This pear crumble is a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that combines juicy, naturally sweet pears with a crunchy, nutty topping.
Packed with fiber from oats and pears, heart-healthy fats from walnuts, and plant-based goodness, it’s a wholesome treat without being overly indulgent.
Perfect for everyday cooking, it’s quick, satisfying, and naturally sweet, making it an ideal dessert for family meals or cozy weeknight treats.
Healthy Pear Crumble
Equipment
- 1 Medium mixing bowl
- 1 medium baking dish (24–26 cm / 9–10 inches)
- 1 fork or pastry cutter
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
For the Pears:
- 6 ripe pears 600–700 g / 6 cups, peeled, cored, and cubed
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crumble Topping:
- 50 g 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 150 g 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 50 g 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 100 g 1/2 cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 125 g 1/2 cup / 4.4 oz cold unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish: Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures the oven is at the perfect temperature for even baking. While it warms up, take a 24–26 cm (9–10 inch) baking dish and generously coat it with butter or non-stick spray. Using a ceramic or glass dish works beautifully and allows the crumble to be served straight from the oven. The dish size isn’t critical—just make sure the pear mixture fits comfortably with space for the topping.
- Prepare the Pears: Take 6 ripe pears—choose ones that are fragrant and soft but still hold their shape. Peel each pear carefully, then cut it into quarters and remove the core. Aim for even-sized pieces so the fruit cooks uniformly. Chop each quarter into approximately 1.5 cm (2/3 inch) cubes. Place the chopped pears into a medium mixing bowl. The natural sweetness of the pears means you won’t need to add extra sugar unless the fruit is slightly tart.
- Mix Pears with Cornstarch and Lemon: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice over the chopped pears. The cornstarch helps thicken the juices as the pears bake, preventing the crumble from becoming too runny. Lemon juice adds brightness and balances the sweetness naturally. Gently toss the pears with a spoon until each piece is lightly coated and evenly mixed.
- Transfer Pears to Baking Dish: Spoon the pear mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly so it forms a level layer. Make sure the pears reach the edges of the dish but don’t overflow—this allows the crumble topping to cover the fruit completely and bake evenly. Set the dish aside while you prepare the crumble topping.
- Chop the Nuts for Topping: Take 50 grams (1/2 cup) of walnuts and chop them into small, bite-sized pieces—about the size of mini chocolate chips. Evenly sized nuts ensure every bite has a little crunch. Place the chopped nuts into a medium mixing bowl, ready to combine with the other topping ingredients.
- Combine Dry Ingredients for Topping: To the bowl with walnuts, add 150 grams (1 cup) of all-purpose flour, 50 grams (1/2 cup) of rolled oats, 100 grams (1/2 cup) of brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix everything together using a fork or a whisk until the ingredients are evenly distributed. This dry mixture forms the base of the crumble and will give it that signature crisp texture.
- Incorporate Butter into Topping: Take 125 grams (1/2 cup) of cold, unsalted butter cut into 1-inch cubes and add it to the dry mixture. Use a fork, pastry cutter, or even your fingertips to work the butter into the flour, oats, sugar, and nuts. The goal is to create a coarse, sandy texture that clumps slightly when pressed. The butter should be cold to ensure the topping bakes into a golden, crunchy layer instead of melting completely into the flour.
- Spread Crumble Topping Over Pears: Gently sprinkle the crumble mixture over the pears in the baking dish. Use your fingers or a spoon to spread it evenly, breaking up any large clumps but keeping some irregular pieces for extra crunch. Make sure the fruit is completely covered with the topping so it browns nicely during baking.
- Bake the Pear Crumble: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges—the topping should turn a beautiful golden brown, and the pear juices should bubble slightly around the sides. The aroma of baked pears, oats, and walnuts will fill your kitchen as the dessert cooks.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the crumble from the oven and let it rest for several minutes. This allows the juices to thicken slightly and makes serving easier. The crumble is best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The topping will be crisp and golden, while the pears remain soft and juicy.
Notes
- Choose ripe, naturally sweet pears for the best flavor; if the fruit is slightly tart, add 1–2 tablespoons of sugar or maple syrup.
- Cutting pears into uniform pieces ensures even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the crumble.
- Cold butter is essential for a crisp topping—avoid using melted butter, which can result in a soggy texture.
- Cornstarch is optional but helps thicken pear juices and prevents the dessert from becoming too watery.
- Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven and dish; aim for a golden-brown topping and bubbling fruit.
- This recipe can be made ahead of time; assemble it in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Crumble
The key to a flawless pear crumble lies in balancing texture and flavor.
Always use cold butter when making the topping—this creates the signature crumbly, crunchy texture.
For extra flavor, lightly toast the walnuts before adding them to the topping, which brings out their nutty aroma.
When selecting pears, choose those that are ripe yet firm, ensuring they soften without turning mushy.
Finally, don’t skimp on spreading the crumble evenly; larger clumps give delightful pockets of crunch amidst the tender pears.
Serving Suggestions for Pear Crumble
This dessert shines when served warm, fresh from the oven.
Pair it with creamy vanilla ice cream, lightly whipped cream, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a contrasting texture and flavor.
For a festive touch, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg over the top just before serving.
Pear crumble is versatile—perfect for family dinners, brunches, or casual gatherings, and it can even be portioned into individual ramekins for elegant single servings.
Storage Tips to Keep Fresh
Pear crumble is best enjoyed immediately for a crisp topping, but it can be stored if needed.
Cover leftovers with plastic wrap or an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To restore crispness, reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5–10 minutes instead of using a microwave, which can soften the topping.
The crumble can also be frozen before baking cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw and bake directly from frozen for a convenient make-ahead dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other fruits instead of pears?
Absolutely! Apples, peaches, or a mix of berries can work beautifully. Adjust cooking time slightly depending on the fruit’s moisture content and sweetness. Firmer fruits like apples may need slightly longer baking.
2. Can I make the crumble topping vegan?
Yes. Replace butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still achieve a crisp, delicious topping.
3. Do I need to peel the pears?
Peeling is recommended for the smoothest texture, but if you enjoy added fiber and a rustic feel, you can leave the skins on. Just make sure the pears are thoroughly washed.
4. How can I prevent the crumble from becoming soggy?
Use cold butter in the topping, ensure the pears are evenly coated with cornstarch, and bake in a preheated oven.
Avoid covering the crumble immediately after baking; let it cool slightly to allow the topping to set.
5. Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the crumble a day ahead and refrigerate it, then bake it fresh when needed.
For longer storage, the unbaked crumble can be frozen for up to 2 months and baked directly from frozen when ready to enjoy.
