If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, this Pear Crumble Recipe is exactly what you need. The combination of soft, juicy pears with a perfectly spiced, buttery crumble topping makes it downright irresistible. I’m telling you, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to pull together, and you don’t need fancy ingredients to make it shine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Balance of Sweet and Spice: The maple syrup and warm spices blend beautifully with naturally sweet pears.
- Easy to Customize: You can swap pears with apples or add nuts to suit your taste or what’s in your pantry.
- Simple to Make: No elaborate baking skills needed; just mix, top, and bake!
- Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this crumble, and I bet yours will too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients here are simple pantry and fresh produce basics, but together they create something really special. A quick tip: choose ripe yet firm pears so the filling holds up well while baking and doesn’t turn mushy.
- Pears: Opt for varieties like Bartlett or Bosc for a great balance of sweetness and firmness.
- Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and depth – pure is best for flavor.
- Light Brown Sugar: Enhances warmth with a slight molasses note, blending nicely with the spices.
- Ground Cinnamon: A must-have for that cozy, classic crumble flavor.
- Ground Nutmeg: Adds a subtle, aromatic touch to the spice mix.
- Candied Ginger or Ground Ginger: I love the zing this gives; candied ginger brings a bit of texture too.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor with sweet floral notes.
- Lemon Juice: Keeps pears from browning and brightens the fruitiness.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken juicy fillings for that perfect consistency.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Adds heartiness and a lovely chew to the topping.
- Pecans or Walnuts: Use your favorite nuts for crunch – toasting them first amps up the flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base for the crumble topping’s structure.
- Granulated Sugar: Balances the topping with crisp sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter: Browning it brings a nutty richness that really makes the crumble sing.
- Salt: Just a pinch to lift all the flavors beautifully.
Variations
The beauty of this Pear Crumble Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I’ve played around with a few tweaks that really shake things up or make it friendlier for different diets.
- Apple & Pear Mix: My personal favorite is mixing half pears and half apples for a bit more texture contrast.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour for almond flour or a gluten-free blend, and use gluten-free oats.
- Add More Nuts or Seeds: Toss extra pecans or sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top for added crunch and nutrition.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ground cardamom or ginger powder if you like a little extra warmth.
How to Make Pear Crumble Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pears Just Right
Start by peeling and slicing your pears about ¼ inch thick – this thickness is critical because it cooks down nicely but still holds its shape. Toss the slices with lemon juice right away to keep them looking fresh and vibrant. Spread them out evenly in your buttered baking dish so they cook uniformly. I used a 9-inch pie dish here because I love the rustic feel it adds to the presentation.
Step 2: Mix Your Luscious Spiced Filling
Whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, vanilla extract, salt, cornstarch, and pour this over your pears. Toss gently until every slice gets coated in that gorgeous sticky mix. The cornstarch is the secret to stopping it from turning into a soupy mess in the oven, so don’t skip it!
Step 3: Craft the Perfect Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, mix oats, chopped nuts, flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Now for the game changer: brown the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. You’ll want to watch it closely—after foaming, it’ll turn golden and have little brown flecks (that’s the magic!) and smell nutty. Pour that right into your dry ingredients and stir until the mix clumps into gorgeous, buttery crumbs.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake to Golden Perfection
Sprinkle your crumble topping evenly over the pear filling. Pop it into the oven at 350°F and bake for around 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the fruit juices are bubbling up and the topping looks deeply golden and a bit crispy. If the top starts browning too fast, just tent a piece of foil over it halfway through as I do to prevent burning.
Step 5: Let it Rest Before Diving In
Once you pull it out, give it some cooling time to thicken up a bit. This step is key because hot filling can be very runny right out of the oven. I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel syrup for that extra indulgence.
Pro Tips for Making Pear Crumble Recipe
- Choosing Pears: I’ve found that firmer pears like Bosc hold up better in baking than softer types, which can get too mushy.
- Browning Butter: Keep the heat moderate and whisk frequently—the butter can go from perfect to burnt in seconds.
- Even Layering: Don’t crowd your pears in the dish. Give them some breathing room for even cooking and bubbling juices.
- Topping Thickness: Use the crumble topping generously—it’s what gives the dish that irresistible crunchy texture on top.
