This pear crumble is the perfect combination of juicy, sweet pears and warm, spiced flavors, all topped with a crispy, golden crumble. Every bite is a delicious contrast of soft, baked fruit and crunchy, buttery topping, making it the ultimate comfort dessert. This baked pear dessert is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Let’s get baking and bring some warmth to your kitchen!
This pear crumble recipe is everything you love about a classic fall dessert—warm, spiced fruit with a crispy crumble topping that adds the perfect crunch. Unlike a traditional pie, this baked pear crumble is easier to make since there’s no rolling out dough—just toss everything into a pie dish, add the streusel topping, and bake until golden brown.
The beauty of this dessert is its versatility—enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzle it with caramel sauce, or even serve it for breakfast with a dollop of yogurt. This recipe will be a favorite all season long and is perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
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Why We Love This Pear Crumble Recipe
- This dessert is quick and easy to prepare.
You can whip up and serve this recipe in less than an hour with just a few ingredients. It’s a great weeknight dessert option. - Kids love it.
Kids with a sweet tooth will be easily appeased with this dessert made from ripe fruit. Perfect for both kids and parents! - Have extra pears? Try this recipe!
Once pears are ready, they ripen fast! This is the perfect option for using the extras even if they are a little too ripe.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Flour: This recipe calls for all-purpose flour to make the crumble. If you prefer, you can substitute gluten-free flour at a 1:1 ratio.
- Brown sugar: A little brown sugar adds sweetness to the dish. Taste the pears first before adding the sugar. If they are very sweet, you can reduce this by half.
- Cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon is warm and inviting. You can add another spice, such as cloves, nutmeg, or allspice (or a combination), if you’d like.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is best for this recipe.
- Pears: Ripe pears are best because they are the sweetest. You can also use slightly overripe pears. Peel and thinly slice.
Check out our how to cut a pear tutorial for this dessert recipe and other recipes using this amazingly delicious and juicy fruit!
Recipe Variations
- Pear & rhubarb crumble: Add chopped rhubarb for a tart contrast to the sweetness of the pears, giving your pear crumble a deliciously tangy twist.
- Nutty: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping for extra crunch and a rich, nutty flavor.
- Spiced pear crumble recipe: Enhance the warm flavors with a dash of cardamom, ginger, or nutmeg, complementing the natural sweetness of the pears.
- Pear & berry crumble: Stir in fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a juicy, fruit-filled variation.
- Gluten-free: Swap regular flour for almond flour or a gluten-free blend to make a delicious gluten-free dessert without sacrificing texture.
- Dairy-free version: Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free twist while keeping the topping crispy and golden.
Equipment Used in this Recipe
- Medium bowl
- Pastry blender, fork
- Baking pan
- Spoon
- Scoop
How to Make Baked Pear Crumble
- Cut in cold butter.
Be sure to use cold butter when combining it with the dry ingredients. Cut it into small chunks immediately after removing it from the refrigerator and work it into the mixture.
🎯 TFN Pro Tip
Use two forks to cut in the butter if you don’t have a food processor or pastry blender.
- Layer the pears evenly in the pan.
Start by slicing the pears into equal pieces and laying them evenly along the bottom of the pan. This ensures they cook at the same rate and each bite is perfectly delicious.
- Bake until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Place the baking dish in the oven after spreading the crumble mixture over the top using a spoon and smoothing it out.
Pears don’t take long to bake since they’re already soft when put in the pan. All you need to do is bake the crumble on top and warm the pears on the bottom.
Serving Suggestions
Top this baked pear crumble with whipped cream or drizzle some caramel sauce or maple syrup. This recipe has no oats, but if you want to add quick oats, sprinkle some with the crumb topping.
If you have apples or peaches on hand, try making our apple crisp or peach crisp!
Recipe FAQs
This can happen when the dish is cooked too long since pears are already soft when they go into the oven.
You can use any type of pear you like, but my personal preference are Anjou pears, Bartlett pears, Bosc, or Comice. They are best for their flavors and textures.
Use your thumb to apply gentle pressure to the neck or stem end. If it yields to pressure, then it’s ripe and ready to eat.
Store leftover crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
You can even freeze it to save for later in a glass or plastic container storage for up to three months.
Thaw frozen pear crumble in the refrigerator overnight and then heat in the microwave or oven until warmed all the way through.
Tip: Ripe pears can be refrigerated to slow the ripening process for up to five days.
More Quick And Easy Desserts To Love…
If you tried this pear crumble recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Pear Crumble
Equipment
- medium bowl
- pastry blender, fork
- baking pan
- wooden spoon
- scoop
Ingredients
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon or add cloves, nutmeg, allspice
- 6 tablespoons butter softened; unsalted is the best
- 3 to 4 large (5 cups) pears peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/4”)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375ºF.
- In a medium bowl, stir together flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Use a pastry blender or a fork to cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Layer pear slices evenly in the bottom of the baking pan. Spoon the crumb mixture over the top.
- Bake at 375ºF for 30-35 minutes, until pears are tender and the top is golden brown in color. Serve warm with a drizzle of cream or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Notes
- Pear & rhubarb crumble: Add chopped rhubarb for a tart contrast to the sweetness of the pears, giving your pear crumble a deliciously tangy twist.
- Nutty: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping for extra crunch and a rich, nutty flavor.
- Spiced pear crumble recipe: Enhance the warm flavors with a dash of cardamom, ginger, or nutmeg, complementing the natural sweetness of the pears.
- Pear & berry crumble: Stir in fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a juicy, fruit-filled variation.
- Gluten-free: Swap regular flour for almond flour or a gluten-free blend to make a delicious gluten-free dessert without sacrificing texture.
- Dairy-free version: Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free twist while keeping the topping crispy and golden.
- Store leftover crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
- You can even freeze it to save for later in a glass or plastic container for up to three months.
- Thaw frozen pear crumble in the refrigerator overnight and then heat in the microwave or oven until warmed all the way through.
Nutrition
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Sara Welch says
This was everything a gourmet dessert should be, and then some! Easy, sweet and delicious; exactly what I needed to cure my sweet tooth, indeed!
Bobby says
The whole family loved this pear crumble! Turned out golden brown and so delicious. Thank you.
Ieva says
Lovely change from ur traditional apple crumble, and I loved the topping without the oats! So nice and buttery…
Shelby says
The pears baked up so beautifully in this crumble! Perfect with a scoop of ice cream. Yum!
Gina says
Such a great recipe. I often forget about adding pear to desserts. This was absolutely delicious! I can’t wait to make again!