Easy Delicious Pear Crumble (Best Recipe)

Simple Pear Crumble

When you want a dessert that’s comforting, simple, and packed with natural sweetness, a pear crumble delivers every time. It’s the perfect combination of tender fruit, caramel-like syrup, and a crisp, buttery topping. Unlike fancier desserts that demand technique and time, this crumble comes together in minutes with pantry staples. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, it looks rustic yet tastes like something from a bakery. The secret lies in balancing textures — soft, juicy pears beneath a golden, crunchy topping.

Ingredients

To achieve the best flavor and consistency, use ripe but firm pears. Overripe pears can turn mushy, while underripe ones may lack sweetness. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Filling:

  • 5 medium ripe pears (about 1 kg), peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • ¼ cup brown sugar (50 g)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (12 g)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Crumble Topping:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (125 g)
  • ½ cup rolled oats (50 g)
  • ½ cup brown sugar (100 g)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup cold unsalted butter (113 g), cut into small cubes

Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or almonds for extra crunch.

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for a crumble that’s golden on top and soft underneath.

Step 1: Prepare the Pear Filling

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a medium-sized baking dish (about 8×8 inches).
In a large bowl, combine sliced pears, lemon juice, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Mix until the pears are evenly coated and glossy. The cornstarch helps thicken the juices as the crumble bakes, creating a syrupy filling instead of a watery one. Spread this mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add the cold butter cubes. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. You want it to resemble wet sand with some larger chunks for texture. If using nuts, fold them in at this stage.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the pear mixture, making sure to cover the fruit completely. Don’t press it down — the loose texture allows air to circulate and creates that crisp finish.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the pear juices bubble up around the edges. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Let the crumble cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This rest time allows the filling to thicken slightly and the flavors to settle. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Conservation and Storage

Pear crumble keeps well, making it ideal for preparing ahead of time.

  • At Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 1 day.
  • In the Refrigerator: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • In the Freezer: Freeze the baked crumble for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 10–15 minutes.

Avoid microwaving the crumble, as it can make the topping soggy.

Variations

This recipe is highly adaptable. You can customize it based on what’s in your pantry or what’s in season.

  1. Pear and Apple Crumble: Combine 3 pears with 2 apples for a mix of sweet and tart flavors.
  2. Spiced Pear Crumble: Add ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger or cardamom for warmth.
  3. Vegan Option: Replace butter with cold coconut oil or a vegan margarine.
  4. Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend.
  5. Nut Lovers’ Crumble: Add chopped pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts to the topping for crunch and flavor depth.
  6. Pear and Berry Crumble: Add a handful of blueberries or raspberries for a burst of color and tang.

Serving Suggestions

Pear crumble shines on its own, but thoughtful pairings elevate it into a showstopper dessert.

  • Classic Combo: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into the crumble.
  • With Cream: Pour over lightly whipped cream or custard for a soft, luxurious texture.
  • Healthier Option: Pair with Greek yogurt or plain skyr for breakfast or brunch.
  • Elegant Touch: Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with honey before serving at a dinner party.
  • Holiday Twist: Garnish with candied ginger or a sprinkle of orange zest during festive seasons.

For presentation, serve the crumble in individual ramekins or rustic bowls to capture its homemade appeal.

Tips for Perfecting Your Pear Crumble

  • Choose the Right Pears: Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou pears hold their shape well after baking. Avoid overly soft varieties.
  • Control Moisture: If the pears release too much liquid, add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch to the filling.
  • Texture Balance: The butter must stay cold for a crisp topping. If your kitchen is warm, chill the crumble mixture for 10 minutes before baking.
  • Sweetness Check: Taste your pears before mixing. Adjust the sugar based on their natural sweetness.
  • Golden Topping: For an even more golden finish, sprinkle a teaspoon of turbinado sugar on top before baking.

Conclusion

This easy pear crumble proves that great desserts don’t need complicated steps or fancy ingredients. With ripe pears, a buttery crumble, and a touch of spice, you can create a dessert that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Serve it warm for cozy nights or chilled for a light summer treat. Its simplicity, adaptability, and deep flavor make it a go-to recipe for any season. Once you master it, you’ll find endless ways to personalize it — but the comforting mix of juicy fruit and crisp topping will always stay the heart of the dish.

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Easy Delicious Pear Crumble (Best Recipe)


  • Author: hafsahafsa
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A simple yet irresistible dessert with juicy pears, buttery oats, and a golden crisp topping. This easy pear crumble blends the sweetness of ripe fruit with the comforting warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect for any occasion — cozy nights or dinner parties.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Filling:

5 medium ripe pears (about 1 kg), peeled, cored, and sliced

2 tablespoons lemon juice

¼ cup brown sugar (50 g)

1 tablespoon granulated sugar (12 g)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Crumble Topping:

1 cup all-purpose flour (125 g)

½ cup rolled oats (50 g)

½ cup brown sugar (100 g)

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ cup cold unsalted butter (113 g), cut into cubes

Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or almonds


Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pear Filling
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix pears, lemon juice, both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and vanilla. Stir until evenly coated. Spread evenly in the dish.

Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping
In another bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add cold butter and rub it into the mix with fingertips until coarse crumbs form. Fold in nuts if using.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Spread the crumble mixture evenly over the pears. Do not press down.
Bake 35–40 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Cover loosely with foil if the top browns too fast.

Step 4: Cool and Serve
Let cool 15 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Keep butter cold for a crisp topping.

Adjust sugar to match pear sweetness.

Add extra cornstarch if pears are very juicy.

For a crunchier top, sprinkle turbinado sugar before baking.

Avoid microwaving leftovers to maintain texture.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Western / Comfort Food

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion (1/6 of recipe)
  • Calories: 345 kcal
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 38 mg

Keywords: Easy Pear Crumble Recipe, Best Pear Dessert, Simple Pear Crisp, Homemade Fruit Crumble, Quick Dessert

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