Pin This cinnamon caramel pear crumble brings the best parts of fall and winter to your table in a single baking dish. Tender pears nestle under layers of sweet caramel and a buttery oat topping, filling your kitchen with coziness as it bakes. Perfect for casual gatherings or simply winding down after a long day, you will find yourself returning to this dessert whenever pears are in season.
I first stumbled on this combo while craving something nostalgic after apple season wound down. Now it is my family's favorite excuse to pick up extra pears at the market.
Ingredients
- Ripe pears: provide a juicy and fragrant foundation for the filling so choose pears that yield slightly to the touch
- Lemon juice: balances the sweetness while keeping the pears vibrant
- Granulated sugar: sweetens the fruit just enough and creates a glossy finish
- Ground cinnamon: infuses deep warm flavor opt for a freshly opened jar
- Ground nutmeg: adds complexity and enhances the pears' flavor
- All-purpose flour: thickens the filling so it is not runny
- Caramel sauce: weaves richness through every bite look for a version with real butter and cream or make your own
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: create that signature chewy crisp topping
- Light brown sugar: gives mellow sweetness and a slight molasses note
- Unsalted butter: cold and cubed is key to a crumbly golden top
- Salt: brightens flavors and harmonizes the sweet elements
Instructions
- Prep the Baking Dish:
- Lightly butter a nine inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make serving effortless
- Prepare the Pear Filling:
- Peel, core, and slice the pears thick enough to hold their shape, about half an inch. Leave the slices in a bowl as you work and toss them immediately with lemon juice so they do not brown
- Mix and Coat the Fruit:
- Add sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour to the pears. Toss everything by hand until each slice glistens and is evenly coated. This helps juices thicken during baking
- Layer and Add Caramel:
- Spread the spiced pears evenly in your greased baking dish. Drizzle the caramel sauce over top zigzagging it so there is some caramel in every bite
- Build the Crumble Topping:
- In a fresh bowl combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Work in the cold cubed butter using your fingertips or a pastry cutter. Rub until you see a mix of pea sized pieces, some loose flour, and oat clusters
- Top the Fruit:
- Sprinkle the crumble mixture in an even layer over the pears. Make sure to reach the edges lightly patting down but do not pack it too tightly
- Bake:
- Place the dish in the center of a preheated oven at three hundred and fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for forty minutes. The crumble should look golden brown and the edges will bubble with caramel juices
- Rest and Serve:
- Remove the crumble from the oven and let it cool for at least ten minutes. Serve warm ideally with scoops of vanilla ice cream so it melts over the crisp topping
Pin For me the cinnamon always steals the show I never measure exactly and tend to sprinkle a little extra sometimes I think this is why my kids call it cozy pie instead of crumble One rainy afternoon we ate it straight from the baking dish around the coffee table and it remains one of my happiest dessert memories
Storage Tips
Cover your crumble tightly and refrigerate for up to three days. To reheat, use a low oven so the topping stays crisp and the filling gets bubbly. A quick microwave zap also works if you are in a hurry
Ingredient Substitutions
If pears are not available try apples or a mix of both. For a gluten free version swap in almond or oat flour. If you need dairy free use a plant based butter and choose a vegan caramel sauce
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with vanilla or caramel ice cream. A dollop of whipped cream adds lightness. For special occasions try a drizzle of spiced honey or a few fresh pomegranate seeds for color
Cultural and Seasonal Adaptations
Pear crumbles are a classic in many European and American kitchens. You can shift the spices to add ginger or even a hint of black pepper for added warmth. In late summer peaches work beautifully and a sprinkle of berries makes the color pop
Pin This pear crumble is a delicious way to embrace the season and use ripe fruit. Perfect for cozy evenings and it always disappears fast at family gatherings.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of pears works best?
Use ripe, firm pears such as Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc for tender results that maintain their shape during baking.
- → Can I use store-bought caramel?
Yes, store-bought caramel sauce saves time and provides a rich flavor, but homemade caramel adds a deeper taste.
- → How do I make the topping extra crisp?
Use cold, cubed butter and mix until just crumbly. Chilled butter creates the best texture when baked.
- → Are there nut-free options?
Absolutely! Skip the optional nuts in the crumble or topping for a nut-free version suitable for most diets.
- → Can I substitute apples for pears?
Yes, apples or a mix of apples and pears work well. Both blend seamlessly with cinnamon and caramel flavors.
- → When should I serve this dessert?
Serve warm, ideally after cooling for 10 minutes. Pair it with vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.