Description
This Slow Cooker Apple Pear Crisp is a warm, comforting dessert combining tender apples and pears topped with a crunchy, buttery oat and pecan topping. Slow-cooked to perfection, it offers a perfect balance of sweet fruit and spiced crumble, ideal for cozy gatherings or a simple family dessert.
Ingredients
Fruit Mixture
- 4 apples (peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices)
- 3 Bosc pears (peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices)
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
Topping
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup old fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
Instructions
- Prepare the topping: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, oats, chopped pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
- Prepare the fruit base: Lightly coat the inside of a 4-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray. Place the peeled and sliced apples and pears into the slow cooker. Stir in the brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg until the fruit is evenly coated.
- Assemble and start cooking: Evenly sprinkle the reserved crumb topping mixture over the fruit in the slow cooker. Gently press the topping into the fruit using your fingertips to help it adhere. Cover the slow cooker with a clean dishtowel, then place the lid on top.
- Cook on slow cooker: Cook the crisp on low heat for 2 to 3 hours or on high heat for about 90 minutes. Then remove the dishtowel and continue cooking uncovered for an additional hour, or until the topping is browned and the fruit is tender.
- Serve: Serve the apple pear crisp warm, either on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- Use Bosc pears for their firm texture and sweet flavor to complement the apples.
- Ensure butter used in the topping is cold to achieve a crumbly texture.
- Covering the slow cooker with a dishtowel helps absorb condensation and prevents the topping from becoming soggy.
- Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker model; check for tenderness and browning.
- This dessert can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
