There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, fruity dessert after a chilly fall day, and the Slow Cooker Apple Pear Crisp perfectly fits that craving. This easy-to-make dish combines tender apples and pears with a buttery, crunchy topping, slow-cooked to juicy perfection. Packed with cozy spices and natural sweetness, Slow Cooker Apple Pear Crisp is the ultimate fall dessert that fills your home with inviting aromas while delivering a melt-in-your-mouth experience you’ll treasure all season long.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Comfort: Just toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and relax—no oven needed.
Seasonal Goodness: Ripe apples and pears bring natural sweetness and fall flavors that taste vibrant and fresh.
Perfect Texture: The topping crisps up beautifully, balancing tender fruit underneath with a buttery crunch.
Family Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize for kids and adults alike.
Fragrant and Inviting: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of vanilla make your kitchen smell like autumn magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, familiar ingredients come together in this recipe to create a delicious balance of flavors and textures. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering that classic slow cooker apple pear crisp taste and feel.

Fresh Apples: Choose sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to keep a nice balance of tang and sweetness.
Juicy Pears: Opt for firm, ripe pears such as Bosc or Anjou to maintain texture and sweetness without turning mushy.
Brown Sugar: Adds rich caramel notes and helps create that golden crisp topping.
Rolled Oats: Bring a hearty, nutty crunch that stands up well after slow cooking.
Flour: Works as a binder in the topping for that perfect crumbly finish.
Butter: Provides richness and helps the topping brown and crisp beautifully.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Classic warm spices that complement the fruit’s natural sweetness.
Lemon Juice: Adds a hint of brightness and prevents the fruit from browning.
Vanilla Extract: A subtle layer of flavor that deepens the overall taste.

Variations for Slow Cooker Apple Pear Crisp

Feel free to put your own spin on Slow Cooker Apple Pear Crisp. It’s a flexible recipe that adapts wonderfully to your pantry, dietary preferences, or flavor cravings.

Nutty Upgrade: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping for extra crunch and richness.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with almond or oat flour to make a gluten-free version.
Spiced Up: Mix in a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for a deeper spice profile perfect for holiday vibes.
Sweetener Swap: Use maple syrup or honey instead of brown sugar for natural sweetness.
Vegan Friendly: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine for a dairy-free crisp.

Why Slow Cooker Apple Pear Crisp Is Perfect Fall Dessert

How to Make Slow Cooker Apple Pear Crisp

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

Start by washing, peeling, and slicing your apples and pears evenly to ensure consistent cooking. Toss them gently with lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract to infuse warm flavors and maintain a fresh color.

Step 2: Mix the Crisp Topping

In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, flour, and a touch of cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, which will create the signature crunchy topping during cooking.

Step 3: Layer in the Slow Cooker

Place the spiced fruit mixture inside the slow cooker, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the oat topping over the fruit layer, making sure to cover as much surface as possible for a golden crust.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on the low setting for about 3 to 4 hours. The fruit should be bubbling and soft while the topping crisps up beautifully and turns golden brown.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once done, let the crisp cool slightly before serving. This dessert tastes fantastic warm, especially when paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Apple Pear Crisp

Even Slices: Cut fruit pieces uniformly to ensure even cooking and perfect texture.
Patience is Key: Allow the crisp to cook fully on low for the best melding of flavors and tender fruit.
Butter Temperature: Use cold butter for the topping to achieve a crumbly, crispy texture.
Don’t Lift the Lid: Avoid opening the slow cooker too often to maintain consistent heat and cooking time.
Test for Doneness: Check if the fruit is bubbly and tender and the topping is golden before serving.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Apple Pear Crisp

Garnishes

Adding a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of toasted nuts elevates the dessert and adds extra texture contrast.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a cup of spiced chai tea or hot apple cider for a complete fall-inspired treat that warms from the inside out.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming touch, scoop the crisp into individual mason jars or ramekins, perfect for sharing and cozy gatherings. You can also drizzle warm caramel sauce on top for that extra indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Slow Cooker Apple Pear Crisp can be covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days, making it convenient to enjoy on busy evenings or as a quick dessert after work.

Freezing

This crisp freezes well—simply transfer leftovers into an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. A few minutes under the broiler can help crisp the topping back up if needed.

FAQs

Can I use only apples or only pears?

Absolutely! While the combination adds complexity, the recipe works well with just apples or just pears depending on what you have on hand or prefer.

Do I need to peel the fruit?

Peeling is optional. Leaving the skins on adds texture and nutrients, but peeling will give a smoother consistency if preferred.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply swap the butter for a vegan-friendly alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine without compromising flavor or texture.

What slow cooker size should I use?

A 4 to 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe, offering enough space for the layers to cook evenly without overcrowding.

How do I know when the crisp is done?

When the fruit is tender and bubbling and the topping is golden and crisp on top, your slow cooker apple pear crisp is ready to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like Slow Cooker Apple Pear Crisp to bring those warm and cozy fall vibes right into your kitchen. It’s simple, versatile, and packed with classic flavors that make every bite feel like a hug on a cool autumn evening. Give this recipe a try—you’ll find it quickly becoming your go-to dessert for any season that calls for comfort and sweetness.

Slow Cooker Apple Pear Crisp

Author: Mary
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free (with flour substitution options), Vegan (with butter substitution)

Print Recipe

Description

Slow Cooker Apple Pear Crisp is a warm, comforting fall dessert combining tender apples and pears with a buttery, crunchy oat topping. Slow-cooked to juicy perfection, it features cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, balanced natural sweetness, and an inviting aroma that fills your home. Perfectly easy to make by simply layering ingredients in a slow cooker, this crisp delivers a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s ideal for chilly days or any time you crave a wholesome fruity treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit Mixture

4 cups sweet-tart apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled (optional) and sliced evenly
4 cups firm, ripe pears (such as Bosc or Anjou), peeled (optional) and sliced evenly
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Crisp Topping

1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour (or almond/oat flour for gluten-free)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces (or coconut oil/vegan margarine for vegan option)

Instructions

Prepare the Fruit: Wash, peel if desired, and slice apples and pears evenly. Toss gently with lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract to infuse warm flavors and prevent browning.
Mix the Crisp Topping: In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring a crunchy topping after cooking.
Layer in the Slow Cooker: Spread the spiced fruit mixture evenly inside the slow cooker. Sprinkle the oat topping over the fruit layer, covering as much surface as possible to form a golden crust.
Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on the low setting for 3 to 4 hours, until the fruit is bubbling and tender and the topping is beautifully golden and crisp.
Serve and Enjoy: Allow the crisp to cool slightly before serving. It’s delicious warm, especially with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Notes

Cut fruit slices uniformly to ensure even cooking and texture.
Use cold butter for the topping to achieve a crumbly, crispy result.
Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid frequently to maintain consistent heat.
Check doneness when fruit is bubbling and tender and topping is golden.
Peeling fruit is optional; skins add texture and nutrients, while peeled fruit provides smoother consistency.
Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen up to 2 months.
Reheat gently in microwave or oven; broiler can re-crisp the topping.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours
Category: Dessert
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 250
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: apple pear crisp, slow cooker dessert, fall dessert, fruit crisp, gluten free dessert, vegan dessert option, slow cooker apple crisp, easy fall recipe