The Best Ever Apple Pear Crisp Casserole with Streusel Crumble

The Best Ever Apple Pear Crisp Casserole with Streusel Crumble is everything you want in a cozy, comforting dessert. With tender apples and juicy pears baked together beneath a buttery, golden streusel, this dish delivers warmth and nostalgia in every bite. It’s the perfect bake for fall and winter gatherings, filling your kitchen with inviting aromas of cinnamon, brown sugar, and caramelized fruit. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a holiday feast, or just need a sweet pick-me-up, this recipe brings simple ingredients together in the most delightful way. Ahead, discover essential baking tips, ingredient insights, and creative serving ideas.

A Family Favorite Dessert with Sweet Memories

Every family has that one dessert that instantly brings back memories of togetherness and comfort. For me, it’s the apple pear crisp casserole—a dish that has graced our table at countless fall gatherings and winter holidays. I can still remember the sound of apples being sliced, the sweet scent of cinnamon and brown sugar swirling through the house, and how the oven slowly transformed simple fruit into a bubbling, golden treasure.

The beauty of an apple pear crisp casserole lies in its combination of humble ingredients and pure homey goodness. My grandmother used to bake hers in a well-loved ceramic dish, always insisting that the secret was “just the right balance of fruit and crumble.” As it baked, the crisp topping would slowly turn golden brown, forming a delicate crust that cracked slightly beneath the spoon. Beneath that layer, the soft, syrupy mix of apples and pears would steam gently, releasing a fragrance that made waiting almost impossible.

Serving it fresh from the oven became a cherished moment—a casserole dish placed at the center of the table, everyone lined up with eager smiles, ready to savor each sweet, warm spoonful. Over the years, this apple pear crisp casserole became our family’s symbol of comfort, something familiar yet special enough for holidays and Sunday dinners alike.

The Best Ever Apple Pear Crisp Casserole with Streusel Crumble

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

A comforting dessert featuring tender apples and juicy pears baked under a buttery streusel crumble. This easy-to-make casserole fills your kitchen with warm aromas of cinnamon and brown sugar, perfect for fall and winter gatherings. Serve it fresh from the oven with ice cream or whipped cream for an unforgettable treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

3 cups apples, peeled and sliced

2 cups pears, peeled and sliced

1/3 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

3/4 cup old-fashioned oats

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish

2. Combine apples, pears, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice in a bowl and toss to coat

3. Pour fruit mixture into prepared dish

4. In another bowl, mix oats, brown sugar, flour, and salt

5. Cut in cold butter until mixture forms coarse crumbs, then stir in nuts

6. Spread streusel topping evenly over fruit

7. Bake for 35–40 minutes until topping is golden and filling is bubbly

8. Let cool for 15–20 minutes before serving

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: dessert
• Method: baking
• Cuisine: american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving

Keywords: apple pear crisp, streusel crumble, fruit crisp, fall dessert, homemade crisp, family dessert, cozy dessert, crisp casserole

What Makes This Fruit Crisp So Irresistible

What sets this apple pear crisp casserole apart is its balance of flavor and texture. The crispness of the apples brings a pleasant bite, while the pears melt down just enough to create a luscious, juicy base. Together, they form a natural sweetness that doesn’t need much enhancement. The streusel crumble—rich with butter, oats, and brown sugar—adds a delightful contrast, offering both crunch and a deep caramelized flavor once baked.

This dessert is irresistibly simple and remarkably versatile. It’s forgiving, easy to assemble, and works beautifully at any time of year. While it’s often celebrated in the chillier months, it can also be adapted into a lighter summer dessert or even transformed into a frozen apple crisp recipe for easy make-ahead baking. Whether served warm from the oven or prepped ahead of time for convenience, the apple pear crisp casserole holds its place as a timeless classic—one that never fails to impress with every comforting, crumbly bite.

Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need

Before you begin baking, it helps to gather everything you need for this delicious apple crisp with streusel topping. The ingredients are straightforward pantry staples and everyday produce, which makes this recipe both easy and adaptable.

