Winter Crisp

Apples, pears and cranberries combine with seasonal spices to make this delightful winter crisp the perfect treat for this time of year.

Fruit crisp is one of the very first things I learned how to bake. It gives you aI love the fact that you can mix and match different fruits and berries depending on your flavor preference, the season, and what you happen to have on hand.

This variation contains all my favorite seasonal fruits, and fills the house with such a wonderful aroma. And when serving it up during the holidays, I pair it with a generous dollop of cinnamon-spiked whipped cream to make it extra festive.

Desserts like this Winter Crisp are ideal for all those holiday potlucks and parties. Just assemble ahead of time, cover and store in the fridge until you're ready to bake. Or you can bake it in advance and reheat just prior to serving. So easy!

How are Crisps, Cobblers and Crumbles Different?

While all three are delicious baked fruit desserts, the difference is in the toppings. Crisps and crumbles are similar, as both are made with a streusel crumb topping. But the topping for crisps is usually less dense and typically includes oats, which will crisp up during baking. A crumble topping tends to stay more dense and cake-like.

A  traditional cobbler is made with biscuit dough that is placed onto the fruit. The name cobbler is derived from the fact that the round biscuit topping resembled a cobblestone road.

More Seasonal Fruit Dessert Recipes

If you love the flavors in this cozy Winter Crisp, I you'll also love these recipes for Apple Buttermilk Custard Pie, Cranberry Orange Cake, and Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake.

Print

Winter Crisp

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

45 mins

Total Time

1 hr

 

With crisp apples and pears, and tart cranberries, this crisp is nothing short of delicious and the perfect warm treat on a cold winter day.

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: apple crisp, pear recipes

Author: Jackie

Ingredients

Filling-

• 3 medium pears about 1 ½ lb., peeled, cored, cut into ½” pieces
• 3 medium apples about 1 ½ lb., peeled, cored, cut into ½” pieces
• 1 cup cranberries fresh or frozen
• ¼ cup raisins optional
• ⅔ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ⅛ teaspoon salt

Topping-

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter at room temperature, cut into pieces

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°.
2. Toss pears, apples, cranberries, raisins, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and spices in a large bowl. Transfer to a 13x9” baking dish.
3. To make the filling, whisk flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Add the butter and work into dry mixture with your fingertips until pea-sized lumps form.
4. Sprinkle topping over the fruit.
5. Bake until filling is bubbling and streusel golden brown, about 40–45 minutes; let cool for 15 minutes before serving (if serving warm). Serve with ice cream.