This pear crumble is a warm and cozy dessert, filled with sweet, juicy pears and topped with a crunchy, buttery crumb. It’s perfect for any occasion!
I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. Trust me, that melty goodness takes it to a whole new level! 🍐🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pears: Ripe pears are key for this dessert. I usually go for Bartlett or Bosc because they are sweet and soft when baked. If pears are hard, let them ripen a few days. No pears? Apples or peaches work great as substitutes!
Lemon Juice: This brightens the flavor and keeps the pears from browning. If you’re out, a splash of apple cider vinegar can do the trick. Just a teaspoon will suffice!
Granulated Sugar: You can adjust the sugar to taste based on how sweet your pears are. If you prefer, try using honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener that adds flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the best control over salt content. If you’re avoiding dairy, coconut oil or vegan butter can offer a similar richness in the crumble topping.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Crumble Topping?
The crumble topping is crucial for that delightful crunch! It’s all about the texture. Here are some quick tips to get it just right:
- Keep your butter cold! This helps create that crumbly texture when mixed in.
- Mix gently; you want to see some small chunks of butter. This will help it brown nicely in the oven.
- If you like a crispier topping, consider adding an extra 1/4 cup of oats or a handful of chopped nuts for added crunch.
- Don’t overwork it! Just mix until combined and you have that nice crumbly consistency.
With these tips, your pear crumble will be beautifully layered with juicy filling and a perfectly crunchy topping! Enjoy making it!
Delicious Pear Crumble Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pear Filling:
- 5 medium ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on pear sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch
How Much Time Will You Need?
This pear crumble takes about 15 minutes to prep and 40-45 minutes to bake, making a total of about 1 hour. It’s a simple dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, and your kitchen will smell amazing while it bakes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will get it nice and hot for baking your crumble!
2. Preparing the Pears:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced pears with lemon juice, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix everything together until the pears are well-coated. Let them sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
3. Making the Crumble Topping:
In another bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and salt. Then, add the cold butter cubes. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs with some small pieces. Feel free to mix in any chopped nuts for added crunch!
4. Assemble the Dish:
Take a greased baking dish (an 8-inch round dish works well) and pour in the pear mixture, spreading it evenly. Then, sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the pears, covering them completely.
5. Baking Time:
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye out for that gorgeous golden brown color on the topping and bubbling pears peeking through.
6. Cooling and Serving:
Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, and don’t forget a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra deliciousness!
Enjoy your delicious homemade pear crumble! It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends!
Can I Use Different Fruits for This Crumble?
Absolutely! While pears are delicious, you can substitute with other fruits like apples, peaches, or berries. Just make sure to adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose.
What Can I Use Instead of Oats?
If you’re looking for an oat-free option, you can substitute with additional flour or use almond flour for a gluten-free version. Just keep the ratio similar to maintain the crumble texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Can I Make This Dessert Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pear mixture and crumble topping separately and store them in the fridge for up to a day. Just assemble and bake as directed when you’re ready to serve!
