Spiced Pear Crumble

$- 4 ripe pears, peeled and sliced - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 3/4 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional) - Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional) To create this spiced pear crumble, you want to start with the right pears. Ripe pears work best since they are sweet and soft. I love using Bartlett or Anjou pears for their juicy flavor. You can adjust the spices to your taste. If you like more warmth, add extra cinnamon or nutmeg. The lemon juice adds brightness and keeps the pears from browning. For the crumble topping, rolled oats give a nice texture. You can use all-purpose flour or switch to gluten-free flour if needed. Brown sugar gives a deeper flavor, while granulated sugar adds sweetness. Melted butter pulls it all together, making the topping crumbly and delicious. If you want a nutty crunch, add walnuts. They are optional, but I think they add great flavor. Don't forget the vanilla ice cream! It pairs perfectly with the warm crumble. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat the oven and prepare baking dish Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the crumble cook evenly. Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish with a bit of butter or cooking spray. This will keep the crumble from sticking. 2. Combine pears with spices and lemon juice In a large bowl, add the sliced pears. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Then, pour in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix everything well. Let it sit for a few minutes. This helps the pears soak in the flavors. 3. Make the crumble topping In another bowl, mix together 3/4 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Pour in 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Stir until it gets crumbly. If you like, add 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts for extra crunch. 1. Assemble the dish with pears and crumble Spread the spiced pear mixture evenly in your greased baking dish. Make sure the pears cover the bottom well. Then, take the crumble topping and evenly sprinkle it over the pears. 2. Bake in the preheated oven Place the dish in your oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Watch for a golden brown topping and bubbling pears. This shows it is ready. 3. Cooling and serving preparation When the crumble is finished baking, take it out of the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the flavors settle. Serve warm, and if you want, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a sweet treat. - Choosing the right pears: Use ripe pears for the best flavor. Look for Bosc or Anjou pears. They hold their shape well during baking and add nice sweetness. Avoid overly soft pears; they can turn mushy. - Adjusting spice levels for personal taste: If you love warmth, add more cinnamon or nutmeg. Start with the given amounts and taste. You can always add a little more spice. Make it your own! - Best accompaniments: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with warm spiced pear crumble. The cold ice cream melts into the warm crumble, creating a delightful mix. You can also try whipped cream for a lighter option. - Presentation tips for serving: Serve in individual bowls for a nice touch. Dust a little extra cinnamon on top for a pop of color. You can also add a sprig of mint for freshness. This makes your dish look even more inviting! Pro Tips Choose the Right Pears: For the best flavor and texture, opt for ripe, sweet pears like Bartlett or Bosc. They hold up well during baking and offer a delicious sweetness. Enhance Flavor with Spices: Feel free to experiment with additional spices like allspice or ginger for a unique twist. Just a pinch can elevate the overall flavor profile. Make Ahead for Convenience: You can prepare the pear filling and crumble topping separately in advance. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve. Serving Suggestions: Pair the crumble with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of decadence. A sprinkle of sea salt can also enhance the sweetness! {{image_2}} You can make your spiced pear crumble even better! Here are some fun ideas: - Adding Other Fruits: You can mix in apples or berries. Apples give a nice crunch. Berries add a sweet burst. Try a mix for a fruity delight! - Alternative Nuts or Seeds for Topping: Instead of walnuts, use pecans or almonds. You can also try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. They add a tasty crunch and different flavors. Want to make your crumble fit your diet? Here are some easy swaps: - Gluten-Free Options for Flour: Use almond flour or oat flour instead of all-purpose flour. This keeps the crumble tasty and gluten-free! - Vegan Options for Butter and Ice Cream: Swap out butter for coconut oil or vegan butter. For ice cream, try dairy-free options like coconut or almond milk ice cream. They taste great and keep the dessert vegan! To keep your spiced pear crumble fresh, use these tips: - Refrigeration: Allow the crumble to cool completely. Cover it well with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It stays good in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. - Freezing: If you want to store it longer, freeze the crumble. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, follow these steps: - Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the crumble in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes for a crisp topping. - Microwave Method: If you need a quick option, use the microwave. Place a slice on a plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking to prevent overheating. These methods ensure your spiced pear crumble stays tasty and inviting! Can I use other fruits instead of pears? Yes, you can! Apples, peaches, or berries work well. Each fruit gives a unique flavor. I love mixing fruits for more taste. How long does it last in the fridge? Spiced pear crumble lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Make sure to cover it well. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Is it possible to make it ahead of time? You can prepare the crumble ahead. Just store the topping and fruit mix separately. Assemble them before baking. This saves time for busy days. What can I use instead of granulated sugar? You can use honey or maple syrup as sweeteners. They add a nice flavor. Adjust the amount to your taste. Can I prepare the crumble topping in advance? Absolutely! You can make the crumble topping a day before. Just keep it in the fridge. This makes baking quick and fun. In this blog post, we covered the essentials for making a delicious spiced pear crumble. You learned about the ingredients, the step-by-step preparation, and tips for the perfect dish. We also explored variations to customize your crumble and storage techniques for leftovers. Overall, this dessert is simple yet satisfying. Enjoy your baking and feel free to get creative with flavors. A warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is hard to beat!$

A warm and comforting dessert featuring spiced pears topped with a crunchy crumble.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces ripe pears, peeled and sliced
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
0.75 cup rolled oats
0.5 cup all-purpose flour
0.5 cup brown sugar
0.25 cup granulated sugar
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
0.25 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1 scoop vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish (8x8 inches works great).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced pears with cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Mix well and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is crumbly and well incorporated. If using, add the chopped walnuts for extra texture.
Spread the spiced pear mixture evenly in the greased baking dish.
Evenly distribute the crumble topping over the pears, making sure to cover them completely.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the pears are bubbling.
Remove the crumble from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delightful contrast. Dust with a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flair.

Keyword baking, crumble, dessert, pear