Apple Cranberry Pear Crisp: A Festive Fall Dessert

Fall is in the air, and that means it’s time for cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes, and, of course, delicious fall desserts! This Apple Cranberry Pear Crisp is the perfect way to celebrate the season. It’s warm, comforting, and bursting with the flavors of apple, cranberry, and pear. The crumble topping adds a delightful buttery crunch that complements the soft, sweet fruit filling. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, making it a fantastic option for both weeknight dinners and holiday gatherings.

## Why You’ll Love This Apple Cranberry Pear Crisp

This crisp is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. Here’s why it’ll become a fall favorite:

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of tart cranberries, sweet apples, and juicy pears creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile. The spices add warmth and depth, making it a truly autumnal treat.
* **Easy to Make:** Forget complicated pies and pastries. This crisp comes together quickly and easily, with minimal fuss and cleanup.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dessert or a show-stopping centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table, this crisp fits the bill.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to swap out fruits, add nuts, or adjust the spices to your liking. The recipe is incredibly adaptable to your personal preferences.
* **Comfort Food at Its Finest:** The warm, bubbly fruit filling topped with a crunchy crumble is the epitome of comfort food. It’s guaranteed to warm you from the inside out.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start baking, gather your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for both the fruit filling and the crumble topping:

### For the Fruit Filling:

* **Apples:** 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala), peeled, cored, and chopped. A mix of sweet and tart apples works best.
* **Pears:** 2 medium pears (such as Bosc or Anjou), peeled, cored, and chopped. Ripe but firm pears are ideal.
* **Cranberries:** 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them.
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1/4 cup, for adding sweetness to the fruit filling.
* **Brown Sugar:** 2 tablespoons, adds a caramel-like flavor.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 2 tablespoons, helps to thicken the fruit juices.
* **Lemon Juice:** 1 tablespoon, brightens the flavors and prevents browning.
* **Cinnamon:** 1 teaspoon, for warmth and spice.
* **Nutmeg:** 1/4 teaspoon, adds a cozy, nutty flavor.
* **Ginger:** 1/4 teaspoon (ground), contributes a subtle spice.
* **Salt:** 1/4 teaspoon, enhances the sweetness of the fruit.

### For the Crumble Topping:

* **All-Purpose Flour:** 1 cup, the base of the crumble.
* **Rolled Oats:** 1/2 cup, adds texture and a nutty flavor. Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not quick oats.
* **Brown Sugar:** 1/2 cup, adds sweetness and a caramel-like flavor to the crumble.
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1/4 cup, for added sweetness and crispness.
* **Cold Butter:** 1/2 cup (1 stick), cut into small cubes. Using cold butter is crucial for creating a crumbly texture.
* **Cinnamon:** 1/2 teaspoon, complements the fruit filling and adds warmth.
* **Salt:** 1/4 teaspoon, balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **9-inch Baking Dish:** A pie plate or square baking dish works well.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For preparing the fruit filling and crumble topping.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Pastry Blender or Fork:** For cutting the butter into the flour mixture.
* **Peeler, Corer, and Knife:** For preparing the apples and pears.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now for the fun part: making the crisp! Follow these simple steps for a perfect dessert every time.

### 1. Prepare the Fruit Filling

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish.
* In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples, pears, and cranberries.
* Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt to the bowl. Toss everything together until the fruit is evenly coated.
* Pour the fruit mixture into the prepared baking dish.

### 2. Make the Crumble Topping

* In a separate mixing bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
* Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is a crucial step for achieving a crumbly texture. Don’t overmix!

### 3. Assemble and Bake the Crisp

* Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the fruit filling in the baking dish. Make sure to cover the entire surface.
* Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbly. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.

### 4. Cool and Serve

* Remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken slightly and prevents burning your mouth.
* Serve warm, plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Enjoy!

