Pear crumble is a warm and cozy dessert made with juicy pears and a crunchy topping. It’s sweet, buttery, and oh-so-comforting, perfect for chilly days!
As soon as it comes out of the oven, your kitchen will smell amazing. Serve it with a scoop of ice cream for a little extra joy—trust me, you’ll want seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pears: Use ripe, juicy pears for the best flavor. Bartlett or Bosc are great choices! If you can’t find fresh pears, canned pears in juice can work too, but be sure to drain them well.
Granulated and Brown Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the pears while brown sugar adds a rich flavor to the crumble topping. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using coconut sugar or maple syrup (adjust the amount to taste).
Butter: Unsalted butter is key for controlling the saltiness of the dish. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or vegan butter can be great substitutes, though the flavor may differ slightly.
How Do I Get a Perfectly Crunchy Crumble Topping?
The crumble topping is what makes this dessert so delightful! To ensure it turns out perfectly crunchy, it’s crucial to cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients properly. Here’s how:
- Start with cold butter for a crumbly texture. You can cube the butter and freeze it for a few minutes before using.
- Use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your hands to mix the butter into the flour, oats, and sugars. Aim for pea-sized crumbs—don’t overmix!
- For an extra crunch, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds to the crumble mixture.
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious pear crumble that’s sure to impress! Enjoy the crunchy topping and juicy pears together.
How to Make Pear Crumble
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 5 medium ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pear crumble takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. So, in about an hour, you’ll have a warm, fragrant dessert to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get your baking dish ready by lightly greasing it with some butter or non-stick spray.
2. Prepare the Pears
In a large bowl, toss the sliced pears with the granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg until everything is nicely mixed together. Once combined, transfer the pear mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
3. Make the Crumble Topping
In another bowl, mix together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and salt. Now, it’s time to cut in the cold butter! Use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingers to mix the butter into the dry ingredients until it looks like coarse crumbs. This is the yummy topping that makes the crumble so special!
4. Assemble the Dish
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the pear layer in the baking dish. This will give you that delicious crunchy texture!
5. Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake it uncovered for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the pears are bubbling and tender.
6. Cool and Serve
Once the crumble is out of the oven, let it cool slightly for a few minutes before diving in. For an extra treat, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Enjoy your cozy and delicious pear crumble! It’s a delightful dessert that’s perfect for sharing (or enjoying all by yourself)!
Can I Use Different Fruits in This Crumble?
Absolutely! While pears are delicious, you can experiment with other fruits like apples, peaches, or berries. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the fruit you choose.
What Can I Substitute for Rolled Oats?
If you don’t have rolled oats on hand, you can use quick oats instead, but avoid steel-cut oats as they won’t yield the same texture. For a gluten-free option, look for certified gluten-free oats.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pear crumble in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Can I Make This Crumble Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. Additionally, you can use maple syrup or coconut sugar instead of granulated and brown sugars for a different flavor profile.