Pear Crumble is an old-fashioned dessert with a layer of cinnamon spiced pears baked with a buttery, oat crumble topping. Easy to make and especially great served with a scoop of ice cream!
Pear Crumble
Pear crumble, like all fruit crumbles are also called fruit crisps. They are a classic dessert especially popular in the summer and fall months when fresh fruits are abundant. The crisp or crumble topping ingredients can vary – some contain nuts or oatmeal while others resemble more of a streusel topping. The topping is crumbled over fruit and baked until crisp – hence the reason for the two different names for this classic dessert. Fruit crisp and crumble recipes seemed to have evolved from fruit pie recipes, which were brought to the U.S. in the New World by European immigrants.
Pears are an ancient fruit that be traced back to Europe and Asia and were brought to the U.S. as early as the 17th century. There are currently over 1000 varieties of pears today! Pear season starts in late summer and runs through the fall months here the in U.S. Pears can actually be used interchangeably in most baking apple recipes as these two fruits have a similar texture when baked. Read below to see which pears are the best for baking.
About this Recipe
The recipe for this pear crumble was adapted from a 1940’s version, called “crumble for any fruit.” I love baking with pears – this fruit is very underrated when it comes to baking. Although pears are similar to apples, they can actually taste a little sweeter when baked in comparison to some apple varieties. Bosc, Anjou and Bartlett pears are all great varieties for baking. You want to choose ripe pears that are a little more on the firm side, as an over ripened pear will easily fall apart when baking. Save those for making pear butters or jams instead.
This recipe comes together very quickly: fresh pears are peeled and diced, then stirred with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. The pear layer is then spread in a greased baking dish. The crumble topping ingredients of brown sugar, flour, old-fashioned oats, baking soda and salt are stirred together and then combined with melted butter. This mixture is then sprinkled on top of the pears and then baked until it begins to bubble around the edges and the crumble layer begins to crisp.
Serve this pear crumble warm with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel or butterscotch sauce.
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Pear Crumble
Equipment
- mixing bowls of various sizes
- 8" or 9" baking dish
Ingredients
- 4 cups peeled & diced fresh pears
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine the 4 cups peeled & diced fresh pears, 2/3 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon . Stir until all of the pears are coated with the cinnamon and sugar. Place pears in an even layer in a greased 8" or 9 " baking dish.
- In a separate mixing bowl, stir together the 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir in 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and mix until combined.
- Sprinkle crumble topping evenly over the pear layer. Bake @ 350°F 40-45 minutes, until bubbly around edges and crumble topping begins to crisp. Serve warm.
Notes
- Bosc, Anjou and Bartlett pears are all great varieties for baking. You want to choose ripe pears that are a little more on the firm side, as an over ripened pear will easily fall apart when baking.
- Serve the pear crisp with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel or butterscotch sauce.
- Store refrigerated for up to 72 hours.