## Tips for the Perfect Crisp

* **Use a Mix of Apples:** Combining different apple varieties, such as sweet Honeycrisp and tart Granny Smith, adds complexity to the flavor.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Make sure the fruit filling is evenly distributed in the baking dish. Overcrowding can prevent the fruit from cooking properly.
* **Cold Butter is Key:** Using cold butter for the crumble topping is essential for creating a crumbly texture. The cold butter creates pockets of air that expand during baking, resulting in a light and crispy topping.
* **Adjust Sweetness to Your Liking:** If you prefer a sweeter crisp, you can add more sugar to the fruit filling or crumble topping. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
* **Add Nuts:** For extra crunch and flavor, add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the crumble topping.
* **Prevent a Soggy Crust:** Adding a layer of finely ground nuts or crushed cookies to the bottom of the baking dish before adding the fruit filling can help prevent a soggy crust.
* **Spice it Up:** Experiment with different spices, such as cardamom or allspice, to create your own unique flavor profile.
* **Bake on a Baking Sheet:** Place the baking dish on a baking sheet to catch any drips and prevent your oven from getting messy.
* **Let it Rest:** Allowing the crisp to cool slightly before serving allows the filling to thicken and the flavors to meld together.

## Variations and Additions

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ideas for variations and additions:

* **Other Fruits:** Try using other fruits, such as peaches, blueberries, or raspberries, in place of or in addition to the apples, cranberries, and pears.
* **Nuts:** Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the crumble topping for extra crunch and flavor.
* **Spices:** Experiment with different spices, such as cardamom, allspice, or cloves, to create your own unique flavor profile.
* **Citrus Zest:** Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the fruit filling for a bright and refreshing flavor.
* **Maple Syrup:** Substitute maple syrup for some of the sugar in the fruit filling or crumble topping for a richer, more complex flavor.
* **Gingerbread Spice:** Add a teaspoon of gingerbread spice to the crumble topping for a festive holiday flavor.
* **Dried Fruit:** Add dried cranberries, raisins, or apricots to the fruit filling for extra chewiness and flavor.
* **Alcohol:** A tablespoon or two of bourbon, rum, or apple brandy can be added to the fruit filling for a more sophisticated flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

This Apple Cranberry Pear Crisp is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a few accompaniments:

* **Vanilla Ice Cream:** A classic pairing that provides a cool and creamy contrast to the warm, crunchy crisp.
* **Whipped Cream:** Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a touch of elegance and enhances the flavors of the crisp.
* **Caramel Sauce:** A drizzle of caramel sauce adds a decadent touch and complements the sweetness of the fruit.
* **Cinnamon Sugar:** Sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar over the top of the crisp for extra sweetness and spice.
* **Greek Yogurt:** For a healthier option, serve the crisp with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt.
* **Custard:** A warm vanilla custard provides a rich and creamy accompaniment to the crisp.
* **Crème Fraîche:** A dollop of crème fraîche adds a tangy and slightly sour note that balances the sweetness of the crisp.

## Make-Ahead Tips

This crisp can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for entertaining or busy weeknights.

* **Assemble Ahead:** You can assemble the crisp completely and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the crumble topping just before baking to prevent it from becoming soggy.
* **Make the Crumble Topping Ahead:** The crumble topping can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the crumble topping for up to 1 month.
* **Freeze the Baked Crisp:** Baked crisp can be cooled completely, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.

## Storing Leftovers

Leftover crisp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 350-400 per serving (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 8-12g
* Cholesterol: 30-40mg
* Sodium: 150-200mg
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g
* Fiber: 5-7g
* Sugar: 30-40g
* Protein: 3-4g

## Recipe Card

**Apple Cranberry Pear Crisp**

A delightful fall dessert featuring a warm and fruity filling topped with a buttery crumble.

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 35-45 minutes
**Total Time:** 55-65 minutes
**Servings:** 6-8

**Ingredients:**

**Fruit Filling:**
* 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
* 2 medium pears, peeled, cored, and chopped
* 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon salt

**Crumble Topping:**
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup rolled oats
* 1/2 cup brown sugar
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
* 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon salt

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine apples, pears, cranberries, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Toss to coat.
3. Pour fruit mixture into the prepared baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
6. Sprinkle crumble topping evenly over the fruit filling.
7. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
8. Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce, if desired.

## Conclusion

This Apple Cranberry Pear Crisp is a delicious and easy way to celebrate the flavors of fall. With its warm fruit filling, crunchy crumble topping, and customizable ingredients, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a taste of autumn! Enjoy baking!