Pear crumble is a warm, cozy dessert that features sweet, juicy pears under a crunchy topping. It’s simple to make and perfect for sharing with friends or family!
The best part? The smell of it baking will make your kitchen feel like a warm hug! I love serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—absolute bliss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pears: Use ripe but firm pears like Bartlett or Bosc for the best flavor and texture. If pears aren’t available, you can also use apples or a mix of both for a different twist.
Lemon juice: This keeps the pears from browning and adds brightness. If you’re out, a splash of apple cider vinegar can work in a pinch.
Granulated sugar: This helps sweeten the pear filling. You could swap it with brown sugar for a richer taste or use honey or maple syrup if you prefer natural sweeteners.
Butter: Unsalted butter is the best choice, but if you need a dairy-free option, feel free to use coconut oil or vegan butter. Just keep it cold for the perfect crumble texture!
Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch and flavor. If you have nut allergies, you can skip them or replace them with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds instead.
What’s the Best Way to Make the Crumble Topping?
The crumble topping is crucial for that beautiful texture you want. Getting it right can be a bit tricky, but here are my tips:
- Ensure your butter is cold; this helps create a flaky, crunchy topping.
- Mix the cold butter with the flour and other dry ingredients until you see bits of butter the size of peas.
- Avoid over-mixing! You want to maintain some small butter pieces for crispness.
- If you like a chunkier topping, don’t be afraid to leave some larger pieces in your crumble mixture.
Once you’ve mastered the topping, you’ll make pear crumble like a pro! Enjoy the delightful crunch!
How to Make Pear Crumble
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 5 ripe but firm pears, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
How Much Time Will You Need?
This pear crumble takes about 15 minutes to prepare, followed by 40-45 minutes of baking time. Overall, you should plan for about 1 hour to enjoy this delicious treat from prep to table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot enough to make the crumble golden and delicious. Grease a baking dish or some cute oven-safe ramekins lightly with butter or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Pear Filling:
In a large bowl, toss the chopped pears with lemon juice, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until everything is well combined. This will infuse the pears with flavor! Once ready, pour this pear mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
3. Make the Crumble Topping:
In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, packed brown sugar, and salt. Next, add the cold cubed butter to the mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the dry ingredients until it looks like coarse crumbs. Feeling rustic? You can leave some bigger pieces for even more crunch! If you like nuts, mix in the chopped walnuts or pecans now.
4. Assemble and Bake:
Now it’s time to build your crumble! Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the pear mixture. Pop it into the preheated oven and let it bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping turns lovely and golden brown and the pears are bubbling happily around the edges.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, pull your pear crumble out of the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve it warm, either on its own or with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. It’s a comforting, crunchy delight that everyone will love!
Enjoy your comforting, crunchy pear crumble! 🍐✨
Can I Use Different Fruits for This Crumble?
Absolutely! While pears are delicious, you can substitute with apples, peaches, or even berries. Just adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose.
What If My Pears Are Overripe?
If your pears are a bit overripe, they can still work! Just reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe, as they may already be quite sweet. Keep an eye on the baking time, as softer pears will cook faster.
Can I Freeze the Pear Crumble?
Yes, you can freeze it! Assemble the crumble (without baking), then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover crumble in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it up in the oven or microwave until heated through. Enjoy it warm for the best experience!