Rating: 3.62
(144)

Quince and Orange Blossom Crisp

June 14, 2024

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about Quince and Orange Blossom Crisp. Its old-world charm, paired with a fragrance that fills the kitchen with a honeyed floral scent, makes it a fruit unlike any other. When baked, its naturally tart flavor mellows into something comforting and rich, especially when paired with the delicate sweetness of orange blossom.

This crisp brings together that timeless quality of quince with the light touch of citrus from orange blossom water. The combination is both familiar and unexpected. Where most crisps lean on the classic duo of apples and cinnamon, this one steps into new territory, offering a floral, citrusy twist that feels both elegant and down-to-earth. It’s the kind of dessert that invites conversation and a second helping.

Quince is often overlooked in modern kitchens, possibly because it needs a bit more love than other fruits. You can’t bite into it raw, and it takes time to soften through cooking. But that effort is well worth it. Once baked, quince develops a luxurious texture, somewhere between pear and apple, but with a flavor that’s deeper and more fragrant.

Orange blossom water adds just the right hint of brightness without overpowering the quince. It complements the fruit’s natural aroma and gives the dish a subtle complexity that makes it stand out. Paired with a buttery, golden crisp topping, it’s a balance of tart, sweet, floral, and crunchy that’s hard to resist.

This crisp is perfect for a slow afternoon dessert or a cozy dinner finale. It pairs beautifully with crème fraîche or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, but it’s just as lovely on its own, letting the fruit shine.

Whether you grew up with quince or are discovering it for the first time, this dish is a beautiful way to highlight its charm. With just a touch of floral citrus and a simple golden topping, it transforms into something warm, inviting, and just a bit magical. If you’re looking to try something that feels both comforting and a little new, this quince and orange blossom crisp is the way to go.

Quince and Orange Blossom Crisp
Quince and Orange Blossom Crisp
3.62 from 144 votes
A delicious and comforting dessert made with quinces and infused with the fragrant flavors of orange blossom.
Servings 8 people
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 quinces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ginger ground
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 tbsp orange blossom water
  • vanilla ice cream for serving

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.
  • Peel, core, and slice the quinces. Place the quince slices in the greased baking dish.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Mix well.
  • Add the melted butter and orange blossom water to the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture is crumbly.
  • Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the quince slices.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the quinces are tender and the topping is golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
  • Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 3gFat: 9gFiber: 4g
Calories: 320kcal
Meal Type: Dessert
Keyword: dessert, orange blossom, quince, snack
Cooking Method: Baked
Time: >45 Min
Level: Medium
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Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar reed.schowalter88 says:

    2 stars
    Meh. 45 minutes at 350°F was not enough for my dish size, and I didn’t get that golden topping until the last 10 min. Also my orange blossom water tasted a bit strong, like soap (maybe mine was old?).

    1. User avatar rickiestmorty says:

      4 stars
      Yeah, 45 min at 350°F can be hit or miss depending on how thick your quince slices are. I usually go closer to 55–65 and I only call it done when the top is actually deep golden. Orange blossom can get soapy if it’s strong or old—mine mellowed after adding a tiny extra pinch of salt to the crumble too.

    2. User avatar darby.harris says:

      3 stars
      Hmm. I followed it and it was golden by 45 min. Maybe your dish was too full or your oven runs cool? Also orange blossom water is kinda fancy perfume stuff—if yours sat around too long, it can taste like soap for real. Next time try 1 tbsp instead of 2.

  2. User avatar marine.damore8 says:

    5 stars
    This sounds dangerously good—quinces are so underrated. The orange blossom water is such a nice twist.

  3. User avatar MAGA2024.Trumpster says:

    2 stars
    Not sure about this one… Quinces are weird fruits. My mom used to make them, but I can’t get over the texture.

  4. User avatar chelsie.douglas31 says:

    3 stars
    Why do you need orange blossom water? Seems unnecessary! I just used plain water and it was fine.

    1. User avatar maria.johnson says:

      5 stars
      Orange blossom water adds a unique flavor and aroma that plain water just can’t give. It’s a subtle touch that makes a difference! Don’t knock it ’til you try it!

  5. User avatar dino.feest says:

    1 star
    Terrible! Followed the recipe exactly and it turned out like mush. Threw it all away. Never again!

