This pear crumble is a warm, comforting dessert, featuring juicy pears topped with a crunchy oat and brown sugar mix. It’s simple to make and perfect for chilly days!
Nothing beats the smell of baked pears filling your home! I love adding a scoop of ice cream on top. It turns the crumble into a cozy dream! 🍐❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pears: For a sweet and juicy crumble, use ripe pears like Bartlett or Bosc. If you can’t find pears, you can use apples, which work similarly. Just adjust the sugar since apples can be less sweet.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness to the pears. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try coconut sugar or maple syrup. They give a lovely flavor too!
Butter: Unsalted butter is great for control over seasoning. If you want a dairy-free version, use coconut oil or vegan butter instead. They can produce a delicious result as well.
Oats: Rolled oats provide texture to the topping. If you prefer gluten-free, you can use certified gluten-free oats, or substitute with ground almonds for a nutty alternative!
How Do You Make the Perfect Crumble Topping?
The crumble topping can make or break your dessert, so let’s get it right! The key here is to mix the butter into the dry ingredients well.
- Keep the butter cold; it creates a flaky texture.
- Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to combine until you have small, coarse crumbs. Don’t worry if some pieces are larger!
- Avoid overmixing, as this can make the topping tough. You want a bit of crunch!
Letting the crumble cool slightly before serving will help it set a bit, making it easier to scoop. Enjoy! 🍐✨
Delicious Pear Crumble Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pear Filling:
- 5 medium pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 tsp salt
For Serving:
- Optional: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious pear crumble will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 40-45 minutes for baking. In total, you’ll need around 1 hour, including cooling time. It’s super quick and easy to make — perfect for a cozy dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’ll be ready for your crumble once you’ve prepared it!
2. Prepare the Pear Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced pears with the granulated sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure the pears are well coated; this will enhance their sweet flavor when baked.
3. Assemble the Pears:
Transfer the pear mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. It’s important to have a nice, even layer for the best results.
4. Make the Crumble Topping:
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and salt. Then, add the cold cubed butter. Using your fingers, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It’s okay if some bits are a little larger — that adds to the crunch!
5. Top the Pears:
Spread the crumble topping evenly over the pears in the baking dish. Don’t be shy with the topping; we want lots of crunch!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown topping and bubbling pears. Your kitchen will smell amazing during this time!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the crumble from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 10 minutes. This helps the juices settle. Serve your pear crumble warm, and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired!
Enjoy your delicious homemade pear crumble! 🍐✨
Can I Use Other Fruits for This Crumble?
Absolutely! Apples, peaches, or even berries work wonderfully in place of pears. Just adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pear crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven until heated through.
Can I Make the Topping in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the crumble topping ahead of time! Just store it in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze it for longer storage. When ready to use, simply sprinkle it over your prepared fruit and bake as usual.
What Can I Serve with Pear Crumble?
This crumble is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. A scoop of custard would also be a lovely addition for a comforting dessert!