Dessert

Cinnamon Pear Crumble

Recipe Image 9

This is the kind of dessert that makes your kitchen smell like a warm hug wrapped in autumn magic, and honestly, that’s reason enough to make it.

Picture tender, caramelized pears swimming in their own sweet juices, topped with a golden crumble that’s basically edible treasure.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – you’re literally just slicing, mixing, and letting the oven work its magic while you sit back and enjoy the incredible aroma.

What makes this crumble special is how the cinnamon creates this perfect bridge between the buttery, crispy topping and the soft, spiced pears underneath.

It’s the dessert equivalent of putting on your favorite cozy sweater – familiar, comforting, and exactly what you need when you want something homemade without the fuss.

Plus, it’s practically foolproof, which means you can look like a baking genius even if you’re the type of person who burns toast on the regular.

Ingredients

For the Crumb Topping

80 grams (⅔ cup) all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour blend
50 grams (¼ cup) cane sugar
50 grams (¼ cup) light brown sugar, packed
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Pears

3 large pears, sliced thin (about ¼-inch thick)
1 teaspoon arrowroot or cornstarch
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Prepare the Crumble Topping

1 Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and ensure your oven-safe baking dish is ready for use.
2 In a large mixing bowl, combine the ⅔ cup flour, ¼ cup cane sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Whisk these dry ingredients together until evenly distributed, then set aside.
3 In a separate small bowl, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or until completely liquid. Pour the melted butter into your flour and sugar mixture.
4 Using a silicone spatula or wooden spoon, mix the butter into the dry ingredients until everything is fully incorporated. The mixture should form large, chunky pieces that stick together when pressed – this creates those perfect crispy clusters on top of your crumble.

Prepare the Pears

5 Wash and slice your 3 large pears into ¼-inch thick pieces. You can peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and a lovely texture contrast.
6 Place the sliced pears directly into your oven-safe baking dish, spreading them out in an even layer.
7 Sprinkle the 1 teaspoon arrowroot (or cornstarch) evenly over the pears, followed by the 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Toss everything together with your hands or a large spoon until each pear slice is lightly coated.

Assemble and Bake

8 Distribute the prepared crumble topping generously over the seasoned pears, spreading it evenly to ensure every bite gets that perfect crunch.
9 Bake in your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for exactly 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the pear juices are bubbling around the edges.
10 Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving – this allows the juices to thicken slightly and prevents anyone from burning their tongue on molten pear goodness.

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Essential Tools (for best results)

Oven-safe baking dish – A ceramic or glass 8×8 inch dish works perfectly for this recipe and ensures even heat distribution
Large mixing bowl – Essential for creating the perfect crumble texture without making a mess
Sharp knife and cutting board – Clean, precise cuts on your pears ensure even cooking and professional presentation
Silicone spatula – Helps incorporate the melted butter without overworking the crumble mixture

Helpful Upgrades

Kitchen scale – Measuring ingredients by weight (especially flour) gives you consistent results every time
Microplane grater – Perfect for adding fresh lemon zest to brighten the pear flavors
Bench scraper – Makes transferring your crumble mixture from bowl to baking dish incredibly easy

Nice-to-Have Options

Parchment paper – Line your baking dish for easier cleanup, though it’s not necessary for this recipe

Instant-read thermometer – While not essential, checking that your melted butter has cooled slightly prevents it from cooking the flour prematurely

Remember, these are suggestions to enhance your baking experience, not requirements. This crumble is designed to be simple and accessible with basic kitchen tools.

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Adaptation

Replace the ⅔ cup all-purpose flour with an equal amount of gluten-free flour blend (Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 works excellently)
Add ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum if your flour blend doesn’t contain it for better binding
Expect a slightly more tender crumble texture, but equally delicious results
No adjustments needed for baking time or temperature

Dairy-Free Modifications

Substitute the 4 tablespoons melted butter with equal amounts of melted coconut oil or vegan butter
Coconut oil adds a subtle tropical note that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and pears
Let coconut oil cool slightly after melting to prevent it from solidifying when mixed with other ingredients

Vegan Version

Use the dairy-free butter substitution above
This recipe is naturally vegan-friendly once you swap the butter
Consider adding 1 tablespoon maple syrup to the pears for extra sweetness and depth

Low-Sugar Alternative

Replace both sugars with 6 tablespoons coconut sugar or 4 tablespoons monk fruit sweetener
The natural pear sweetness carries most of the dessert, so these reductions work beautifully
Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to enhance sweetness perception

Flavor Variations

Apple-Pear Combo: Replace 1 pear with 1 large apple for added tartness
Spiced Version: Add ¼ teaspoon nutmeg and ⅛ teaspoon cardamom to the crumble
Nutty Crumble: Fold ¼ cup chopped pecans or sliced almonds into the topping
Citrus Twist: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to brighten the overall flavor profile

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights

This cinnamon pear crumble provides approximately 306 calories per serving, with a balanced combination of natural fruit sugars, fiber, and warming spices. Each serving delivers about 4 grams of dietary fiber from the pears and flour, along with 45 grams of carbohydrates primarily from the fruit’s natural sugars and added sweeteners. The recipe provides 3 grams of protein and 12 grams of fat, mainly from the butter in the crumble topping.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients

Pears are nutritional powerhouses, providing vitamin C for immune support and potassium for heart health. They’re also rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, which help reduce inflammation throughout the body. The high fiber content in pears supports digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Cinnamon brings its own impressive benefits, including anti-inflammatory compounds and chromium, which may help improve insulin sensitivity. The spice also contains antioxidants that rival those found in many superfoods, making this dessert surprisingly beneficial for overall health.

