Whiskey-Spiced Apple and Pear Crisp
A warm fruit crisp featuring spiced apples and pears with a hint of whiskey in the crunchy oat topping. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 60 minutes layers medium ripe pears, peeled and sliced, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
- 2 medium ripe pears, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and diced
- 2 tbsp whiskey
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 medium peeled and sliced Granny Smith apples, 2 medium peeled and sliced pears, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, and 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice. Toss to coat evenly.
- Step 2: Transfer the fruit mixture to a 9-inch square baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Step 3: In another bowl, mix 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt. Add 6 tbsp cold diced unsalted butter and 2 tbsp whiskey, then use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the fruit in the baking dish.
- Step 5: Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until the topping is golden brown and fruit is bubbling around the edges.
- Step 6: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Whiskey-Spiced Apple and Pear Crisp take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Whiskey-Spiced Apple and Pear Crisp?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Whiskey-Spiced Apple and Pear Crisp?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Whiskey-Spiced Apple and Pear Crisp for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Whiskey-Spiced Apple and Pear Crisp?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
