This pear crumble is an easy dessert that combines sweet, juicy pears with a crunchy topping. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! Perfect for cozy nights.
I love how the sweet smell fills the kitchen while it bakes. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ll be in dessert paradise! 🍐❤️
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pears: Ripe pears bring sweetness and juiciness to this dish. I love using Bartlett or Bosc pears, but feel free to use Anjou or even apples as a substitute if pears aren’t available.
Lemon Juice: This adds brightness and helps prevent the pears from browning. If you’re in a pinch, lime juice works too!
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the filling. If you want to cut back on sugar, try using honey or maple syrup, but adjust the liquid in your recipe slightly.
Cornstarch: This thickens the pear juices when baking. If you don’t have cornstarch, tapioca starch or flour can work as alternatives.
Butter: Cold unsalted butter gives the topping its crumbly texture. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil or vegan butter can also do the trick!
How Do I Get a Crunchy Topping for My Crumble?
The topping is crucial for that perfect texture. Here’s how to ensure it’s beautifully crunchy:
- Keep the butter cold. It helps create that crumbly texture.
- Don’t overmix! When combining the butter with dry ingredients, do just enough until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Spread it evenly over the pear filling to ensure every bite has that crunchy goodness.
- Bake until golden brown! This will usually take about 40-45 minutes.
With these tips and tricks, your pear crumble will come out deliciously every time! Enjoy this heartwarming dessert. 🍐✨
How to Make Pear Crumble
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 5 medium ripe pears (about 2 to 2½ pounds), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This lovely pear crumble will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 40-45 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour for a warm, delicious dessert perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch square or similarly sized baking dish by lightly greasing it—this will help prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Pear Filling:
In a large bowl, toss your sliced pears with lemon juice. This helps keep the pears fresh and adds a nice flavor. Then, sprinkle in the granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and cornstarch. Gently mix everything together until the pears are well coated, and then set the bowl aside.
3. Make the Crumble Topping:
In another bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, salt, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Next, add the cold butter pieces. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, mix the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs, some pieces should be pea-sized for extra crunch.
4. Assemble the Crumble:
Spread the pear filling evenly in your prepared baking dish. Then, sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the pears, making sure to cover them completely for a delightful crunch!
5. Bake and Enjoy:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. You want the topping to be golden brown, and the pear filling to be tender and bubbly. Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
6. Serve & Savor:
Serve your pear crumble warm, and if you’re feeling indulgent, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. Enjoy this heartwarming dessert with friends and family!
Enjoy your cozy, sweet pear crumble!
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Crumble?
Absolutely! While pears are delicious, you can use apples, peaches, or even mixed berries. Just keep in mind that some fruits may require a bit more or less sugar depending on their sweetness.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make a gluten-free pear crumble, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The texture will still be lovely!
How Should 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 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Can I Freeze Pear Crumble?
Definitely! You can freeze the unbaked crumble. Assemble it in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from frozen!