This holiday pear crumble is a warm, sweet treat that’s perfect for cozy gatherings. Juicy pears are topped with a crunchy mix of oats, flour, and spices, all baked to golden perfection!
Honestly, it fills the kitchen with the best aroma! I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Who can resist that combo? It’s the ultimate holiday dessert joy! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pears: For the best flavor, I recommend ripe Bosc or Bartlett pears. They have great texture for baking. If unavailable, you could try apples or even peaches for a twist!
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice gives brightness to the dish. If you’re out, you can use apple cider vinegar or just omit it. It’ll still be scrumptious!
Oats: Old-fashioned oats work best for that lovely crunch. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free rolled oats to keep it safe for everyone.
Pecans: I love the flavor of pecans here, but walnuts or almonds can easily substitute. If someone has a nut allergy, just skip them altogether or add more oats for crunch!
Butter: For a dairy-free option, coconut oil works well. Just make sure it’s solid, like cold butter, for the crumble to hold together.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crumble Topping?
Creating a perfect crumble topping is all about the texture. You want it crumbly but not too sandy. Follow these steps:
- Start with cold butter: using cold, cubed butter helps create that nice, flaky texture.
- Mix gently: Combine the dry ingredients before adding the butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to break the butter into pea-sized pieces.
- Add pecans last: Fold in the chopped pecans with the toppings for an even crunch every bite.
- Don’t overwork: Mix just enough to combine everything. Over-mixing can lead to a dense topping.
With these tips, your crumble will be golden brown and irresistibly crunchy! Enjoy your baking! 🍐
Holiday Pear Crumble
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Filling:
- 5 medium pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional for holiday warmth)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup pecan halves, roughly chopped
- For Serving:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful holiday pear crumble takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then around 40-45 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll need about 1 hour to enjoy this warm and comforting dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Dish:
First things first, turn your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when your crumble is ready to bake. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch (or similar) baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced pears with fresh lemon juice, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure everything is coated well! Once mixed, pour the pear mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
3. Prepare the Crumble Topping:
In a separate bowl, stir together the old-fashioned rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and ground ginger if you’re using it. Then add in the cold, cubed butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the butter into the dry mixture, creating a crumbly texture with small pea-sized clumps.
4. Add the Pecans:
Gently stir in the roughly chopped pecans into the crumble mixture. If you want to keep some for a garnish, set a few aside!
5. Assemble the Crumble:
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the pear mixture in the baking dish. Spread it out so every pear is covered with that delicious crumble. Trust me, you want that crunch!
6. Bake and Enjoy:
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the crumble topping is golden brown and the pears are bubbly and tender. It will smell heavenly in your kitchen!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool slightly. If you want to add a touch of sweetness, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving. This crumble is perfect warm and pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Pears?
Absolutely! Bosc or Bartlett pears are ideal for this crumble, but feel free to experiment with others like Anjou or even a mix of apples if you prefer. Just make sure they are ripe for the best flavor!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Pecans?
No worries! You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a similar crunch. If there are nut allergies, you can simply omit them or add extra oats for texture.
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can slice the pears and prepare the crumble topping a day in advance. Just refrigerate the toppings separately. When you’re ready to bake, assemble and pop it in the oven for a fresh dessert!
How Do I 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 (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through!
