This pear crumble is a cozy dessert that brings warm, sweet pears topped with a crunchy, buttery crumb. It’s simple to make, perfect for any time of the year!
You won’t be able to resist that delightful combination of soft fruit and crunchy topping. I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Yum! 🍐🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pears: Use ripe pears like Bartlett or Anjou for the sweetest flavor. If you can’t find pears, apples work well too! Granny Smith apples offer a nice tartness if you prefer a tangy twist.
Granulated Sugar: If you’re looking to reduce sugar, try using less or substitute with honey or maple syrup. Just remember, honey is sweeter, so you might want to adjust the amount.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices add warmth, but feel free to mix it up! Cardamom or ginger could be nice alternatives for a different flavor profile.
Butter: For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil, margarine, or a vegan butter substitute. The flavor will change slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
How Do I Get the Perfect Crumble Texture?
The key to a good crumble topping is to keep the butter cold. This helps achieve that coveted crispy texture. Here’s how to do it:
- After you add the butter to the dry ingredients, work quickly to avoid melting it.
- Use your fingertips to break the butter into the flour mixture, creating small pea-sized chunks.
- Avoid overworking the mixture – it should still be a bit crumbly and not fully combined.
Keeping the butter cold and the mixture crumbly will lead to that perfect crunch when baked!
Delicious Pear Crumble Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pear Filling:
- 5-6 medium ripe pears, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then about 40-45 minutes to bake. You’ll spend a little time chopping and mixing, but the result is worth the wait. Once it’s in the oven, you can relax and anticipate that delicious aroma filling your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your crumble bakes evenly and beautifully. Grab a baking dish, about 8×8 inches, and lightly grease it with some butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Pears:
In a large bowl, combine the chopped pears with granulated sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and optional ground nutmeg and vanilla extract. Mix everything together so the pears are well-coated and flavorful.
3. Transfer the Pears:
Spread the pear mixture evenly in the greased baking dish. This layer should be nice and even, as it will be the sweet base of your crumble.
4. Make the Crumble Topping:
In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. This is the dry mix for your topping. Now, add the cold butter cubes into the bowl.
5. Create the Crumble Texture:
Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs. Try not to overwork it; you want those nice, buttery chunks for a great texture!
6. Assemble and Bake:
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the pears in your baking dish. This will create a crunchy layer on top of the sweet, soft pears. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. You want the topping to turn golden brown and the filling to be bubbly.
7. Let It Cool:
Once it’s done baking, remove your pear crumble from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This will allow the filling to set a bit, making it easier to serve.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious pear crumble warm. It’s fantastic on its own, or you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat!
Enjoy your comforting, delicious Pear Crumble!
Can I Use Different Types of Pears for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While ripe Bartlett or Anjou pears work great, you can use any sweet, juicy variety. Just make sure they’re ripe for the best flavor and texture. You could even mix them with apples for a unique twist!
How Should I Store Leftover Pear Crumble?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To heat, you can simply pop it in the microwave or rewarm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Make the Crumble Topping Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the crumble topping a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge in a sealed container until you’re ready to use it. This can save you time on busy baking days!
What Can I Serve with Pear Crumble?
Pear crumble is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. A dollop of fresh whipped cream also pairs wonderfully with the warm crumble!