Is there anything more comforting than a warm, bubbly pear crumble on a crisp autumn evening? This easy recipe delivers a deliciously sweet and subtly tart pear filling nestled under a crunchy, buttery oat topping. It's the perfect homemade dessert, ideal for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Get ready to experience the ultimate taste of autumn comfort with this best pear crumble recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Pear Filling:
- 6 ripe but firm pears, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 6 cups)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This simple step ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
Prepare the Pear Filling:
- In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced pears with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. The lemon juice helps prevent the pears from browning and adds a lovely zing.
Make the Crumble Topping:
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Avoid overmixing; you want some larger pieces for that satisfying crunch.
Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the pear filling into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the pears.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil.
Cool and Serve:
- Let the crumble cool slightly before serving. This allows the filling to set and prevents burning your mouth! Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Tips for the Best Pear Crumble:
- Choose the right pears: Use a mix of sweet and tart pears for the best flavor. Bartlett, Bosc, and Anjou pears all work well.
- Don't overmix the crumble topping: Overmixing will result in a tough topping. Aim for a coarse, crumbly texture.
- Adjust sweetness to your taste: If you prefer a sweeter crumble, add a little more sugar to both the filling and the topping.
- Add other spices: Experiment with different spices, such as cardamom or allspice, to create unique flavor combinations.
Variations:
- Apple Pear Crumble: Add 2-3 sliced apples to the pear filling for a delicious apple pear combination.
- Cranberry Pear Crumble: Stir in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries to the pear filling for a burst of tartness.
- Nutty Pear Crumble: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) to the crumble topping for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 300-350 Fat: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 40-50g Sugar: 25-30g Protein: 4-5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Enjoy this delicious and easy pear crumble recipe! This quick dinner idea is perfect for a healthy meal, any day of the week. These homemade cooking recipes are amongst the best recipes for satisfying your sweet tooth!