This Holiday Pear Crumble is a warm and cozy dessert that’s perfect for chilly nights. With sweet, juicy pears and a crunchy topping, it’s a treat for your taste buds!
I love serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Just imagine that warm fruit mixed with cold ice cream—pure bliss! Plus, it’s super easy to make. 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pears: Use ripe pears for the best flavor and sweetness. Bartlett or Bosc are great options. If pears aren’t available, you can substitute with apples for a similar texture.
Lemon juice: This adds brightness and prevents the pears from browning. If you don’t have lemon juice, white vinegar can work in a pinch, but the flavor will be different.
Granulated sugar: It sweetens the fruit nicely. If you prefer less sugar, try using honey or maple syrup instead, but reduce the amount since they are sweeter.
Oats: Rolled oats give great texture. Quick oats or even crushed granola can be used if you’re in a hurry, but they will change the crumble’s consistency.
Pecans: They add a lovely crunch! If you’re not a fan of nuts or have allergies, feel free to omit them or exchange them for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a different crunch.
What’s the Key to a Perfect Crumble Topping?
The topping is what makes this crumble special. You want it to be both crumbly and crunchy. Here’s how to achieve it:
- Use cold butter! It helps create those satisfying clumps.
- Mix until it resembles coarse crumbs with some larger pieces. Too much mixing will make it dense.
- Spread it evenly over the pears to ensure even cooking. This way, every part has that delightful topping!
Once baked, the topping should be golden brown. Let it cool a bit before serving for better texture!
How to Make Holiday Pear Crumble
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 5 medium ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup pecan halves
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Holiday Pear Crumble takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then 40-45 minutes to bake. So, you’re looking at roughly 1 hour total to bring this yummy dessert to the table.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grease a 9-inch baking dish or a similar size casserole dish to ensure your crumble doesn’t stick.
2. Toss the Pears:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced pears with lemon juice, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix them well until all the pears are coated. Then, spread the pears evenly into your prepared baking dish.
3. Make the Crumble Topping:
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and the cold, cubed butter. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, mix the butter into the dry ingredients until everything looks crumbly and a bit like coarse crumbs. You want some larger clumps, too!
4. Add Pecans:
Stir in the pecan halves, making sure they’re mixed well into your crumble topping. This will add a delightful crunch!
5. Assemble and Bake:
Evenly sprinkle the crumble mixture over the pears, making sure the fruit is fully covered. Then, pop the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is golden brown and the pears are bubbling and soft when you poke them with a fork.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the crumble out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. If you like, dust it with powdered sugar for a lovely touch. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top!
Enjoy your delicious, warm Holiday Pear Crumble!
Can I Use Different Fruits Instead of Pears?
Absolutely! This crumble works well with apples, peaches, or even mixed berries. Just adjust the sugar to taste based on the sweetness of the fruits you choose.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking mix or almond flour. Make sure your oats are labeled gluten-free as well.
Can I Prepare It Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the crumble and store it uncooked in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake – you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or in your microwave if you prefer a quicker method.