Tools You’ll Need:

• 9×13-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish
• Large mixing bowls for fruit and topping
• Whisk or wooden spoon
• Pastry cutter (or fork for blending butter)
• Peeler and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

This list lays the foundation for an irresistible apple crisp with streusel topping. The ingredients come together easily, blending juicy fruit with a rich, buttery crumble that bakes to golden perfection.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Making this comforting apple crisp with streusel topping doesn’t require advanced baking skills—just a little care and patience. Follow these simple steps for an outcome that’s guaranteed to please every dessert lover at your table.

1. Prepare the Fruit Base: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly butter or grease your baking dish. In a large bowl, mix sliced apples and pears with sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until evenly coated. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
2. Create the Streusel Crumble Topping: Mix oats, brown sugar, flour, and salt; cut in butter until coarse crumbs form. Stir in nuts if using. This crumble topping for apple crisp transforms your fruit base into a bakery-worthy dessert.
3. Assemble and Bake: Cover fruit with the crumble, bake 35–40 minutes until golden and bubbling. Bake an extra few minutes for a crisper top.
4. Cooling and Serving: Rest 15–20 minutes before serving. Add coarse sugar before baking for extra crunch or drizzle butter for rich color.

The finished apple pear crisp casserole reveals bubbling fruit beneath a crisp streusel crust—simple, heartwarming perfection with an aroma that fills every corner of your kitchen.

Creative Serving Ideas & Pairings

This dish shines warm from the oven, when the fruit is tender and the streusel crisp. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic contrast, or try whipped cream or caramel sauce for buttery sweetness. Pair with coffee, chai, cider, or mulled wine to match the cozy season.

Leftovers transform into delicious breakfasts—layer with yogurt and granola, or reheat with cream for nostalgic morning comfort. For advance prep, turn it into a frozen apple crisp recipe: assemble fully, freeze unbaked, then bake from frozen for easy hospitality whenever you need it.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

If planning ahead, follow this frozen apple crisp recipe approach. Assemble the casserole but don’t bake—cover tightly, label, and freeze up to three months. When ready, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C), adding 10–15 minutes to the time. For leftovers, cool completely, portion, and freeze for up to a month, reheating in the oven for that fresh-baked crispness.

For refrigeration, cover and store up to five days. Reheat in a moderate oven with a short broil to restore the crumble’s texture. Always cool uncovered before sealing to prevent moisture from softening your topping. This method ensures every bite, even after storage, keeps the perfect balance of tender fruit and crunchy topping.

Questions, Answers & Final Thoughts

FAQ

1. Can I use different fruits in this apple pear crisp casserole?
Absolutely! Try adding cranberries, peaches, or berries to customize the flavor. Adjust thickener slightly for juicier fruits. The crumble topping for apple crisp complements almost any combination beautifully.

2. How can I make it gluten-free or dairy-free?
Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use certified gluten-free oats. Substitute the butter with firm coconut oil or vegan butter—your crumble topping for apple crisp remains crisp and buttery-tasting.

3. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container up to five days. Reheat in the oven instead of microwave for best texture. The dry heat revives the crumble topping for apple crisp perfectly.

4. How do I make sure the crumble topping stays crunchy?
Use cold butter, avoid overmixing, and cool uncovered after baking to release steam. This maintains the crisp, golden texture that makes the topping irresistible.

5. Can I prepare this recipe a day ahead?
Yes—assemble, cover, refrigerate, and bake fresh before serving, adding five extra minutes. This deepens flavor and simplifies your hosting routine.

Conclusion

The Best Ever Apple Pear Crisp Casserole with Streusel Crumble embodies everything loved about homemade dessert: warmth, nostalgia, and flavor that feels like a hug. Each bite of tender fruit and golden crumble speaks of home and care.

Whether baked for family dinners, holidays, or quiet weekends, this dessert invites sharing and joy. The blend of crisp apples, sweet pears, and buttery crumble makes it unforgettable—a simple dish that turns gatherings into cherished memories. Preheat your oven, fill the kitchen with comfort, and savor why this truly is The Best Ever Apple Pear Crisp Casserole with Streusel Crumble.