Name: Apple Pear Crisp (Ina Garten Copycat) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 medium Bosc pears, peeled and sliced; 4 medium Honeycrisp apples, peeled and sliced; 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon orange zest; 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup old fashioned oats; 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup chopped pecans, optional; 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces; Vanilla ice cream, for serving

↓ Jump to Recipe

If you are on the lookout for a dessert that perfectly balances the sweet and slightly tart flavors of fresh fruit with a buttery, crunchy topping, this Apple Pear Crisp (Ina Garten Copycat) Recipe is here to delight your taste buds and warm your heart. Combining juicy Honeycrisp apples and fragrant Bosc pears, layered beneath a golden oat and pecan crumble, this dish makes for a comforting, crowd-pleasing treat that’s as simple to prepare as it is delicious. It brings together the best of fall flavors with a freshness that shines year-round, making it an absolute favorite for family dinners and casual gatherings alike.

Ingredients You'll Need

A white bowl holds warm apple crisp with golden-brown crumbly topping and soft cooked apple slices at the bottom, topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream sprinkled lightly with brown cinnamon powder. Two intricately designed silver spoons stand upright inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a white cloth nearby, and an apple and a pear lie in the background near a white baking dish filled with more apple crisp, showing its thick crumbly top layer. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let this recipe fool you with its simplicity – each ingredient is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and aroma that make this Apple Pear Crisp (Ina Garten Copycat) Recipe unforgettable. From the citrus zest that brightens the fruit filling to the oats and pecans in the topping that add irresistible crunch, every element contributes something special.

Bosc pears: Three medium pears peeled and sliced provide a firm yet tender texture that holds up beautifully during baking.
Honeycrisp apples: Four medium apples peeled and sliced give a sweet, crisp bite that balances perfectly with the pears.
Fresh orange juice: One tablespoon adds a subtle brightness that awakens the fruit flavors.
Fresh lemon juice: One tablespoon to enhance the natural sweetness and prevent browning of the fruit.
Orange zest: Half a teaspoon for a fragrant citrus hint without overpowering the dish.
Lemon zest: Half a teaspoon that works alongside orange zest for a delicate citrus pop.
Granulated sugar: One-third cup to sweeten the filling just right.
All-purpose flour (for filling): Two tablespoons help thicken the fruit juices as the crisp bakes.
Ground cinnamon: Half a teaspoon to bring warm, cozy spice notes.
Ground nutmeg: Quarter teaspoon for a gentle depth in the spice profile.
All-purpose flour (for topping): Three-quarters cup forms the base of the crisp’s buttery crust.
Old fashioned oats: Half a cup adds wholesome heartiness and a lovely chew to the topping.
Light brown sugar: Half a cup packed gives a rich caramel sweetness to the crumble.
Granulated sugar (topping): Quarter cup to balance the brown sugar’s molasses flavor.
Ground cinnamon (topping): Half a teaspoon to echo the spices in the filling.
Ground nutmeg (topping): Quarter teaspoon for subtle warmth.
Salt: Quarter teaspoon to enhance all the other flavors brilliantly.
Chopped pecans (optional): Quarter cup for a delightful crunch and nuttiness in the topping.
Cold unsalted butter: Half a cup cut into small pieces to create that signature crumbly, golden crust.
Vanilla ice cream: For serving, because nothing pairs better with warm crisp than creamy, cold ice cream.

How to Make Apple Pear Crisp (Ina Garten Copycat) Recipe

Apple Pear Crisp (Ina Garten Copycat) Recipe - Recipe Image

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the crisp evenly. Grease a 2-quart baking dish to prevent sticking and to allow for easy serving later. This simple prep sets the stage for all the deliciousness to come.

Step 2: Mix the Crisp Topping

Combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and optional chopped pecans in a mixing bowl. Adding the cold butter pieces, use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse, wet sand. This tactile step is key—it creates that irresistible crumbly texture that makes every bite satisfying.

Step 3: Prepare the Fruit Filling

Peel, core, and slice your apples and pears into roughly quarter-inch thick pieces. In a large bowl, toss the fruit with fresh orange and lemon juices, their zests, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This combination ensures the fruit is well-coated and bursting with vibrant flavor while thickening naturally as it bakes, so your crisp won’t be watery.

Step 4: Assemble the Crisp

Transfer the coated fruit mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then sprinkle the crumbly topping generously and evenly over the fruit. This layering guarantees that every spoonful captures both juicy fruit and crunchy topping in harmony.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop your assembled crisp into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Watch for the topping to turn a beautiful golden brown and the fruit filling to bubble around the edges. Baking until this stage ensures a satisfyingly crisp topping and tender, flavorful fruit inside.

Step 6: Cool and Serve Warm

Allow your Apple Pear Crisp (Ina Garten Copycat) Recipe to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This short resting time helps the filling set just right and makes it easier to scoop. Top it off with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream for that dreamy hot-and-cold contrast that takes this dessert over the top.

How to Serve Apple Pear Crisp (Ina Garten Copycat) Recipe

Garnishes

A classic dollop of vanilla ice cream is an unbeatable garnish here, melting beautifully over the warm crisp. For a bit of extra flair, try a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon on top. Fresh mint leaves can also add a lovely pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Side Dishes

This crisp shines on its own, but if you’re hosting a larger meal, consider serving it alongside a rich cup of coffee or spiced chai tea for a cozy finish. For a brunch twist, pair it with whipped cream and fresh fruit for a delightful mid-morning treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, serve the Apple Pear Crisp (Ina Garten Copycat) Recipe in individual ramekins or mason jars, layering fruit and topping for a rustic look. You can also sprinkle extra pecans or oats on top before baking for visual texture. Bringing it to a gathering? Transport in a decorative baking dish and warm it gently before serving to maintain that homemade appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover crisp can be covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen with a little resting time, making the next-day encore just as enjoyable as fresh.

Freezing

This Apple Pear Crisp (Ina Garten Copycat) Recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble the crisp in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it well, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake until hot and bubbly for a convenient and comforting dessert ready whenever you want.

Reheating

To reheat, place the crisp in a preheated 350 degree oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes. This method helps restore the crunchy topping and hot filling without making it soggy like microwaving would. Serve warm with fresh ice cream for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples in this Apple Pear Crisp (Ina Garten Copycat) Recipe?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples are recommended for their perfect balance of sweet and tart, you can use Granny Smith for more tartness or Fuji for extra sweetness. Just be sure to adjust the sugar slightly if you use a sweeter variety.

Is it necessary to peel the apples and pears?

Peeling helps achieve a smoother texture and more consistent bake, but if you prefer extra fiber and a rustic feel, you can leave the skins on. Just wash the fruit well before slicing.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

You can easily make it vegan by substituting the butter with a cold vegan margarine or coconut oil and serving with non-dairy vanilla ice cream. The crisp topping will still achieve that wonderful crunch.

What can I use instead of pecans?

If pecans aren’t your thing, walnuts or almonds also work well for adding crunch and nuttiness, or simply leave nuts out altogether for a nut-free option.

Can I prepare the crisp topping in advance?

Yes, the crisp topping can be mixed up to two days ahead. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container until you’re ready to assemble and bake the crisp for easy preparation on the day of serving.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Pear Crisp (Ina Garten Copycat) Recipe is a true treasure that effortlessly blends simple ingredients into an extraordinary dessert experience. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, its tempting aroma and delicious flavors are sure to become a beloved favorite. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and fill your kitchen with the cozy warmth of baked apples and pears topped with a crunchy, buttery crumble. Enjoy every bite!

Ingredients You'll Need

How to Make Apple Pear Crisp (Ina Garten Copycat) Recipe