Description
This spiced pear berry crumble features tender, juicy pears and fresh blackberries blended with warm spices under a crisp, buttery brown sugar crumble topping. Quick to prepare and baked until bubbling and golden, this egg-free dessert is perfect served warm with ice cream for a cozy treat.
Ingredients
Topping
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted & slightly cooled
Filling
- 5 cups (700g) chopped, peeled fresh pears (around 1/2-inch chunks)
- 2 cups (300g) fresh blackberries (halved if large)
- 6 Tablespoons (75g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (31g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C). Lightly grease a 9- or 10-inch square baking pan, a deep-dish 9-inch pie dish, a 10-inch cast iron skillet, or any 2–2.5-quart baking dish, then set aside.
- Make the crumble topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Add the melted, slightly cooled butter and mix with a fork until the mixture is fully moistened and forms clumps. Avoid overmixing to keep it crumbly. Place this topping in the freezer while preparing the filling.
- Prepare the fruit filling: In a large bowl, gently stir together chopped pears, blackberries, granulated sugar, flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom (if using), lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Assemble the crumble: Spread the fruit filling evenly in the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the cold crumble topping over the filling layer.
- Bake the crumble: Bake for 40–50 minutes, until the topping turns golden brown and the filling bubbles around the edges. About 30 minutes into baking, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the topping from over-browning.
- Cool and serve: Remove from oven and place on a cooling rack. Let the crumble cool for at least 20 minutes to allow the filling to set. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream for an extra cozy dessert.
- Store leftovers: Cover leftovers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Ensure the crumble topping is crumbly and not overmixed before freezing to maintain texture.
- Cover with foil after 30 minutes of baking to avoid burning the topping.
- Lemon juice is essential to brighten the flavors and balance sweetness.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for best enjoyment.
- Store refrigerated leftovers for up to 4 days, reheating gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American