As December rolls in and the holiday season unfolds, warm, comforting desserts take center stage, and this Spiced Apple & Pear Crisp is the perfect addition to your festive gatherings. With its delightful combination of sweet, baked apples and juicy pears, this dessert embodies the essence of winter—cozy, inviting, and full of seasonal flavors.
What makes this recipe particularly special for December is its ability to evoke nostalgia and warmth during a time when family and friends come together to celebrate. The fragrant spices of cinnamon and nutmeg fill your kitchen, creating an atmosphere of comfort and cheer. Plus, the healthy oat and nut crumble not only adds texture but also keeps this dessert wholesome, allowing you to indulge without the guilt.
This crisp is not just a treat; it’s a celebration of the season’s bounty, a way to savor the flavors of the holidays while creating cherished memories around the table. Whether served as a cozy dessert after a holiday meal or as a sweet snack enjoyed by the fire, this Spiced Apple & Pear Crisp is sure to become a beloved tradition in your December festivities.
Time and Servings for Spiced Apple & Pear Crisp
Total Time:
Preparation Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes (for peeling and slicing fruit, and mixing the crumble).
Baking Time: About 30-35 minutes.
Total Time: Approximately 45-55 minutes.
Servings:
Serves: 6-8 people, depending on portion sizes.
This delicious crisp is perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or enjoying as a cozy family dessert!
Healthy Spiced Apple & Pear Crisp
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of this Healthy Spiced Apple & Pear Crisp. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this dessert combines sweet, baked apples and juicy pears, all topped with a nutritious oat and nut crumble. It's a delicious way to enjoy seasonal fruits while keeping things wholesome!
Prep Time: 20 MINS
Cook Time: 35 MINS
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Total Time: 55 MINUTES
Tools: Cutting Board, Knife, Measuring Spoons, Cast Iron Skillet / Baking Dish
Ingredients
For the Fruit Filling:
3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (choose a mix of sweet and tart varieties)
3 medium pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
2-3 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla powder
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For the Oat and Nut Crumble:
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup nuts (such as walnuts or pecans), chopped
1/4 cup almond flour or whole wheat flour
1/4 cup coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional: 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut or chocolate chips for added flavor
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Fruit Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples and pears. Add maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch (if using). Toss until the fruit is evenly coated.
Spread the fruit mixture in an even layer in a greased 9x9-inch baking dish or similar size.
3. Make the Oat and Nut Crumble:
In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats, chopped nuts, almond flour, melted coconut oil (or butter), maple syrup (or honey), cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well combined.
If desired, fold in shredded coconut or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
4. Assemble and Bake:
Evenly sprinkle the oat and nut crumble over the fruit filling.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the fruit is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
5. Serve:
Allow to cool slightly before serving. This crisp is delicious on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla yogurt or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the sweetness based on your preference and the natural sweetness of the fruits.
For added texture, consider mixing in some chia seeds or ground flaxseed into the crumble.
This crisp can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven before serving.
Enjoy this delightful Spiced Apple & Pear Crisp as a wholesome dessert that’s sure to impress your guests at any holiday gathering!
Notes for Spiced Apple & Pear Crisp
Fruit Selection: For the best flavor, choose a mix of sweet and tart apples (like Granny Smith and Fuji) and ripe pears. This combination adds depth to the filling.
Adjust Sweetness: Depending on the natural sweetness of your fruit, you may want to adjust the amount of maple syrup or honey used in the filling and crumble.
Nut Variations: Feel free to experiment with different nuts in the crumble, such as almonds or hazelnuts, to suit your taste.
Vegan Option: To keep this recipe fully plant-based, use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute in the crumble.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the fruit filling and crumble separately in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and assemble just before baking for a fresh dessert.
Serving Suggestions: This crisp is delightful on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with vanilla yogurt, whipped coconut cream, or a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for added indulgence.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Enjoy crafting this deliciously wholesome dessert that captures the warmth and flavors of the holiday season!
As we embrace the warmth and joy of December, I hope this Spiced Apple & Pear Crisp becomes a cherished part of your holiday gatherings. With its inviting aroma and delightful flavors, it's the perfect way to celebrate the season with loved ones. I’d love to hear how your version turns out! Please share your thoughts and any special twists you add to the recipe in the comments below. Let’s spread the joy of cooking together!
All my light. All my love.
Namaste,
Jordan
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