In the height of winter there is always an abundance of pears in my kitchen. While just eating them raw is a true pleasure, using them as a base for a warm fruit dessert truly does them justice. Even simple poached pears served with some custard or ice cream is delicious. This Pear Crumble is another way to serve and enjoy pears – a golden, buttery crumble atop sweet, stewed pears. The perfect cool weather dessert.
Pear Crumble
Pear Crumble
Ingredients
1 cup plain flour
¼ cup packed soft brown sugar
¾ cup caster sugar
100g, butter, chopped
½ cup water
8 small pears, peeled, cored, quartered, sliced (approx 1kg)
Method
Preheat oven to 200C. Grease a 5 cup baking dish.
To make the crumble, combine the flour, brown sugar, ¼ cup caster sugar and butter in a small mixing bowl. Rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
Making crumble
Finished crumble mixture
Place pears remaining caster sugar and water into a saucepan. Stir gently over moderate heat until sugar dissolves then bring to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer the pears until just tender (5-10 minutes).
Pears stewing
Drain pears and arrange in baking dish. Sprinkle crumble mixture over the top. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden on top. Serve with ice cream, custard or cream.
Pears in baking dish
Pear crumble ready to bake
Pear crumble ready to bake
The Klutzy Cook Notes
- Any type of fruit can be substituted for the pear. Alternatively, a combination of fruits can be used eg apple and rhubarb, apple and pear.
- It is important not to overcook the pears when stewing so they hold their shape.
- Try adding some spices for a flavor twist e.g. cinnamon or nutmeg.
- If there is leftover crumble, freeze it to use next time.
Enjoy!