  6. User avatar Mr. Verdie Bauch says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is amazing! I never thought I’d like quince, but this dish is a game changer! 😍

  7. User avatar mike.quitzon42 says:

    2 stars
    I’ve never used orange blossom water before. Is that really necessary? Just seems a bit fancy to me.

  8. User avatar alva.howell46 says:

    5 stars
    Just made this—my whole kitchen smells like a fancy bakery. The orange blossom water is the star. I used slightly less sugar and it still turned out great. 10/10 with vanilla ice cream.

  9. 5 stars
    This was absolutely delicious! The combination of quinces and orange blossom water is so unique. My family loved it!

    1. 5 stars
      I totally agree! The quinces with orange blossom water is a game changer. I’m so glad your family enjoyed it too!

  10. User avatar Super Saiyan Blue Goku says:

    3 stars
    45 minutes is too short, I think. My quinces were still a bit firm at that time and I had to bake another 15 min.

  11. 5 stars
    This crisp was delightful! The orange blossom water gave it such a unique flavor. I never cooked with quinces before, but I am a believer now!

  12. User avatar Dremora Lord says:

    4 stars
    This is gonna be a hit at family dinners! Easy to make and smells amazing while baking. Thank you!

  13. 4 stars
    So simple yet so tasty! I added nuts for extra crunch. Yum!

    1. User avatar jesus.carter3 says:

      4 stars
      Nuts sound like a great idea! I might try that next time. Thanks for the tip!

    2. 2 stars
      I don’t know… quinces are kinda weird, right? Not sure they taste that good…

  14. User avatar kennith.gottlieb23 says:

    5 stars
    Yum! My house smells amazing right now. I can’t wait to try this with some ice cream! 🍦

  15. 4 stars
    I didn’t have quinces, so I used apples instead. Still turned out great! 😄

    1. User avatar jude.waters38 says:

      5 stars
      Great substitute! Apple crisp is a classic too. 😋

    2. User avatar justin.jenkins16 says:

      2 stars
      But like, quinces are totally different. Are you sure it turned out great? 🤔

  16. 2 stars
    Easy recipe! But what the heck is orange blossom water?? 🤔 Totally clueless here!

  17. User avatar john.rau1964 says:

    4 stars
    Quinces are really hard to find in stores near me. Can I use apples instead? 🤔

  18. User avatar mina.davis says:

    1 star
    Okay, I’m gonna try this but I don’t think quinces exist, right? This is a JOKE or something?

  19. User avatar noah.hickle1969 says:

    4 stars
    Yess! Finally something different from all the usual apple pies! 😍

  20. 2 stars
    Why do we need ginger in this? Just use more cinnamon! It’s way better that way.

    1. User avatar leonardo.bayer81 says:

      5 stars
      Cinnamon’s great, but ginger adds a nice spice that complements the quinces. You should try it as is! 😊

    2. User avatar gail.hammes1985 says:

      2 stars
      Ginger?? Nah, just gonna pile on the cinnamon instead! Who even needs ginger anyway?

  21. User avatar yuri.williamson3 says:

    5 stars
    Made this last night—so fragrant. The orange blossom water really lifts the quinces. I’d suggest letting it cool a bit longer than “a few minutes” though; it sets up nicer.

  22. User avatar robbie.ryan89 says:

    4 stars
    Super easy to make! I had never cooked with quinces before but it turned out great. Will definitely make again!

  23. User avatar Feral Falmer says:

    3 stars
    Not gonna lie, I forgot to core one quince (oops) and it was kinda hard. Otherwise the crumb topping was great though. Maybe I shoulda peeled thinner too.

    1. User avatar janell.quitzon says:

      4 stars
      Ahh no worries—quince can be a beast to prep. Glad the crumb topping still saved it though! Thinner peel might help with tenderness, yeah.

    2. User avatar devon.schuster70 says:

      3 stars
      I think you needed more orange blossom water. Also quince should be cooked longer than 45 min, because it never gets soft for me. But topping *is* good 😅

  24. 4 stars
    Quinces are nice n all, but I’m a straight-up apple pie person. Ice cream saved the dessert tho, haha!

