Move over, apples; it’s time to let pears shine. This pear crumble recipe is the perfect pear dessert to highlight the sweet-tart flavor of fresh, ripe pears. Topped with a buttery crumble made from oats, nuts and warm spices, this simple dessert tastes incredible when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients for Pear Crumble
- Pears: This pear crumble recipe is perfect for using up ripe pears during fall. Many types of pears will work in this recipe, but Bosc, Anjou and Asian pears are particularly suited for baking because their firm flesh holds up well when heated. You can even use canned pears if you drain off the liquid.
- Lemon juice: Adding a little lemon juice to the sliced pears prevents the fruit from browning.
- Sugar: Sugar adds sweetness to the topping. You can use granulated sugar, brown sugar or a little bit of both.
- Old-fashioned oats: Also called rolled oats, old-fashioned oats add a chewy texture and a rich, slightly nutty flavor to the topping. Avoid using instant or quick-cooking oats, which tend to be softer and have a less distinct flavor.
- Flour: This pear crumble recipe calls for all-purpose flour in the topping. For a gluten-free version, you can use almond flour or any of these gluten-free flour blends.
- Spices: Ground cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg add warm notes to the topping.
- Butter: Cold butter is cut into cubes and incorporated into the topping to form delicious buttery crumbles.
- Nuts: Chopped nuts add a crunchy texture to the topping. Walnuts, pecans or hazelnuts are all tasty options.
Directions
Step 1: Prep the pears
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the pear slices in a greased 1-quart baking dish. Sprinkle them with lemon juice.
Step 2: Make the topping
In a large bowl, combine the sugar, oats, flour, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. Cut in the butter until crumbly. Then, stir in the nuts. Sprinkle the topping over the pears.
Editor’s Tip: Keep the butter in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. Using extra-cold butter will help form big crumbles in the topping.
Step 3: Cook the crumble
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly.
Recipe Variations
- Add apples: To really embrace the fall harvest season, replace one or more of the pears with peeled and sliced apples. The best apples for baking include tart varieties like Granny Smith or Cortland.
- Add more spice: For an even more complex spice flavor, add a pinch of ground cloves, ground cardamom and ground black pepper to the crumble topping to give it a chai-inspired flavor.
How to Store Pear Crumble
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can enjoy the leftover crumble cold, or reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30 seconds. To reheat a larger portion, warm the crumble in a 350° oven for 20 minutes or until heated through.
Pear Crumble Tips
How do you serve pear crumble?
Serve the pear crumble recipe warm or at room temperature with a generous scoop of vanilla custard ice cream or a dollop of homemade whipped cream. If you’re feeling decadent, add a drizzle of caramel sauce.
How can you tell if a pear is ripe?
To test the ripeness of most pear varieties, gently press the pear near the stem. The pear is ripe and ready to eat if it is slightly soft. One exception is the Asian pear—it will still be firm to the touch but gives off a sweet, aromatic aroma.
