This dessert could not be easier to make, but looks and tastes like something that takes a lot of effort and skill! It requires no pastry making. There is no need to wait for butter to come to room temperature. All you need is a few minutes of prep, some common kitchen tools, a big bowl and clean hands!
Sweet, seasonal pears with a hint of spice and citrus are topped with a crunchy-sweet oat topping! This dish comes out golden brown and bubbly every time I make it!
Here’s what you need for the filling:
The pears need to be very ripe.
So try to plan ahead and buy them a couple days before making this. Unripe pears just will not cook down enough by the time the topping is browned. You will know they are ready when they have a slight give when you press them with your thumb.
Use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. Slice the pears in half vertically, then use a teaspoon or a melon baller to remove the core. Medium dice the pears, then toss them in a large bowl with the spices, salt, citrus juices, cornstarch and granulated sugar.
Pour the filling into a 9 x 13 inch glass baking dish and set it aside while you work on the topping.
Here’s what you need for the crumble topping:
I wasn’t kidding when I said this dessert was easy! The most tedious part is peeling the pears! Now that you have the filling ready to go, all that remains is mixing together the crumble topping. There’s no need to dirty another mixing bowl. Just rinse out the one you used to make the filling, then add the oats, flour, remaining cinnamon and salt. Melt the butter and pour it right over the dry ingredients!
Use your hands to squeeze and clump the topping together.
Make sure there are no bits of dry flour remaining. Sprinkle the clumps of topping over the prepared filling.
Bake for 45 minutes in a preheated oven. Give it a few minutes to cool slightly before serving to allow the sauce in the filling to thicken.
This dessert can be a made a day ahead of time. If it is stored wrapped in plastic, the topping will soften and lose some of its crispness. A few minutes in a hot oven will crisp it back up beautifully!
This delicious dessert is perfect on its own or topped with vanilla ice cream or some fresh whipped cream!
Other recipes to try:
Warm Spiced Pear Crumble
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 4 pounds Bosc pears very ripe
- 3 tbsp Cornstarch
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbs vanilla
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
For the crumble topping:
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 10 tbsp butter melted
Instructions
For the filling
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.Peel, core and medium-dice the pears. Toss them in a large bowl with the granulated sugar, cornstarch, salt, both juices, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Mix well.In separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. Add the melted butter and use you hands to mix and clump it with the dry ingredients. Pour the filling into a 9 x 13 inch glass pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Use a rubber spatula to spread it evenly.Crumble the topping evenly. over the filling with your hands.Bake for 45 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before serving.