Mary Berry Pear Crumble

Try Mary Berry’s classic pear crumble, a delicious dessert with soft pears spiced with cinnamon and topped with a buttery, golden-brown topping. This easy and tasty recipe is great for family get-togethers or quiet nights at home. Pair it with your favorite sides for a tasty treat that will definitely please.

Is Pear Crisp And Pear Crumble The Same Thing?

No, pear crisp and pear crumble are not the same things, although they are similar. The main difference is in the topping: a crumble typically consists of flour, sugar, and butter, while a crisp often includes oats or nuts for a slightly different texture.

How To Choose The Best Pear For Pear Crumble

To choose the best pear for pear crumble, opt for firm, ripe varieties such as Bosc or Anjou, as they hold their shape well during baking. Avoid overly ripe or soft pears, which can become mushy when cooked.

Should Pears Be Peeled Before Baking?

It’s up to you whether or not to peel pears before baking them. For a smoother texture, I like to take off the skin, but others like the extra taste and texture the skin adds. If you want to peel your pears, do it carefully so you don’t waste fruit.

Mary Berry Pear Crumble Ingredients:

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) pears, cored, peeled (optional), and sliced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• 175g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
• 75g (1/3 cup) light brown sugar
• 50g (1/4 cup) rolled oats (optional)

How To Make Mary Berry Pear Crumble:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the pear slices with lemon juice, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the flour and butter with your fingertips until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Stir in the light brown sugar and rolled oats, if using.
4. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the pear filling.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling around the edges.

How Long To Bake Pear Crumble

Bake pear crumble for 45-50 minutes at 350°F. This temperature is optimal for cooking the fruit until tender and allowing the crumble topping to become golden brown and crisp without overcooking or burning.

Should I Cover The Crumble While Baking

When baking a pear crumble, there is no need to cover the dish, as the crumble topping should become golden brown and crisp. Keeping it uncovered allows for even browning and the perfect texture. However, if you notice the topping browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.

How Do You Know When A Crumble Is Done?

You can tell that crumble is done when the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling around the edges, indicating that the pears are tender and the crumble is cooked through.

Recipe Tips

• To enhance the flavor, add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg to the pear filling.
• For a nutty crumble topping, mix in chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans.
• Serve your pear crumble warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or custard.

How To Store Leftover Pear Crumble

• In Fridge: Store leftover pear crumble in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• In Freezer: Wrap the crumble tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

How To Reheat Pear Crumble

• In Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the crumble in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
• In Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 325°F and transfer the crumble to an air fryer-safe dish. Cook for 5-8 minutes or until warmed through.
• In Microwave: Place the crumble in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking every minute to avoid overheating.

What to Serve with Pear Crumble

Pear crumble is a delicious dessert that is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Another option is to serve it with a cold glass of heavy cream or a custard sauce. 

To add a touch of elegance, you can also serve it with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. If you prefer a lighter option, you can serve it with a scoop of Greek yogurt or a bowl of fresh fruit. 

Pear Crumble Variations And Substitutions

• Replace pears with apples or a mix of both and you will get a pear and apple crumble.
• Add berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, to the filling.
• Substitute gluten-free flour or almond flour for all-purpose flour.
• Use a combination of spices like ground ginger, cardamom, or nutmeg.

How Do You Thicken the Crumble? 

The crumble topping should be thick enough when made according to the recipe. If the fruit filling seems too watery, toss the fruit with 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch or all-purpose flour before adding it to the baking dish.

Why Is My Crumble Topping Not Crunchy And How to Fix It

A crumble topping that is too soft could be caused by too much liquid in the mixture, not baking it long enough, or using too much butter. To fix it, make sure your butter is cold and use it minimally. Then, bake the crumble until the topping is golden brown and crisp.

Mary Berry Pear Crumble Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 350
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 10mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 58g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 30g
• Protein: 3g

FAQs

1. Can I Freeze Uncooked Pear Crumble? Yes, you can freeze the uncooked pear crumble. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen and allow extra time for it to cook through(about 10-15min).
2. Can I Use Canned Pears For Pear Crumble? Yes, you can use canned pears. Drain them well and pat them dry before using them in the recipe.
3. Can I Make Pear Crumble Ahead Of Time? Yes, you can prepare the pear filling and crumble topping separately, storing them in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Assemble and bake the crumble just before serving.
4. Can I Use Other Fruits In A Pear Crumble? You can use other fruits such as apples, peaches, or a combination of fruits for added variety and flavor.
5. Can I Add Spices To The Pear Filling For Extra Flavor? Yes, adding spices like ground ginger, cardamom, or nutmeg can enhance the flavor of the pear filling. 

Try Other Mary Berry Recipes:

• Mary Berry Mississippi Mud Pie
• Canterbury Tart Mary Berry
• Curried Parsnip Soup Mary Berry