If you’re craving a dessert that’s cozy, comforting, and downright irresistible, you have to try this Pear Crumble Recipe. I absolutely love how the sweet, spiced pears combine with a crunchy, buttery topping—it’s the kind of dessert that warms your heart and fills your kitchen with the most amazing aroma. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up, making it perfect for both a weeknight treat or a special gathering with friends. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every step to help you nail it perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort in Every Bite: The tender, cinnamon-spiced pears paired with a crunchy, nutty topping feel like a warm hug on a plate.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The maple syrup adds sweetness while lemon juice keeps it bright – no bland fruit here!
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: You probably already have most of these pantry staples, so no last-minute runs to the store.
- Flexible and Fun to Customize: Whether you toss in some apples or swap nuts, it’s your crumble to make your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pear Crumble Recipe uses fresh pears combined with warm spices and a perfectly crunchy topping made of oats and nuts. The ingredients work really well together, creating layers of texture and flavor. If you’re shopping for pears, I recommend choosing ones that are ripe but still firm, so they hold up well during baking.
- Pears: Choose medium-sized, ripe but firm pears; Bosc or Bartlett work wonderfully because they hold their shape when baked.
- Pure maple syrup: Provides a natural, rich sweetness that pairs beautifully with pears—subtle but impactful.
- Light brown sugar: Adds depth and a touch of molasses flavor enhancing the spice mixture.
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic warming spices that make the pears irresistible.
- Candied ginger: Adds a lovely zing—if you don’t have it, ground ginger works as a fine substitute.
- Vanilla extract: Boosts flavor complexity, making the crumble taste extra special.
- Lemon juice: Keeps the fruit bright and prevents browning—don’t skip this!
- Cornstarch: This is your thickening agent so the filling isn’t runny after baking.
- Old-fashioned/rolled oats: Give your topping a delightful texture and heartiness.
- Pecans or walnuts: Roughly chopped for a satisfying crunch and rich nuttiness.
- All-purpose flour: Binds the crumble and balances the oats and nuts.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps the crumble brown beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Browning the butter brings so much depth — don’t rush this step!
- Salt: Just a pinch to elevate all the flavors.
Variations
I always find it fun to tweak this Pear Crumble Recipe depending on the season or what’s in the pantry. Feel free to make it your own and try some of these variations to discover your favorite version.
- Add apples: I often do half pears, half apples for a firmer texture and a little extra sweetness; Honeycrisp apples are especially great.
- Nut substitutions: If pecans aren’t your thing, walnuts or even almonds work nicely – I’ve used toasted almonds for a very different but delicious crunch.
- Gluten-free option: Swap the all-purpose flour for almond flour or a gluten-free blend; the crumble turns out just as flavorful.
- Spice it up: Sprinkle in a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom for a more complex spice profile, particularly during the holidays.
How to Make Pear Crumble Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Layer Your Pears
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—this gives it plenty of time to warm up so the crumble bakes evenly. I like to butter my baking dish well; this prevents sticking and adds just a touch of richness to the bottom layer. Next, peel and slice your pears about ¼ inch thick. Toss them gently with lemon juice right away to keep the color vibrant and pop them into the baking dish, spreading them out in an even layer. This quick toss is a game-changer—you don’t want dull, brown fruit hiding under that crumble topping!
Step 2: Mix Your Sweet, Spicy Filling
In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, light brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, minced candied ginger (or ground ginger), vanilla extract, salt, and cornstarch. The cornstarch is what thickens up those delicious pear juices as they bake, so don’t skip it. Pour this mixture evenly over the pears and gently toss so every slice gets that delicious coating. You want everything evenly coated—not swimming in liquid, but thoroughly covered.
Step 3: Whip Up the Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the oats, chopped pecans (or walnuts), flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Now here’s a trick I learned after burning my fair share of crumble toppings: browning the butter! Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, swirling it occasionally. After it foams and starts turning golden with little brown speckles (this usually takes 3-5 minutes), remove immediately from heat and whisk it quickly to prevent burning. Pour this browned butter right into your dry mixture and stir everything together until crumbly clusters form. This step elevates the flavor to a whole new level—those nutty, toasty undertones are what make this crumble a standout.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle that gorgeous crumble topping evenly over the pear filling. Pop your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the fruit is bubbling around the edges and the topping is a beautiful golden brown. If you see the crumble browning too quickly before the fruit is tender, pop a piece of foil loosely on top to prevent burning. Let it cool just a bit before serving—this helps the juices settle and makes it easier to plate.
Pro Tips for Making Pear Crumble Recipe
- Choose the Right Pears: Using firmer pears like Bosc prevents your filling from turning into a mushy mess—trust me, I learned this the hard way!
- Don’t Skip Browning Butter: That nutty flavor from browned butter transforms the crumble topping from good to unforgettable.
- Use Fresh Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg lose their punch over time; having fresh spice makes a huge flavor difference.