Dietary Considerations

This recipe contains gluten (easily modified), dairy from butter, and is naturally nut-free and egg-free. The moderate calorie content makes it suitable for most balanced eating plans when enjoyed in appropriate portions. The natural fruit sugars provide sustained energy compared to refined sugar desserts, while the fiber content helps slow sugar absorption for more stable blood glucose levels.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Common Substitutions:

All-purpose flour → Equal amounts almond flour (creates nuttier flavor) or oat flour (adds heartiness)
Cane sugar → Coconut sugar, maple sugar, or brown sugar for deeper flavor profiles
Brown sugar → Additional cane sugar plus 1 teaspoon molasses, or coconut sugar
Butter → Coconut oil (solid or melted), vegan butter, or even tahini for unique flavor

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

Arrowroot powder → Cornstarch works identically at half the cost
Organic cane sugar → Regular granulated sugar performs exactly the same
Premium cinnamon → Standard ground cinnamon delivers great results
Expensive pears → Use whatever pear variety is on sale; all work beautifully

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

Fresh pears → 3 cups canned pears (drained) or frozen pear slices (thawed and drained)
Ground cinnamon → ¾ teaspoon for each tablespoon, or mix with ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Brown sugar → White sugar plus 1 tablespoon molasses or maple syrup

Pro Tips for Substitutions:

When using coconut oil, measure it in solid state for accuracy, then melt
Nut flours create more delicate crumbles, so handle gently during mixing
Store substitute ingredients like coconut sugar in airtight containers to prevent clumping
Always taste-test when making multiple substitutions to ensure balanced flavors

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Sugar Substitutions:

Replace the ¼ cup cane sugar with 3 tablespoons erythritol or 2 tablespoons stevia blend
Substitute the ¼ cup brown sugar with 3 tablespoons monk fruit brown sugar substitute
These swaps reduce total carbs by approximately 18-20 grams per serving
Expect slightly less caramelization but equally satisfying sweetness

Flour & Carb Modifications:

Replace ⅔ cup all-purpose flour with ½ cup almond flour plus 2 tablespoons coconut flour
This modification reduces carbs by approximately 12 grams per serving
The texture becomes slightly more tender and nutty
Add 1 extra tablespoon melted butter to compensate for different absorption rates

Portion & Timing Tips:

Stick to ¼ of the total recipe per serving for optimal blood sugar management
Estimated 15-18 grams net carbs per modified serving (compared to 35+ grams original)
Pair with 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or 1 ounce nuts to add protein and healthy fats
Best enjoyed after meals rather than as standalone snacks to minimize glucose spikes

Total Carb Reduction: Modified version contains approximately 45% fewer net carbs while maintaining the comforting flavors and satisfying textures that make this crumble special.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings

A late-harvest Riesling or Moscato complements the sweet pears beautifully, while the wine’s acidity cuts through the rich, buttery crumble. For beer lovers, try a Belgian wheat beer or brown ale – the malty sweetness harmonizes with cinnamon spices. Non-alcoholic options include chai tea, apple cider, or coffee with a dash of cinnamon. The warm spices in chai especially echo the crumble’s flavor profile, creating a cohesive taste experience.

Side Dish Recommendations

Vanilla Greek yogurt provides protein and tangy contrast to balance the sweetness, while lightly whipped cream adds luxurious richness. Toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts contribute satisfying crunch and healthy fats. For a more substantial dessert experience, serve alongside cinnamon ice cream or caramel sauce drizzled artfully over individual portions.

Complete Meal Ideas

This crumble shines as the perfect ending to roasted chicken dinners or pork tenderloin meals, where its warm spices complement savory herbs. For brunch occasions, pair with scrambled eggs and turkey sausage for a sweet-savory balance. During holiday entertaining, serve after herb-crusted beef or glazed ham – the cinnamon and pear flavors provide a lighter finish to rich main courses.

Occasion Suggestions

Ideal for autumn gatherings, Thanksgiving dessert tables, and casual dinner parties where you want impressive results without complex preparation. Perfect for potluck contributions since it travels well and appeals to diverse tastes. Excellent choice for weekend family dinners when you want something homemade but achievable on busy schedules.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Techniques

Choose slightly underripe pears for best results – they hold their shape during baking without becoming mushy. Room temperature butter mixes more evenly than hot melted butter, creating better crumble texture. Don’t overmix the crumble topping; those irregular chunks create the most appealing texture contrast. Taste your pears before baking and adjust cinnamon accordingly – sweeter pears need less spice enhancement.

Common Mistake Prevention

Soggy bottoms happen when pears release too much juice – solve this by adding an extra ½ teaspoon arrowroot or pre-baking the dish for 5 minutes before adding toppings. Burnt edges occur from uneven oven heat – rotate your dish halfway through baking and cover edges with foil if browning too quickly. Dry crumble results from insufficient butter – ensure your mixture holds together when squeezed.

Storage and Reheating

Store covered in refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in 300°F (150°C) oven for 8-10 minutes to restore crispness – microwaving makes the topping soggy. Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months; thaw overnight and reheat as directed.

Make-Ahead Strategies

Prepare crumble topping up to 2 days ahead and store covered in refrigerator. Slice pears morning of serving to prevent browning. Assemble completely and refrigerate up to 4 hours before baking – add 2-3 extra minutes to baking time if starting from cold.

Recipe Scaling

Double recipe fits perfectly in a 9×13 inch dish with 25-30 minute baking time. Half recipe works in 6-inch round dishes for individual servings, reducing baking time to 15-18 minutes.

This cinnamon pear crumble proves that the most memorable desserts often come from the simplest ingredients combined with just the right amount of love and attention to detail.