Cranberry-Infused Apple Pear Crisp
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet bosc pears, crisp macoun apples, and tart cranberries in this warm, comforting dessert. Adapted from the beloved 2007 recipe by Ina Garten, this version includes fresh cranberries that enhance the flavor profile beautifully, especially when combined with vibrant orange and lemon zests. The crunchy oat topping adds a delightful texture, making each bite a perfect harmony of flavors. Best of all, this crisp can be made ahead and frozen, retaining its deliciousness for months. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an unforgettable dessert experience.
N/A
Servings
437
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ripe bosc pears
2 lbs (4 pears) (peeled, cored, and cut into large chunks)
Firm macoun apples
2 lbs (6 apples) (peeled, cored, and cut into large chunks)
Fresh cranberries
2 cups (fresh or frozen)
Grated orange zest
1 teaspoon (freshly grated)
Grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon (freshly grated)
Freshly squeezed orange juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Granulated sugar
1/2 cup (divided)
All-purpose flour
1/4 cup (for fruit mixture)
Ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (for flavor)
Freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (for flavor)
All-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups (for topping)
Granulated sugar
3/4 cup (for topping)
Light brown sugar
3/4 cup (lightly packed for topping)
Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon (for topping)
Old-fashioned oatmeal
1 cup (to add texture)
Cold salted butter
1/2 lb (diced)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Begin by peeling, coring, and chopping the pears and apples into large, uniform chunks. If you can't find bosc pears or macoun apples, feel free to substitute them with other flavorful varieties that can hold their shape during baking; however, avoid using canned fruit.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped fruit with grated orange zest, grated lemon zest, freshly squeezed orange juice, lemon juice, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, and freshly grated nutmeg. Gently fold in the fresh cranberries, mixing until well combined. Pour the fruit mixture into a 9x12x2-inch oval baking dish or a 9x13-inch casserole dish, ensuring an even layer.
4
For the crisp topping, in a separate bowl, combine the remaining all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, kosher salt, old-fashioned oatmeal, and diced cold salted butter. Use an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mixing on low speed for about 1 minute until the mixture resembles large crumbles.
5
Evenly sprinkle the crisp topping over the fruit mixture, making sure to cover it completely.
6
If you're planning to freeze the crisp for later, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then triple wrap it in heavy-duty aluminum foil. To keep track of your dish, place the recipe on a quart-size Ziploc bag, write the date on it, and tape it to the outside before placing it in the freezer.
7
To bake immediately, place the dish on a half-sheet pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly. Serve warm.
8
For a frozen crisp, remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw completely while still wrapped. Unwrap and bake as directed above, which may require an additional 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on the topping to ensure it doesn’t over-brown.
9
Serve the cranberry-infused apple pear crisp warm, garnished with a scoop of ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of rich caramel sauce.
Nutrition Information
21g
Fat
61g
Carbs
3.8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cranberry-Infused Apple Pear Crisp?
It is a warm dessert featuring Bosc pears, Macoun apples, and tart cranberries with a crunchy oat topping, adapted from a 2007 Ina Garten recipe.
What types of pears are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 lbs of ripe Bosc pears.
What kind of apples should be used?
The recipe recommends using 2 lbs of firm Macoun apples.
Can I use canned fruit for this dessert?
No, it is best to avoid using canned fruit; use fresh varieties that hold their shape during baking.
Can frozen cranberries be used?
Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen cranberries for the fruit mixture.
How should the fruit be prepared?
The apples and pears should be peeled, cored, and cut into large, uniform chunks.
What citrus elements are in the fruit mixture?
The mixture includes grated orange zest, grated lemon zest, freshly squeezed orange juice, and fresh lemon juice.
What spices provide the flavor for the fruit?
The fruit is seasoned with ground cinnamon and freshly grated nutmeg.
What are the ingredients for the crisp topping?
The topping consists of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, kosher salt, old-fashioned oatmeal, and cold salted butter.
What type of oatmeal is best for the topping?
Old-fashioned oatmeal is used to add the best texture to the topping.
Should the butter be cold or room temperature?
The butter should be cold and diced for the topping mixture.
How do I mix the topping to get the right texture?
Use an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on low speed for about 1 minute until it resembles large crumbles.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking dish should I use?
You can use a 9x12x2-inch oval baking dish or a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
How long does the crisp need to bake?
It should bake for 55-60 minutes or until the top is golden and the fruit is bubbly.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, this crisp can be made ahead and frozen for several months.
How do I properly freeze the unbaked crisp?
Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then triple wrap it in heavy-duty aluminum foil.
How should I label the dish for the freezer?
Place the recipe in a Ziploc bag with the date written on it and tape it to the outside of the foil.
Do I need to thaw the crisp before baking if it was frozen?
Yes, remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw completely while still wrapped before baking.
Does baking a previously frozen crisp take longer?
Yes, it may require an additional 5-10 minutes of baking time.
What are the best serving suggestions?
Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
What is the calorie count for a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 437 calories.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 21g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 61g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this dessert provide?
It provides 3.8g of protein per serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 17 total ingredients listed in the recipe.
Is there a specific way to arrange the fruit in the dish?
Ensure the fruit is spread in an even layer before adding the topping.
What should I do if the topping browns too quickly?
Keep an eye on the topping, especially when baking from thawed, to ensure it doesn't over-brown.
Why is flour used in the fruit mixture?
A small amount of flour (1/4 cup) is mixed with the fruit to help thicken the juices as it bakes.
Is this a good holiday recipe?
Yes, the combination of apples, pears, and cranberries makes it perfect for fall and holiday gatherings.