35 minutes
A warm dessert that combines sweet fruit with a crunchy topping, perfect for a cozy night in.
Unsalted Butter, softened
tablespoons
Sliced Apples Or Pears, fresh
0 lb
White Sugar
cups
Brown Sugar, packed
cups
cups
teaspoons
teaspoons
Toasted Pepitas Or Coarsely Chopped Nuts, toasted
cups
1. Brown the Butter
In a 10-inch ovenproof skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir occasionally and watch for the butter to turn a golden-brown color with a nutty aroma.
2. Cook the Fruit
Add 2 pounds of sliced apples or pears to the skillet, along with 2 tablespoons of white sugar. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fruit softens and the juices start to evaporate.
3. Prepare the Topping
In a medium bowl, combine 2/3 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of white sugar, 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Work in 6 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in 3/4 cup of toasted pepitas or coarsely chopped nuts.
4. Assemble and Bake
Crumble the prepared topping over the cooked fruit in the skillet. Bake in the preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes or until the topping is golden and crispy.
5. Serve
Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve the fruit crisp warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Opt for firm, ripe fruits that can hold up well during cooking, such as apples, pears, peaches, berries, or a mix. Avoid overly juicy fruits, as they can make the crisp soggy.
Begin by preheating your skillet on the stove to help the fruit start cooking immediately once added and ensure an even bake. Consider a cast iron skillet for its excellent heat retention and distribution.
Toss the fruit with a bit of cornstarch or flour before cooking. This helps to thicken the juices released during cooking and prevents a runny crisp.
Use cold, cubed butter to achieve a crumbly texture. Incorporating melted or softened butter will make the topping soggy rather than crisp.
Use a combination of sweet and tart fruits to create a more complex flavor profile. For instance, pair sweet peaches with tart raspberries.
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