Enjoy warm, cozy flavors with this easy Slow Cooker Apple Pear Crisp recipe. Perfect comfort dessert for any season, ready in a breeze! Combining the sweet and tart notes of apples and pears with a buttery, crunchy topping, this Slow Cooker Apple Pear Crisp is a true crowd-pleaser that fills your home with irresistible aromas. Whether you’re craving a homestyle dessert or looking for a simple way to impress guests, this recipe brings deliciousness without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Comfort: Uses a slow cooker for hands-off cooking that lets flavors meld beautifully while you relax.
Seasonal Versatility: Combines apples and pears, perfect for fall or any time you want that cozy feel.
Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples come together for a delicious, wholesome treat without complicated steps.
Moist and Crunchy: The juicy fruit base pairs perfectly with a crisp, buttery topping for balanced texture.
Great for All Skill Levels: Perfect for beginners yet tasty enough to impress experienced cooks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward, yet each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in your Slow Cooker Apple Pear Crisp.

Apples: Choose tart but firm varieties like Granny Smith for a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
Pears: Ripe but firm pears such as Bosc add juicy sweetness and complementary texture.
Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel notes while enhancing the fruit’s natural sweetness.
Rolled Oats: Provide hearty texture and a wholesome crunch to the topping.
Butter: Melted butter creates a rich and crumbly topping that browns beautifully in the slow cooker.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Warm spices that bring cozy depth and inviting aroma to the dish.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the topping ingredients while giving structure to the crisp.
Vanilla Extract: A small splash enhances the sweetness and roundness of the flavors.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and intensify flavor complexity.

Variations for Slow Cooker Apple Pear Crisp

Feel free to tweak this Slow Cooker Apple Pear Crisp recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. It’s easy to customize and still delivers that perfect warm dessert experience.

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the flour with almond meal or gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free crisp.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping for an extra layer of texture.
Spice It Up: Incorporate ginger or cloves along with cinnamon for a spicier twist.
Vegan Friendly: Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter to keep it vegan.
Extra Fruity: Mix in berries like cranberries or blueberries for a colorful, tangy burst.

Best Slow Cooker Apple Pear Crisp Recipe Ideas

How to Make Slow Cooker Apple Pear Crisp

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

Peel, core, and slice the apples and pears into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly and release their juices perfectly during slow cooking.

Step 2: Mix the Fruit with Spices and Sugar

In a large bowl, toss the sliced fruit with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until everything is evenly coated, enhancing natural fruit flavors.

Step 3: Prepare the Topping

Combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and softened butter in a separate bowl. Use your fingers to blend it into a crumbly mixture resembling coarse sand with some buttery clumps.

Step 4: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

Layer the spiced fruit mixture evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the oat topping over the fruit in an even layer without pressing down too much.

Step 5: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until the fruit is tender and bubbling, and the topping turns golden and crisp at the edges.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Carefully scoop portions into bowls. This dessert is best enjoyed warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Apple Pear Crisp

Fruit Size: Cut the apples and pears into uniform slices to ensure even cooking throughout.
Don’t Overload: Avoid piling the slow cooker too full; leave a bit of space for steam to circulate.
Butter Temperature: Use softened butter, not melted or cold, for the perfect crumbly topping texture.
Check Early: Slow cooker temperatures can vary, start checking for doneness 30 minutes before the recommended time.
Enhanced Flavor: Stir in a splash of lemon juice with the fruit to brighten the flavors and reduce browning.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Apple Pear Crisp

Garnishes

Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dusting of powdered sugar for irresistible finishing touches that elevate this classic dessert.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a warm cup of spiced chai tea or freshly brewed coffee to complement the sweet and cozy flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering the crisp in individual mason jars for an elegant single-serve presentation, or top with toasted nuts and fresh mint leaves for a beautiful contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy as a quick, comforting snack later.

Freezing

This Slow Cooker Apple Pear Crisp freezes well when fully cooled; pack in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until warm and bubbly. For best results, warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes to revive the crisp topping.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fruit for this recipe?

Yes, frozen apples and pears can be used, but reduce the sugar slightly and allow extra cooking time since frozen fruit releases more moisture.

What slow cooker size is best for this recipe?

A 4 to 6-quart slow cooker is ideal; it holds the fruit and topping comfortably without overcrowding, ensuring even cooking.

Can I prepare the crisp in advance?

Absolutely! Assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Cook as directed the next day.

How do I prevent the topping from becoming soggy?

Use rolled oats instead of instant oats and mix the topping just until crumbly; avoid pressing it too firmly into the fruit.

Is it possible to make this dessert vegan?

Yes! Simply substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative to make it vegan-friendly without compromising flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dessert that combines ease, warmth, and irresistible flavors, give this Slow Cooker Apple Pear Crisp a try. It’s a delightful way to enjoy the natural sweetness of fall fruits with minimal effort and maximum comfort. Perfect for cozy nights or special gatherings, this recipe quickly becomes a favorite that you’ll return to season after season.

Slow Cooker Apple Pear Crisp

Print Recipe

This Slow Cooker Apple Pear Crisp recipe is a warm and cozy dessert combining the sweet and tart flavors of apples and pears with a buttery, crunchy topping. Perfect for any season, it offers effortless comfort with simple pantry ingredients, slow-cooked to perfection for a moist fruit base and a crisp, golden topping. Ideal for beginners and experienced cooks alike, this easy-to-make crisp fills your home with irresistible aromas and can be customized to suit dietary preferences.

Author: Mary
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (with substitution)

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit

4 cups tart but firm apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced
4 cups ripe but firm pears (such as Bosc), peeled, cored, and sliced

Spices and Sugar

½ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

1 cup rolled oats
½ cup all-purpose flour (or almond meal/gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
⅓ cup brown sugar
⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil/vegan butter for vegan option)

Instructions

Prepare the Fruit: Peel, core, and slice the apples and pears into evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking and perfect juice release during slow cooking.
Mix the Fruit with Spices and Sugar: In a large bowl, toss the sliced fruit with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, a pinch of salt, and vanilla extract until everything is evenly coated, enhancing the natural fruit flavors.
Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and softened butter. Use your fingers to blend it into a crumbly mixture resembling coarse sand with some buttery clumps.
Assemble in the Slow Cooker: Layer the spiced fruit mixture evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the oat topping over the fruit in an even layer without pressing down too much.
Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until the fruit is tender and bubbling, and the topping turns golden and crisp at the edges.
Serve Warm: Carefully scoop portions into bowls. For best enjoyment, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Notes

Cut fruit into uniform slices for even cooking.
Do not overload the slow cooker; leave space for steam circulation.
Use softened butter, not melted or cold, for the perfect topping texture.
Check doneness 30 minutes before recommended time as slow cookers vary.
Optional splash of lemon juice with fruit brightens flavor and reduces browning.
For gluten-free, use almond meal or gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
Incorporate ginger or cloves for a spicier version.
Use coconut oil or vegan butter for a vegan-friendly crisp.
Add berries like cranberries or blueberries for extra fruitiness.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze fully cooled crisp in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheat leftovers in microwave or 350°F oven for 15 minutes to revive crispness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/8 of recipe)
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 20 g
Sodium: 85 mg
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 25 mg

Keywords: apple pear crisp, slow cooker dessert, fruit crisp, gluten-free dessert option, easy fall dessert, slow cooker recipes, cozy desserts