How to Serve Pear Crumble Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish mine with a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream because the cold creaminess together with warm crumble is just next-level delicious. Sometimes I drizzle a little caramel sauce on top or sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt to enhance the flavors. If you’re feeling fancy, a few toasted pecans scattered on top add a lovely touch too.
Side Dishes
This crumble stands well on its own but pairs beautifully with a cup of strong black coffee or a cozy cup of chai tea. For brunch, try it alongside some creamy yogurt or even whipped cream for a luscious spread. I’ve also served it with a simple green salad to balance out the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve baked individual portions in ramekins — guests love having their own little personal crumble. Topping those off with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered cinnamon makes it feel extra festive. You could also use a cast-iron skillet to bake and bring it straight to the table for that rustic farmhouse vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers covered tightly in the fridge, and they keep beautifully for up to 3 days. The crumble topping loses some crispness but tastes just as wonderful when reheated. You can always pop it briefly in a toaster oven or under the broiler to refresh that crunch.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this crumble both before and after baking. If freezing raw, store tightly wrapped and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes. Baked leftovers freeze well too; just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. Freezing helps me keep this dessert on standby for unexpected guests!
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer the oven or toaster oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes to warm through without drying it out. Avoid microwaving if you can, because the topping might get soggy. This way, the crumble stays crispy on top and warm, tender underneath.
FAQs
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Can I use apples instead of pears in this Pear Crumble Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use just apples, or mix apples and pears for a lovely texture contrast. Just make sure to use firm varieties to avoid mushiness.
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How do I prevent the topping from burning?
If the crumble topping is browning too quickly, tent the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil midway through baking. This protects the top while allowing the filling to cook properly.
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Can this Pear Crumble Recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and make sure to use gluten-free rolled oats. The crumble will still be deliciously crumbly.
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What’s the best way to serve pear crumble?
I love serving it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds an amazing finish.
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How long does this pear crumble keep in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, it stays fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven for best texture.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Pear Crumble Recipe turns out every single time — it’s simple to make yet feels so cozy and special. Whether you’re whipping this up for a family dinner or as a last-minute dessert for friends, it always hits the spot. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be reaching for it again and again. After all, who can resist warm, spiced pears and buttery crumble topped with ice cream? Happy baking, my friend!
Print
Pear Crumble Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pear Crumble recipe is a comforting and delicious dessert featuring tender pears coated in a spiced maple syrup mixture, topped with a crunchy, buttery crumble made from oats, nuts, and spices. Perfectly baked until golden brown and bubbling, it’s an ideal treat to serve warm with vanilla ice cream or caramel syrup.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 5 medium pears, peeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick (can substitute half with apples)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon candied ginger, finely minced or 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 1/4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
For the Crisp/Crumble Topping
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned/rolled oats
- 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9-inch pie dish, skillet, or 9×9 square baking dish and set aside.
- Prepare Pear Filling: Peel and slice the pears into ¼ inch thick slices. Toss the sliced pears with lemon juice to prevent browning, then spread them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make Maple Syrup Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, light brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, candied or ground ginger, vanilla extract, salt, and cornstarch until fully combined.
- Coat Pears: Pour the maple syrup mixture over the pears and toss gently to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the spiced mixture.
- Prepare Topping Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine oats, chopped nuts, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir to mix evenly.
- Brown Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Continue cooking until the butter foams and begins to brown, turning speckled and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Whisk occasionally to prevent burning.
- Combine Topping: Pour the browned butter into the bowl with the dry topping ingredients and stir until the mixture forms crumbs and is evenly coated.
- Assemble Crumble: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the prepared pear filling in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the fruit juices are bubbling and the topping is golden brown. If the topping browns too quickly, tent the dish loosely with foil.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pear crumble to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature, ideally paired with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel syrup.
Notes
- Half the pears can be swapped with apples to add a different flavor and texture.
- Use unsalted butter to better control the saltiness in the topping.
- Browning the butter adds a rich, nutty flavor; watch carefully to prevent burning.
- If you prefer, substitute pecans with walnuts or other nuts of choice.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for an extra decadent dessert.
- Allow crumble to cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/8 of the crumble)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
