This Apple, Pear, and Pomegranate Crisp is a warm, inviting dessert that combines the best of fall’s bountiful harvest into a single dish. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon, brightened with orange zest, and topped with a buttery oat streusel, it’s an easy, pantry-friendly treat that’s sure to wow at any holiday gathering or cozy night in.
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Calories: 401kcal | Carbohydrates: 71g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 155mg | Potassium: 398mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 48g | Vitamin A: 470IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 1mg
Reasons This Crisp is a Fall Favorite
- Showcases Seasonal Produce: This recipe highlights fall’s best fruits—apples, pears, and pomegranates—which are at their peak for flavor and freshness.
- Perfectly Spiced: Cinnamon brings warmth to the dish, evoking the comforting essence of autumn. Paired with citrusy orange zest, it’s a flavor combination that feels both cozy and refreshing.
- Simple, Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: Using staples like oats, flour, butter, and sugar, this dessert is easy to whip up without a lengthy grocery list.
- Easy to Make, Easy to Love: With just a few steps and minimal equipment, this recipe is stress-free, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute holiday desserts.
- Holiday-Ready: It’s the perfect dessert for gatherings, offering vibrant colors and flavors that complement festive meals. Plus, it’s easy to transport if you’re bringing it to a potluck.
- Customizable and Crowd-Pleasing: Serve the crisp warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cool, creamy topping complements the warm, spiced filling beautifully. Sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans over the crisp just before serving for added texture and a nutty flavor boost.
Simple Ingredients for this Crisp
- Apple: Apples bring a classic sweetness with a hint of tartness, depending on the variety you choose. They are a quintessential fall fruit that adds familiarity to the dish. When baked, apples become tender yet hold their shape, offering a firm bite amidst the softer elements of the filling.
- Pear: Pears provide a mild, honeyed sweetness that complements the tartness of the apple without overwhelming the dish.
- Pomegranate Seeds: Pomegranate seeds add bright, tangy bursts of flavor that cut through the sweetness of the apples and pears, making the filling more vibrant. Their juicy, crisp texture provides a delightful contrast to the tender fruit and crunchy streusel.
- Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and depth, amplifying the autumnal flavors of the apples and pears. Its subtle spice brings complexity to the sweetness of the dish.
- Orange Zest and Juice: The zest and juice provide a pop of citrusy brightness that balances the richness of the fruit and butter. The orange also enhances the overall flavor, making the dessert taste fresh and light.
- Rolled Oats: Oats add a hearty, chewy crunch to the streusel, ensuring the topping has a satisfying bite. Their nutty, earthy flavor complements the sweetness of the fruit and sugar.
- Unsalted Butter: Butter is the magic ingredient that creates a crisp, crumbly streusel.Its creamy richness binds the topping and adds a luxurious depth to the dessert.
- Honey Drizzle: Honey adds a glossy finish and a floral sweetness that complements both the fruit and the streusel, elevating the dessert into something truly special.
Instructions for Apple, Pear, and Pomegranate Crisp
- Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish, about 4×8 inches, with butter or nonstick spray. This will prevent the crisp from sticking to the pan as it bakes.
- Prepare the Fruit Filling: Carefully slice the apple and pear thinly using a mandolin for even slices or a sharp knife if you don’t have one. Place the slices in a large mixing bowl. Use a fine grater or zester to remove the orange’s outer peel (zest) and sprinkle it over the fruit. Then cut the orange in half and squeeze the juice directly into the bowl. The orange adds brightness and keeps the fruit from browning.
- Mix the Filling Ingredients: Sprinkle the sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch over the fruit. Add the pomegranate seeds and stir gently until everything is well-coated and combined. The cornstarch will help thicken the juices as the fruit cooks.
- Transfer to the Baking Dish: Pour the fruit mixture into your greased baking dish, including any juices from the bowl. Spread it out evenly so it cooks uniformly.
- Make the Streusel Topping: In a medium-sized bowl, mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. These dry ingredients will form the base of the streusel. Cut the butter into small cubes (this makes it easier to mix) and add them to the bowl. Use a fork or your fingers to combine the butter with the dry ingredients. Press and pinch the mixture until it forms crumbs about the size of peas. The butter should be evenly distributed to ensure a crispy topping.
- Assemble and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the streusel mixture over the fruit filling in the baking dish, covering as much of the fruit as possible. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the fruit filling is bubbling around the edges, and the streusel is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the crisp cool for about 5–10 minutes. This allows the juices to thicken further and makes it easier to serve. For a finishing touch, sprinkle fresh pomegranate seeds on top and drizzle with honey for extra flavor. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a truly indulgent treat.
Reference the recipe card below for detailed instructions.
Benefits of Using a Mandolin Slicer for This Recipe:
- Even Slices for Consistent Cooking: A mandolin ensures uniformly thin slices of apples and pears, which cook evenly in the oven. This avoids undercooked or overly mushy fruit in the filling.
- Saves Time and Effort: Mandolins are incredibly efficient, allowing you to slice fruit quickly and with minimal effort. This is especially helpful when prepping for multiple servings or larger batches.
- Professional Presentation: The even slices create a polished, professional look in the finished dessert, especially if you’re layering the fruit neatly in individual ramekins.
- Enhanced Flavor Distribution: Thin, consistent slices allow the orange juice, zest, and spices to coat the fruit more evenly, ensuring balanced flavors in every bite.
- Versatility Beyond This Recipe: Investing in a mandolin pays off for other recipes too—use it for slicing vegetables for gratins, salads, or chips, and fruits for tarts or pies.
- Perfect for Beginners: A mandolin is straightforward to use and delivers professional-quality results, making it a great tool for cooks of any skill level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different fruits for the filling?
Yes! This recipe is versatile. Substitute or add other fruits like peaches, plums, or berries. Keep in mind that softer fruits like berries may release more juice, so consider adding an extra teaspoon of cornstarch to thicken the filling.
Can I use canned or frozen fruit?
Absolutely. For canned fruit, drain the syrup or juice to avoid an overly watery filling. When using frozen fruit, thaw the fruit and pat it dry to minimize excess moisture.
What if I don’t have a mandolin slicer?
A sharp knife works fine! Slice the apples and pears as thinly as possible to ensure they cook evenly. A food processor with a slicing attachment can also be a great alternative.
Pomegranate, Apple, and Pear Crisp
Equipment
Ingredients
Fruit Filling
Streusel Topping
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition