Smith keeps things tangy. You can even mix the two for a balanced flavor.
- Pears – Choose ripe but firm pears. Their natural juiciness adds moisture to the fruit base, making this a standout among other crisp recipes. Sweet pears like Bartlett or Bosc are ideal.
- Maple syrup – A natural sweetener that enhances the flavor of the fruit and complements the cinnamon.
- Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth to the filling.
- Cinnamon – Essential in any fall dessert. It gives the fruit mixture that cozy, spiced aroma.
- Rolled oats – The base of the crumble topping, they bake into a hearty, chewy texture.
- Plain flour – Helps bind the topping and gives it a crisp structure.
- Chopped walnuts – Provide crunch and nuttiness that balances the sweetness.
- Brown sugar – Adds sweetness and a slight caramel note to the topping.
- Butter (or coconut oil) – Binds the topping ingredients together, creating that golden, crumbly texture.
- Pinch of salt – Enhances all the other flavors, keeping the dessert from being overly sweet.
Each ingredient plays a role in making this pear crumble the great dessert it is—full of texture, flavor, and comfort.
How to Make the Recipe
Making this apple & pear crisp couldn’t be easier. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the fruit base. Peel and slice 2 medium apples and 2 ripe pears. Toss them in a bowl with maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until evenly coated. Spread into the baking dish.
- Mix the crumble topping. In another bowl, combine rolled oats, plain flour, chopped walnuts, brown sugar, melted butter (or coconut oil), and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.
- Assemble the crisp. Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the fruit. Make sure the topping covers the entire surface for that perfect golden crust.
- Bake. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the fruit is tender and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve warm. Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or yogurt.
It’s that simple! In less than an hour, you’ll have a warm, comforting dessert that’s as good for a weekday treat as it is for entertaining.
How to Store the Recipe
If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s rare!), here’s how to store your apple pear crumble:
- At room temperature: Keep covered for up to 1 day.
- In the fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warm to maintain the crisp topping.
- In the freezer: You can freeze the unbaked crisp by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish, wrapping tightly, and freezing for up to 2 months. When ready, bake directly from frozen—just add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time.
This makes it a great way to prep dessert ahead of time, especially during the busy holiday season.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use a mix of apples. Combining Honeycrisp apples with Granny Smith apples balances sweetness and tartness.
- Don’t overripe the pears. While you want juicy pears, avoid ones that are too soft or mushy, as they’ll break down too much when baked.
- Add spices. Feel free to add nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger for extra warmth.
- Make it gluten-free. Swap the plain flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend.
- Make it vegan. Use coconut oil instead of butter and pair with dairy-free yogurt or ice cream.
- Double the recipe. If you’re serving a crowd, bake the crisp in a 9×13-inch dish and double all ingredients.
These little tweaks can make your apple & pear crisp even more special depending on your preferences.
This Apple & Pear Crisp with Walnut Oat Crumble Topping is one of those crisp recipes that’s timeless and crowd-pleasing. With its combination of fresh fruit, warm spices, and crunchy crumble topping, it’s a great dessert for fall gatherings, cozy dinners, or simply when you’re craving something sweet.
If you’re already big fans of apple crisp or apple crumble, you’ll love this twist with pears. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and watch it disappear before your eyes—it’s comfort food at its finest.
FAQs
Yes! You can assemble the crisp, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Both Honeycrisp apples and Granny Smith apples work wonderfully. Honeycrisp adds natural sweetness, while Granny Smith brings tartness.
Absolutely. Pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts also make delicious alternatives for the crumble topping.
The topping should be golden brown and crisp, and the fruit should be bubbling around the edges.
It’s very similar, but the addition of pears makes it a little juicier and more flavorful. Think of it as a cross between an apple crisp and a pear crumble.
More Desserts to Try
Apple & Pear Crisp with Walnut Oat Crumble Topping
Ingredients
Fruit base
- 2 apples peeled and sliced
- 2 pears peeled and sliced
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Crumble Topping
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup walnuts chopped
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup melted butter (or coconut oil)
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Toss apples and pears with maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon. Spread into a greased 8×8 baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, walnuts, brown sugar, melted butter, and salt until crumbly.
- Sprinkle topping evenly over the fruit.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until fruit is tender and topping is golden brown.
- Serve warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or yogurt.