Pear crumble is a warm, cozy dessert made with juicy pears topped with a crunchy, buttery crumble. It’s like a hug in a dish, perfect for chilly days!
I love how simple it is to whip up! Just toss some sliced pears with a sprinkle of sugar, add a bit of flour, and you’re almost done. Serve it with ice cream for a sweet treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pears: Ripe pears are the star of this dish! I love using Bartlett or Bosc pears for their sweetness. If you can’t find fresh pears, canned pears work in a pinch—just rinse and drain them well!
Granulated Sugar: You can reduce the sugar based on the sweetness of the pears. Alternatively, use honey or maple syrup for a different flavor. Adjust the quantity to your preference.
Rolled Oats: They add a nice texture. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free oats, or try almond flour for a grain-free option.
Butter: Unsalted butter is great for balanced flavor. Coconut oil is a good dairy-free substitute; just make sure it’s solid, not melted when mixing with dry ingredients.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crumble Topping?
Creating the ideal crumble topping is key for texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Keep your butter cold. Cut it into small cubes before mixing with dry ingredients, which prevents it from melting.
- Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until it looks like coarse crumbs—this will give you a nice crunch!
- A little bit of air in your crumble mixture makes it light and crisp. Avoid over-mixing.
After baking, the topping should be golden brown and the pears bubbling underneath. Let it cool a bit before serving for easier scooping!
Delicious Pear Crumble Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pear Filling:
- 5 medium ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 tsp salt
For Serving:
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This pear crumble takes about 15 minutes to prep and 35-40 minutes to bake, so you’ll need roughly 1 hour in total. It’s an easy and delightful dessert that can be prepared quickly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a baking dish and grease it lightly with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Pear Filling:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced pears with the granulated sugar, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon. Make sure the pears are well coated for maximum flavor! Once mixed, spoon this mixture into your prepared baking dish.
3. Make the Crumble Topping:
In another bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, light brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter to this mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, mix gently until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This will be your delicious topping.
4. Assemble and Bake:
Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the pears in the baking dish. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden brown and you can see the pears bubbling underneath.
5. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the crumble from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve it warm, either on its own or topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat! Enjoy your delightful pear crumble!
Can I Use Different Fruits in This Crumble?
Absolutely! While pears are delicious, you can swap them for apples, peaches, or berries depending on your preference. Just make sure to adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose!
How Do I Prevent the Crumble from Getting Soggy?
To prevent sogginess, make sure to slice the pears thick enough so they hold their shape. Also, spreading the crumble topping evenly helps create a barrier that keeps moisture at bay.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Just ensure your oats are certified gluten-free as well, and you’ll have a tasty gluten-free dessert!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pear crumble in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
