Healthy Pear Crumble
A warm, comforting pear crumble featuring juicy pears and a nutty oat topping. Naturally sweet, fiber-rich, and made with wholesome ingredients, it’s a simple, satisfying dessert perfect for everyday cooking or special occasions.
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.
