Treat yourself to this scrumptious Pear Crumble! This delicious recipe is super easy to make, and the warm spiced pear flavor is simply irresistible. The perfect dessert for pear lovers!
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Ginnie's Take
Crisps and crumbles are one of my go-to desserts. They are so simple to make, and the contrast between the crunchy topping and tender fruit filling is so delish! You can make this easy dessert with almost any fruit, but in fall and winter when fresh produce is scarce, I love using pears. Over the last few months, this yummy Pear Crumble has become a favorite around here, and I'm excited to share this cozy recipe with you! You are going to love its warm, comforting flavor.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Amazing Flavor - This easy dessert has a mouthwatering warm, spiced pear flavor. Combined with the crunchy crumble topping, it's absolutely irresistible!
- Easy to Make - Just stir together the filling and the topping, combine, and bake. The recipe is so simple.
- Crowd Pleaser - What could be cozier that an old fashioned baked fruit crumble? This is one dessert that's sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it!
Jump to:
Ingredients
You can prepare this homemade crumble with basic, easy to find ingredients! Here's what you'll need:
- Pears - This recipe uses fresh pears. I used Anjou, but any variety will work. For best results, use pears that are ripe, but not overly soft (the fruit will soften as it bakes). Tip: Check out this helpful pear guide to learn about the different types.
- Other Filling Ingredients - You'll mix the pears with granulated sugar, cornstarch (to thicken the fruit juices), fresh lemon juice (which brightens the other flavors), spices (ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, three warm spices that pair perfectly with pears), and salt (I recommend using kosher salt).
- Topping - The crumble topping is super easy to make! You'll need brown sugar (I used light, but dark brown sugar also works), all-purpose flour, cinnamon, salt, and melted unsalted butter. If you'd prefer a topping with oats, you can substitute this easy crisp topping.
This recipe is naturally vegetarian and nut free! You can easily make it vegan and dairy free too, by swapping in your favorite plant based butter.
You'll Also Need
You will need a medium bowl to mix the topping together and a large bowl to prepare the spiced pear filling (this mixing bowl set has both). Grab a whisk (and spoon) to prep the topping, along with a large spoon (I like these silicone spoon-spatulas) to combine the filling. To bake the dessert, you'll need an 8 x 8-inch baking dish. I have (and love) this beautiful Emile Henry Square Baker. It's nice enough to go straight from the oven to the dinner table!
How to Make Pear Crumble
Making a crumble with pears couldn't be easier! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's an overview of the steps:
- Prepare topping. Whisk together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Stir in the melted butter, and as you do, the mixture should start clumping together (if needed, press it together). Set the topping aside so it can firm up while you make the filling.
- Make pear filling. Next, stir together the pears, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and spices in a large bowl. Tip: You do not need to peel the pears, unless you'd prefer. Their skins are very thin and will soften as the dessert bakes.
- Add filling to baking dish. Transfer the pear filling to a buttered baking dish, making sure to scrape in any juice / sugar remaining in the bowl.
- Top with crumble. Using your hands, crumble the topping over the filling. As you might guess, the crumbly topping is where the dessert gets its name! Tip: For a more attractive dessert, leave about an inch of filling visible around the edges.
- Bake. Place the assembled crisp in your oven, then bake until the fruit is bubbling and the topping is brown. Let the dessert rest for 30 minutes before serving so the fruit juices can cool and thicken.
Okay, time to enjoy your fresh Pear Crumble! Wasn't that easy to make?
Variations
This cozy pear dessert is simple to customize! Here are a few ideas to try:
- Fruit - Pair the pears with other fruits, such as apples, cranberries, blackberries, rhubarb, plums, berries, peaches, and more.
- Topping - Prefer an oat topping? Turn this recipe into a Pear Crisp by substituting this Oat Crumble Topping for the topping in the recipe card.
- Vegan + Dairy Free - To make this recipe vegan and dairy free, simply use a plant based butter when preparing the topping.
- Spices - Add other warm spices, such cardamom, cloves, or allspice, to the topping or filling.
Serving Suggestions
While you can enjoy this Ginger Pear Crumble at room temperature (or chilled), it's best when served warm. And it's even more delicious when topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!
Storage
Cover any leftover dessert tightly (or transfer it to an airtight container), then store it in your refrigerator. The crumble will stay fresh for up to four days, although the topping will soften considerably if not eaten within a day or so. Tip: To make leftovers extra delicious, warm them up gently in your microwave before serving.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, you'll love my Apple Cranberry Crisp, too! And make sure to check out these other crumbles and crisps:
- This mouthwatering Nectarine Crumble has been a favorite with Hello Little Home readers. It's so delish!
- You can make this tasty Berry Crumble with your fave berries (any combo works).
- If you're a rhubarb lover, you won't be able to resist this Rhubarb Crumble or this Strawberry and Rhubarb Crisp!
- When peaches are in season, reach for these yummy Peach Crumble and Peach Crisp recipes.
Looking for more pear recipes? Try my Pomegranate and Pear Salad or my easy Pear and Gorgonzola Pizza next!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Pear Crumbles, Crisps, and Cobblers are similar baked fruit desserts. Their names are often used interchangeably, but they have different toppings. A crumble topping is made without oats, a crisp topping contains oats, and cobblers have a biscuit-like topping.
No, you do not need to refrigerate this Pear Crumble if you eat it within a day. However, I do recommend refrigerating the Crumble if your home is warm (during hot summer weather, for example), or if you are unable to eat the dessert within 24 hours.
Yes, you can leave skins on pears when making a crumble, as the peel becomes quite tender when baked. If you don't like the texture, peel them with a vegetable peeler (or sharp paring knife), taking care to remove as little fruit as possible.
To make this Pear Crumble with oats, simply substitute this Oat Topping for the topping in the recipe card.
Pear Crumble
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter (for buttering baking dish)
For Topping:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For Filling:
- 6 cups sliced pears (about 5 large pears; see note below)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- pinch kosher salt
Equipment
- 8 x 8-inch Baking Dish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter an 8 x 8-inch baking dish; set aside.
Prepare Topping:
- Whisk together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Stir melted butter into flour mixture, pressing it together until it clumps. Set aside for 10 minutes.
Prepare Filling:
- Combine pears, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl. Mix well.
Assemble + Bake Crumble:
- Transfer pear mixture to prepared baking dish, spreading in an even layer. Scrape any juices and sugar remaining in bowl into baking dish.
- Using hands, crumble topping over pears.
- Bake until topping is browned and pear filling is bubbling, about 45 to 50 minutes.
- Let cool for at least 30 minutes, then serve topped with ice cream. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
