The Ultimate Spiced Apple and Pear Crumble with Nutty Oat Topping: Your Go-To Winter Dessert!
Few desserts capture the essence of comfort and warmth quite like a perfectly baked crumble. This Spiced Apple and Pear Crumble, featuring a delightful Nutty Oat Crumble Topping, is more than just a sweet treat; it’s an invitation to cozy evenings and cherished moments. With the natural sweetness of ripe apples and pears, infused with aromatic spices, and crowned with a crunchy, golden oat and nut topping, this crumble truly stands out as the ultimate dessert for the colder months.
Why This Spiced Apple and Pear Crumble is a Must-Make
When the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, my heart (and my oven) yearns for comforting winter desserts. While light and refreshing summer treats certainly have their charm – like a Fresh Apricot Crumble or a Strawberry Crumble Cake – nothing quite compares to the warming embrace of a spiced fruit crumble. This Apple and Pear Crumble perfectly encapsulates that feeling, offering a symphony of flavors and textures that truly defines the season.
What makes this particular recipe so special? It’s the delightful combination of tender, spiced winter fruits with a robust, crunchy oat and nut topping. The pears bring a delicate sweetness and buttery texture, beautifully complementing the more tart and firm notes of the apples. Together, they create a harmonious base that’s elevated by a medley of warming spices. Just like our popular Apple and Blueberry Crumble, this version is incredibly satisfying.
Beyond its incredible taste, this crumble is surprisingly simple and quick to prepare. It’s an ideal choice for a relaxed Sunday afternoon treat or an elegant yet fuss-free dessert for entertaining guests. Plus, with a few easy modifications, it can readily accommodate gluten-free and dairy-free diets, making it a versatile crowd-pleaser for everyone.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Crumble
Don’t let the seemingly long list of ingredients intimidate you! Many items are common pantry staples, especially if you enjoy baking with spices. This recipe is divided into two main components: the luscious fruit filling and the irresistible crumble topping. You’ll find specific quantities in the comprehensive recipe card below.
For the Aromatic Fruit Filling:
- Apples & Pears: These are the undisputed stars of our crumble! Opt for ripe, juicy varieties to ensure maximum sweetness and a tender texture when baked. While sweet fruits are great, don’t shy away from slightly tarter apples, which provide a lovely contrast to the pears. (See our FAQ section for specific recommendations on fruit varieties.)
- Cornstarch: This unassuming ingredient is vital for achieving the perfect consistency. As the fruits bake, they release their natural juices. Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, preventing your crumble from becoming a watery “fruit soup” and instead creating a beautiful, glossy sauce that clings to the fruit. If you don’t have cornstarch, all-purpose flour or tapioca starch can be used as alternatives, though cornstarch typically yields a clearer, more neutral-tasting sauce.
- Brown Sugar: Beyond just sweetness, brown sugar lends a wonderful caramel note to the fruit filling, enhancing its depth of flavor. Its molasses content also helps create a richer, more complex taste than white sugar.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice is a simple yet powerful addition. It brightens the overall flavor profile, balancing the sweetness of the fruits and sugar, and helps prevent the cut apples and pears from browning.
- Spices (Cinnamon, Star Anise, Ground Ginger): These are the heart of the “spiced” element. Cinnamon provides a classic warm note, ground ginger adds a gentle kick, and star anise contributes a unique, liquorice-like aroma that truly elevates the dish. Feel free to experiment with other warming spices like nutmeg, allspice, or a touch of cardamom to customize the flavor to your liking.
For the Crunchy Nutty Oat Crumble Topping:
- Rolled Oats & Plain Flour (All-Purpose Flour): This combination forms the backbone of our irresistible topping. The rolled oats provide a fantastic chewy texture and a subtle nutty flavor, while the flour binds everything together, ensuring a crisp, golden-brown crust.
- Brown Sugar: Just like in the filling, brown sugar in the topping contributes to a deeper, more caramel-like flavor and helps create those delightful crispy clusters.
- Unsalted Butter: Essential for both flavor and texture. Using cold, unsalted butter is key to achieving that signature crumbly consistency. The butter creates pockets of steam during baking, resulting in a light and airy yet crispy topping.
- Spices (Cinnamon, Star Anise, Ground Ginger): Repeating the same spices from the fruit filling ensures a cohesive and harmonious flavor experience throughout the dessert.
- Chopped Almonds (Optional): This is where the “nutty” part of our topping comes in! Chopped almonds add an extra layer of crunch and a rich, earthy flavor. You can substitute with other nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even a mix of different nuts and seeds for varied texture. For an even deeper flavor, lightly toast your nuts before adding them to the crumble mixture.
- Shredded Coconut (Optional): A small amount of shredded coconut can add a subtle tropical hint and another interesting layer of chewiness to the topping.
Crafting Your Perfect Apple and Pear Filling
Preparing the fruit filling for this crumble is wonderfully straightforward and quick, making it an ideal choice for busy bakers. The key steps ensure a flavorful and perfectly textured base for your delicious dessert.
