How to make pear crumble
A warm and delicious pear crumble is a perfect dessert to enjoy during the autumn season. Made with juicy pears, a crispy crumble topping, and a hint of warm spices, this dessert is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
To make pear crumble, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Choose ripe and firm pears for the best flavor and texture. You can use different varieties of pears to create a more complex and interesting flavor profile. The crumble topping is made with a combination of flour, oats, brown sugar, and butter, which creates a crunchy and caramelized texture.
Start by peeling and slicing the pears, then toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning. Next, combine the dry ingredients for the crumble topping in a separate bowl, and cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Place the sliced pears in a baking dish and sprinkle the crumble topping over them.
Bake the pear crumble in a preheated oven until the topping is golden brown and the pears are tender. The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg will fill your kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere. Serve the pear crumble warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply wanting to enjoy a comforting dessert, making pear crumble is a delightful and straightforward process. The combination of sweet pears and buttery crumble topping is a classic and irresistible combination. Follow this recipe and treat yourself to a delicious homemade dessert that will surely impress your family and friends.
What is pear crumble?
Pear crumble is a delicious dessert made with ripe pears, a sweet crumb topping, and sometimes flavored with cinnamon or ginger. It is similar to apple crumble but with the subtle sweetness and unique flavor of pears.
The crumble topping is typically made from a mixture of flour, butter, sugar, and sometimes rolled oats or nuts. When baked, the topping becomes golden and crisp, creating a satisfying contrast to the soft and juicy pears.
Pear crumble is a comforting and versatile dessert that can be enjoyed year-round. It can be served warm or cold, plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Some variations of pear crumble include adding other fruits like berries or peaches to the filling for added flavor complexity.
Health benefits of pears
Pears are not only delicious but also have several health benefits. They are a good source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C. Eating pears may help support digestive health, boost immunity, and reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.
Ingredients:
For the filling:
- 4 ripe pears
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, diced
Serve:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)
Note: You can adjust the amount of sugar and spices in both the filling and the topping according to your taste preference.
List of necessary ingredients
- 4 medium-sized pears
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Preparation
To make pear crumble, you will need a few simple ingredients and about an hour of your time. Here is what you need to do:
1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This will ensure that your crumble bakes evenly.
2. Prepare the pears: Peel and core the pears, then chop them into small, bite-sized pieces. Place the chopped pears into a bowl and set aside.
3. Make the crumble topping: In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Take a cold butter and rub it into the oat mixture using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
4. Assemble the crumble: Take a deep baking dish and add the chopped pears. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the pears, pressing it down slightly. This will create a crunchy and crumbly texture.
5. Bake the crumble: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the pears are tender. Check the crumble occasionally to prevent it from burning.
6. Serve warm: Once the pear crumble is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Serve it warm and enjoy it on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat.
Step-by-step guide on making pear crumble
Are you ready to enjoy a delicious pear crumble dessert? Follow this simple step-by-step guide to make your own homemade pear crumble:
Step 1: Gather the ingredients
Make sure you have all the necessary ingredients available:
- 4 ripe pears
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
Step 2: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a baking dish by greasing it lightly with butter or cooking spray.
Step 3: Prepare the pears
Peel and core the pears, then slice them into thin pieces. Place the sliced pears evenly into the greased baking dish.
Step 4: Make the crumble topping
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and rolled oats. Cut in the softened butter using a fork or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 5: Top the pears
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the sliced pears in the baking dish. Press it down lightly with your fingers to ensure an even and compact layer.
Step 6: Bake the pear crumble
Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and the pear juices start to bubble around the edges.
Step 7: Serve and enjoy
Remove the pear crumble from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy the delightful blend of sweet pears and crunchy crumble!
Now that you know how to make pear crumble, surprise your family or guests with this irresistible dessert! Nothing beats the comforting taste of warm pear crumble on a cozy evening.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to consider when making pear crumble:
- Feel free to use different types of pears for your crumble to add variety in flavors. Some popular options include Bartlett pears, Anjou pears, or Bosc pears.
- If you prefer a sweeter crumble, you can sprinkle some sugar or honey over the pears before adding the crumble topping.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumble mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- For a healthier option, you can substitute some or all of the butter with coconut oil or a nut butter like almond or cashew butter.
- If you like a crunchy texture, you can incorporate chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the crumble topping.
- Serve the pear crumble warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delicious dessert.
- If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven for a few minutes until warmed through.
Useful tips and possible variations
Here are some useful tips and possible variations to consider when making pear crumble:
- Choose ripe pears: Select pears that are ripe but still firm for the best texture and flavor.
- Experiment with different spices: While cinnamon is a classic choice, don’t be afraid to try other spices such as nutmeg or cardamom to add a unique twist to your pear crumble.
- Add a crunch: For an extra crispy topping, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans to the crumble mixture.
- Serve with ice cream or whipped cream: Pear crumble pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The creamy textures complement the warm, spiced pears perfectly.
- Try a different fruit combination: While pears are delicious on their own, you can also mix them with other fruits such as apples, berries, or peaches to create a unique and delicious crumble.
- Make individual servings: Instead of baking a large pear crumble, use individual ramekins or small baking dishes to create single-serving portions. This is not only visually appealing but also great for portion control and serving guests.
- Add oats or coconut flakes: For extra texture and flavor, consider adding oats or coconut flakes to the crumble mixture. This adds a delightful chewiness and helps to create an even more satisfying dessert.