- Watch Your Baking Time: Overbaking dries out the crumble, so start checking at 40 minutes—look for bubbling juices and a crisp, golden topping.
How to Serve Pear Crumble Recipe
Garnishes
I love serving this pear crumble warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top—it’s pure bliss. Sometimes, I drizzle a bit of caramel syrup over the ice cream for an extra indulgent touch. If you want a bit of contrast, a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar adds a simple but charming finish.
Side Dishes
While this crumble shines perfectly on its own, I sometimes pair it with a cup of strong black coffee or chai tea to complement those warm spices. For brunch gatherings, it pairs beautifully with creamy yogurt or even alongside a cheese plate to highlight sweet and savory contrasts.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I like serving individual portions baked in ramekins—it feels personal and fancy but is so easy to do. You can also add edible flowers or a fresh sprig of mint on top for a pop of color. If you’re feeling festive, a dusting of cinnamon sugar over the top just before serving makes it extra sparkly and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After tasting this pear crumble fresh from the oven, my family usually devours it quickly, but leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When storing, cover it loosely with foil or plastic wrap to maintain that crunchy topping without sogginess.
Freezing
I’ve frozen assembled but unbaked crumble before, which is super handy if you want to prep ahead. Just cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, freeze for up to 3 months, then bake straight from frozen—add 10-15 minutes to baking time, and you’re set. The texture stays great, and it tastes like you made it fresh that day.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop portions in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until warmed through and crisp on top. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crumble crunchy—though it’s tempting, the microwave tends to make the topping soggy.
FAQs
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Can I use other fruits instead of pears in this crumble?
Absolutely! Pear crumble is versatile. Apples work wonderfully, especially when mixed with pears. You can also try peaches, plums, or berries—just adjust the sugar depending on the fruit’s sweetness and keep an eye on cooking times as some fruits release more juice.
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Why do I need to brown the butter for the topping?
Browning the butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that makes the topping extra delicious and aromatic. It also enhances the color and crunch. Skipping this step results in a more plain-tasting crumble.
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How do I prevent the topping from burning before the fruit is cooked?
If you notice the topping is browning too quickly, tent a piece of foil loosely over your dish during baking. This protects the crumble from direct heat while allowing the filling to finish cooking perfectly.
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Can I make this pear crumble vegan?
Yes! Simply substitute the butter for a vegan butter or coconut oil. The texture and flavor will still be delicious, though the browning step might be a bit different with coconut oil—just melt until fragrant.
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How long does pear crumble last once baked?
Baked pear crumble is best enjoyed within 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Beyond that, the topping may lose its crunch, and the filling can become mushy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so deeply satisfying about sharing a warm pear crumble with people you love—that mix of crispy, buttery topping with juicy, warmly spiced fruit is simply magic. I hope you give this Pear Crumble Recipe a try soon. Whether it’s a chilly evening dessert or a cozy weekend treat, it’s sure to become one of your favorites too. Bon appétit!
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Pear Crumble Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 65 mins
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pear Crumble features tender, spiced pear slices baked with a luscious maple syrup and brown sugar glaze, topped with a crunchy oat, nut, and brown butter crumble. Warm, cozy, and perfect for autumn or any time you crave a comforting fruit dessert. Serve it with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel for an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 5 medium pears, peeled and sliced ¼ inch thick (can substitute half with apples)
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar
- 1¼ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon candied ginger, finely minced or ¾ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1¼ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
For the Crisp/Crumble Topping
- ½ cup old-fashioned/rolled oats
- ½ cup pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
- ½ cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Butter a 9-inch pie dish, skillet, or a 9×9 inch square baking pan and set it aside to prepare for the filling.
- Prepare Pears: Peel and slice your pears about ¼ inch thick. Place the slices evenly in the prepared baking dish, tossing gently with lemon juice to prevent browning and to add brightness.
- Mix Filling: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together maple syrup, light brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, vanilla extract, salt, and cornstarch until combined. Pour this mixture over the pear slices and toss carefully to coat all the fruit evenly with the spiced syrup.
- Prepare Topping: In a medium bowl, combine oats, chopped pecans or walnuts, flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients together well.
- Brown Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, stirring frequently. Continue cooking until the butter foams and turns a golden brown with a nutty aroma and speckled appearance, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat promptly to avoid burning.
- Combine Topping: Pour the browned butter into the dry topping mixture and stir until crumbly clumps form, ensuring even coating with the browned butter for maximum flavor and texture.
- Assemble Crumble: Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the pear filling in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the assembled crumble in the preheated oven. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the fruit juices are bubbling and the topping is golden brown. If the topping browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the crumble to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel syrup to enhance the dessert experience.
Notes
- You can substitute half of the pears with apples for a mixed fruit crumble.
- If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugars slightly.
- Use candied ginger for a more pronounced spicy-sweet kick; ground ginger is a milder alternative.
- Browned butter adds depth to the topping; watch it carefully to avoid burning.
- Let the crumble sit for at least 10 minutes after baking to set the filling.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days and reheat gently before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