The journey begins with peeling, coring, and cutting your beautiful apples and pears. While personal preference dictates the size of your fruit pieces, I find that small cubes or slices ensure the fruit becomes wonderfully tender and evenly cooked. The smaller the pieces, the softer and more meld-together the fruit filling will be. If you prefer a more rustic texture and an extra boost of fiber, you could certainly leave the peels on your organic apples and pears – just be sure to wash them thoroughly!
Once your fruits are prepped, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Now it’s time to introduce the rest of the filling ingredients: the rich brown sugar, the crucial cornstarch, a splash of tangy lemon juice, and your chosen warming spices. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring every piece of fruit is well-coated. This even distribution is important for both flavor and the thickening process.
The cornstarch truly plays a starring role here. As your crumble bakes, the fruits will naturally release their sweet, aromatic juices. Without a thickener, you’d end up with a watery base. Cornstarch works its magic by absorbing these liquids and transforming them into a thick, glossy, and wonderfully luscious sauce that perfectly coats the tender fruit. This creates a more satisfying bite and prevents a soggy bottom for your crumble.
Should you find yourself without cornstarch, all-purpose flour or other starches like tapioca or potato starch can be used as substitutes. However, I personally prefer cornstarch as it results in a clear sauce with no discernible flavor, allowing the natural fruit and spice notes to shine through unimpeded.
The Irresistible Nutty Oat Crumble Topping
The crumble topping is undeniably one of the most beloved components of this dessert, delivering that essential crunch and buttery goodness. While many simple crumble recipes rely on just three basic ingredients – flour, sugar, and butter – this recipe takes it a step further by incorporating a few additional elements for enhanced flavor and texture. My version features rolled oats, chopped almonds, a hint of desiccated coconut, and, of course, a blend of warm spices.
The almonds and coconut, while optional, are highly recommended. They contribute a fantastic depth of flavor and an extra layer of crunch that truly elevates this dessert from good to unforgettable. The oats add a delightful chewiness and a rustic appeal that pairs beautifully with the soft fruit beneath.
Whether you prefer a minimalist crumble made primarily with butter and flour, like this classic Blueberry and Peach Crumble from Chef Not Required, or a more elaborate version with nuts and oats as presented here, or even a gluten-free almond-based crumble like the Peach and Plum Crumble from It’s Not Complicated Recipe, crumbles consistently prove to be universally adored desserts.
How to Achieve the Perfect Oat Crumble Topping:
- Begin by combining the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl: plain flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, and your chosen spices. If you’re adding shredded coconut, incorporate it at this stage as well.
- Next, add the cold butter. It’s crucial that the butter is very cold and cut into small cubes. This helps prevent it from melting too quickly when you begin to combine it, which is essential for that signature crumbly texture.
- Using your fingertips, gently rub the butter into the dry ingredients. The goal is to work quickly, minimizing the heat transferred from your hands. Continue rubbing until the mixture resembles coarse sand with some pea-sized crumbs. You don’t want a smooth dough; distinct crumbs are what you’re aiming for.
- Finally, if desired, stir in your chopped almonds or other nuts. For an even deeper, toastier flavor, you can briefly toast the nuts in a dry pan before adding them to the crumble mixture. This simple step truly enhances the “nutty” aspect of the topping.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Crumble
Absolutely! This pear and apple crumble can be easily adapted to be gluten-free. Simply ensure you use certified gluten-free rolled oats, and substitute the plain all-purpose flour in the topping with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. Many excellent blends are available that work perfectly in crumble recipes.
Yes, making this dessert dairy-free is straightforward. The only dairy component is the butter in the topping. You can easily substitute it with a plant-based butter alternative or a baking margarine, ensuring it’s cold when you incorporate it for the best crumbly texture.
For a crumble, you’ll want pears that soften beautifully when cooked, rather than holding their shape rigidly like those used for Red Wine Poached Pears. Good choices include:
– Bartlett (known for its sweet, juicy, and soft texture when baked)
– Bosc (offers a slightly firmer texture and a subtly spicy flavor)
– Anjou (versatile and retains some shape while becoming tender)
Choosing the right apple can greatly influence your crumble’s flavor. You can opt for sweeter varieties or those with a nice tart balance:
– Golden Delicious (sweet and softens well)
– Jazz (crisp, sweet-tart flavor)
– Fuji (sweet, crisp, and holds some shape)
– Pink Lady (balances sweetness with a tart finish)
– Jonagold (sweet-tart and aromatic)
For a more in-depth guide, you can read more about how to pick the right apples for baking in our dedicated article!
Yes, you can use frozen apples and pears, but a little preparation is needed. Thaw the fruit completely first, then drain any excess liquid that accumulates. Frozen fruit tends to release more water, so you might want to add an extra half teaspoon of cornstarch to the filling to ensure it thickens properly and isn’t too watery.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Spiced Crumble
While this Spiced Apple and Pear Crumble is utterly delicious on its own – the warm, spiced fruit and crunchy topping are a match made in heaven – many enjoy enhancing the experience with a complementary topping. Here are some fantastic options to consider:
- Simple Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing! A scoop of creamy, cold vanilla ice cream melting over the warm crumble creates an irresistible hot-and-cold contrast that is simply divine.
