Pin it A comforting dessert featuring tender, juicy pears beneath a thick, crunchy, golden crumble topping. This British classic is the ultimate warm treat for a cozy evening, filling the kitchen with the sweet aroma of cinnamon and vanilla.
Pin it The contrast between the soft fruit filling and the crisp, golden crust is what makes a crumble so special. It is a timeless favorite that relies on the natural sweetness of ripe pears, enhanced with just a touch of lemon and spice.
Ingredients
- Pear Filling
- 6 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Crumble Topping
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
- 1.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced pears with lemon juice, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and flour. Spread evenly in a greased 9-inch (23 cm) baking dish.
- 3.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the topping. Add the cold, cubed butter and rub with fingertips or use a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some larger chunks.
- 4.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the pears, pressing down gently to create a thick, crunchy layer.
- 5.
- Bake for 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and pears are bubbling.
- 6.
- Cool slightly before serving. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
When preparing the crumble topping, using cold, cubed butter is essential. Rubbing it in with your fingertips allows you to maintain larger chunks of butter, which create those sought-after crunchy peaks once the dish is baked.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can vary the flavor by substituting apples for half of the pears. For an extra crunch, add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble. For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free flour and oats.
Serviervorschläge
This dessert is best served warm. While it is delicious on its own, it is perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the topping or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
Pin it Enjoy this rustic and heartwarming Pear Crumble as the perfect finale to your next meal. It is a simple, vegetarian-friendly dessert that never fails to please a crowd.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use other fruits instead of pears?
Yes, you can substitute apples for half the pears or use a mix of seasonal fruits like peaches or berries. Adjust sugar based on fruit sweetness.
- → How do I know when the crumble is done?
The topping should be golden brown and the fruit filling should be bubbling around the edges. This typically takes 35 minutes at 375°F.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the crumble up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
- → What's the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes to restore the topping's crunch.
- → How should I store leftover pear crumble?
Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The topping will soften slightly but can be crisped up by reheating in the oven.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use certified gluten-free flour and gluten-free oats. The texture and flavor remain delicious with these simple substitutions.