  25. 2 stars
    Not a fan. I thought the quinces were too tart and the overall flavor was off. Maybe I did something wrong?

  26. User avatar April Schauer says:

    3 stars
    I’m not sure about quince 😅 It’s kinda tart, and my whole family thought it was too sour. I think next time I’ll slice them thinner or add a touch more brown sugar. Otherwise the crumb texture is nice.

  27. User avatar terence.spencer10 says:

    4 stars
    Very easy recipe! I just winged it without measuring and it still tasted great. This will be my go-to dessert now.

    1. User avatar berry.smith says:

      5 stars
      That’s awesome! I love when recipes are forgiving. Can’t wait to try it myself! 😊

    2. User avatar julianna.kub says:

      3 stars
      Sounds easy, but I don’t think quinces are that common around here. Can I use apples instead? 🤔

  28. User avatar Paula Nancy Millstone Jennings says:

    3 stars
    Mine came out kind of soggy, especially on the bottom. I think my quinces were too wet/juicy, and I didn’t cook long enough. I’d try baking 10 more minutes and letting it rest longer.

    1. 5 stars
      That sounds like a timing/temp issue more than anything—quinces are super stubborn. I’d definitely try the extra 10 minutes and also let it rest like you said, because the juices thicken as it cools.

    2. User avatar milford.schaden31 says:

      4 stars
      Hmm mine didn’t get soggy… but I used dryer quinces (not washed much) and i sliced them thinner. 350F for 45 min feels a bit short? Maybe also cover it with foil for the first half so the top doesn’t burn while the bottom cooks.

  29. 5 stars
    Delicious! I served it to my family, and they all loved it! Will definitely make again.

  30. 5 stars
    This is the best dessert I’ve ever made! The orange blossom water adds such a nice touch. My family loved it!

  31. User avatar glenda.dickens2025 says:

    3 stars
    Quick question, can I just use apples instead? I’ve never heard of orange blossom water either, do I really need it?

    1. User avatar edmund.corkery96 says:

      5 stars
      Using apples is totally fine! They’ll give a different taste, but it’s a good alternative. Orange blossom water adds a unique floral note, but it’s not mandatory. Just experiment and have fun with it!

  32. User avatar Denisha Larkin says:

    5 stars
    Wow, what a treat! This crisp blew me away. I’m not even a baker and it turned out perfect. Thanks for sharing!

  33. User avatar Grìma Wormtongue says:

    3 stars
    Not sure if I did it right, mine came out kinda mushy. Maybe I used too much butter?

    1. User avatar w00d_ch0p says:

      4 stars
      Don’t worry! Mushy can sometimes happen with quinces, especially if they weren’t fully ripe. Try cutting them a bit thicker next time!

    2. 3 stars
      Honestly, I think the butter is fine! Maybe just look for firmer quinces next time. 😅

  34. 5 stars
    I had no idea what quinces were until this. They are hard to find! But it was worth the hunt, this crisp is delicious.

  35. User avatar Mrs. Walter Muller says:

    3 stars
    Gonna try this minus the butter, I’m on a diet. Hope it doesn’t ruin it too much.

  36. 3 stars
    Crisp was too soggy for my taste. I expected it to be crunchy. Maybe I did something wrong?

  37. User avatar gavin.bailey says:

    4 stars
    I think you meant to say that quinces are hard to find! I had to search everywhere for them. But this recipe was worth it.

  38. User avatar suspiciousCommentator says:

    3 stars
    Orange blossom water can be strong—mine might’ve been too much. Next time I’ll cut it slightly and see.

    1. 5 stars
      Good call! Orange blossom water really can take over fast. Cutting it a bit next time should balance the floral notes with the quince nicely.

    2. User avatar Falmer Shaman says:

      4 stars
      Hmm 2 tbsp seems like a lot, I’d think it would be like perfume 😅. Maybe try like 1 tbsp? Also I used orange zest instead once and it tasted much better—just my experience.

  39. User avatar azucena.thompson1966 says:

    3 stars
    Easy recipe but a bit bland, needs more spices or something. Anyone else think so?

  40. 4 stars
    Can I skip the ginger? I hate ginger! Otherwise, I think this might be a good recipe.

3.62 from 144 votes
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