- Freshly Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of whipped cream adds a delicate richness that balances the intense flavors of the fruit and spices.
- Mixed Berry Compote: For an extra burst of fruity tang and vibrant color, a spoonful of berry compote adds a wonderful layer of flavor complexity.
- Raspberry Coulis or Strawberry Coulis: A smooth, bright fruit sauce can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, spiced crumble.
- Decadent Chocolate Sauce: An unexpected but luxurious pairing! Apples and pears with chocolate are a match made in culinary heaven. A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce will turn this comforting dessert into an indulgent treat.
- Fresh Berries: For a lighter touch, a scattering of fresh raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries adds a pop of color, a refreshing tartness, and a burst of juicy flavor.
- Roasted Apples or Stewed Pears: If you’re a true fruit lover, adding extra roasted or stewed fruit on the side can create an even richer, more complex fruit experience.
Storing and Reheating Your Delicious Crumble
This Pear and Apple Crumble is truly at its peak when served warm, straight from the oven, allowing the aromas to fill your kitchen and the topping to be at its crispiest. However, if you find yourself with leftovers (a rare occurrence!), it can be stored and enjoyed later.
To store, simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer any leftover portions to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating in the oven is the best method to revive that wonderful crunchy topping. Place the crumble back into a preheated oven at 160°C (325°F) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the fruit filling is warm and bubbly and the topping has regained its crispness. You can also reheat individual portions quickly in the microwave, but be aware that the topping might lose some of its crispiness this way, becoming softer.
I generally do not recommend freezing crumbles. While it’s technically possible, the texture of both the fruit and the topping can suffer significantly upon thawing and reheating, often resulting in a soggy topping and mushier fruit. For the best experience, enjoy it fresh or within a few days from the fridge.
More Inspiring Desserts Featuring Pears
If you’ve fallen in love with the sweet and delicate flavor of pears in this crumble, you’ll be delighted to explore more pear-centric recipes. Pears are incredibly versatile and shine in a variety of desserts:
- Fresh Pear Pie
- Pear Crumble Cake
- Pear Tarte Tatin
- Double Chocolate Cake with Pears
- Flourless Pear and Almond Cake
- Spiced Pear Muffins
- 25 Delicious Pear Dessert Recipes
- Mini Pear Frangipane Tarts
- Stewed Pears
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Recipe Card: Spiced Apple and Pear Crumble
Spiced Pear and Apple Crumble with Nutty Oat Topping
Print Recipe
Ingredients
Fruit Filling
- 3 Large Pears
- 2 Large Apples
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 2 teasp. Cornstarch
- 1 Lemon, Juiced
- 2 teasp. Ground Cinnamon
- 1 teasp. Ground Ginger
- 1/2 teasp. Star Anise Powder
Spiced Oat Crumble Topping
- 1 cup (100gr) Rolled Oats
- 1/3 cup (50gr) Plain Flour
- 2 tbsp (15gr) Shredded Coconut , optional
- 1/4 cup (55gr) Brown Sugar
- 1 1/2 teasp. Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 teasp. Ground Ginger
- 1/2 teasp. Star Anise Powder
- 1/3 cup (75gr) Unsalted Butter
- 1/3 cup (75gr) Chopped Almonds, or any other nuts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
For the Fruit Filling
- Peel, core, and slice (or cube) the pears and apples into small, even pieces. Place them in a large mixing bowl and add the brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and all the fruit filling spices (cinnamon, ground ginger, star anise powder). Mix thoroughly until the fruit is well coated. Set aside.
For the Spiced Oat Crumble Topping
- In a separate large bowl, combine the rolled oats, plain flour, shredded coconut (if using), brown sugar, and all the crumble topping spices (cinnamon, ground ginger, star anise powder).
- Cut the very cold unsalted butter into small cubes and add them to the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the dry mixture until you achieve a coarse, crumbly texture resembling thick sand with some pea-sized pieces. Avoid overworking the mixture.
- Optional: If desired, chop the almonds (or other preferred nuts) and gently mix them into the prepared crumble topping.
Assembling and Baking Your Crumble
- Pour the prepared fruit filling and its juices into the bottom of a large baking dish (see Note 1). Spread it evenly. Completely cover the fruit layer with the oat crumble topping, making sure it’s distributed evenly. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the fruit filling is bubbly and tender. Serve warm with your favorite accompaniments.
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Notes
- I used a large round ceramic dish for this recipe, but any oven-safe baking dish will work well – ceramic, glass, or even metal. I do not recommend using springform pans for crumbles as the fruit juices can leak.
To make this dessert Gluten-Free, ensure you use certified GF Rolled Oats and substitute the Plain Flour for a suitable Gluten-Free Flour blend.
To make this dessert Dairy-Free, simply use a Dairy-Free Butter or a plant-based baking spread alternative in the topping.
Nutrition (per serving)