There’s something truly comforting about the scent of warm pears mingling with toasted almonds wafting through the kitchen. This Baked Pear and Almond Crumble Recipe quickly became my go-to when I wanted a dessert that feels both elegant and effortless. It’s the kind of dish that transforms simple ingredients into a cozy treat, perfect for those evenings when you crave homemade goodness but don’t want to spend hours baking. Sweet, juicy pears baked under a crunchy almond topping create a harmony of textures that’s as crowd-pleasing as it is satisfying. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing friends, this crumble delivers rich flavor with minimal fuss — a delightful way to celebrate the season’s best fruit any night of the week.
Why choose Baked Pear and Almond Crumble Recipe?
Simplicity meets elegance in this delightful dessert that requires only a handful of pantry staples. Rich, comforting flavors of ripe pears and toasted almonds create an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen. Quick to prep and bake, it’s perfect for cozy weeknights or last-minute guests. Versatile and crowd-pleasing, this crumble pairs beautifully with ice cream or whipped cream to elevate any occasion.
Baked Pear and Almond Crumble Ingredients
For the Pear Filling
- Ripe pears – choose firm but juicy pears to hold their shape and release natural sweetness.
- Lemon juice – adds brightness and prevents the pears from browning while baking.
- Granulated sugar – balances the tartness of the pears and helps create a syrupy base.
- Ground cinnamon – infuses warm, comforting spice that pairs perfectly with pears.
For the Almond Crumble Topping
- Rolled oats – provide a hearty, chewy texture that contrasts with the soft pear filling.
- Sliced almonds – toasted to deepen flavor and add satisfying crunch.
- Brown sugar – delivers caramel notes and helps the topping crisp beautifully.
- Unsalted butter – cold and cubed to achieve a tender, crumbly texture when baked.
- All-purpose flour – binds the topping together and gives structure to the crumble.
This Baked Pear and Almond Crumble Recipe turns pantry staples into a cozy, delicious dessert you’ll want to make again and again.
How to Make Baked Pear and Almond Crumble Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to ensure even baking and easy release.
For the Pear Filling: - Slice four to five firm pears into ½-inch wedges, leaving the skin on for extra texture and color. Aim for uniform pieces so they bake evenly and hold their shape.
- Toss the pear slices with 2 tablespoons lemon juice, ½ cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl until they’re fully coated in a glossy, fragrant syrup.
For the Almond Crumble Topping: - Combine 1 cup rolled oats, ½ cup sliced almonds, ⅓ cup brown sugar, and ¼ cup all-purpose flour in a mixing bowl until ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Cut cold cubed butter into the oat mixture using a pastry cutter or fork until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits for a tender, crisp topping.
- Assemble the crumble by spreading the pear filling evenly in the prepared dish, then sprinkling the almond oat topping all over, creating a uniform layer.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes at 350°F until the topping is golden brown and the pears bubble up around the edges, filling your kitchen with warm, nutty aroma.
Optional: Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Baked Pear and Almond Crumble Recipe
- Choose the Right Pears: Opt for firm yet ripe pears like Bosc or Bartlett to ensure they soften without turning mushy during baking.
- Keep Butter Cold: Use cold cubed butter for the almond crumble topping; this creates a crisp, flaky texture instead of a greasy, dense one.
- Even Slicing Matters: Slice pears uniformly to promote even cooking, preventing some pieces from becoming overly soft while others remain underdone.
- Toast Almonds Lightly: Lightly toast almonds beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add an irresistible crunch to your crumble.
- Don’t Overbake: Bake just until the topping is golden and pears bubble; overbaking can dry out the fruit and toughen the crumble topping.
How to Store and Freeze Baked Pear and Almond Crumble
Room Temperature: Keep any leftover baked pear and almond crumble covered at room temperature for up to 1 day for best flavor.
Fridge: Store the crumble in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave, or warm in the oven until heated through.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooled crumble in a tightly wrapped container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the thawed or refrigerated baked pear and almond crumble in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the topping is crispy again.
What to Serve with Baked Pear and Almond Crumble?
There’s nothing quite like indulging in a warm dessert that sings of cozy evenings, and the options to pair with this delightful crumble are just as comforting.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and cool, it enhances the warm crumble’s textures while providing a sweet contrast. You can even add a drizzle of caramel for an extra indulgence.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it adds a luscious touch to each spoonful, making the flavors dance harmoniously on your palate.
- Spiced Chai Tea: Its rich, warm spices will mirror the cinnamon in the crumble, creating a delightful harmony of flavors to enjoy together.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: A sprinkle of refreshing mint on top adds a burst of brightness that elevates the sweet, rich dessert.
- Almond Biscotti: Crunchy and sweet, almond biscotti offers a satisfying companion to your crumble, perfect for dipping in warm beverages.
- Honeyed Yogurt: A dollop of tangy, honey-sweetened yogurt provides a creamy contrast, balancing the rich flavors of the dessert beautifully.
- Sweet Red Wine: A chilled glass of lightly sweet red wine plays nicely with the fruit and nut flavors, enhancing the experience with each sip.
- Dark Chocolate: Rich dark chocolate shavings on top add luxurious depth, creating a divine contrast to the sweet dish.
- Cinnamon Tea: This aromatic drink complements the crumble’s spices, wrapping you in warmth with every sip and bite.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over the crumble introduces a luscious sweetness that turns this dessert into a delightful indulgence.
Make Ahead Options
These Baked Pear and Almond Crumble Recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights! You can prep the pear filling and crumble topping up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for a hassle-free dessert on demand. To do this, slice the pears and toss them with lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The crumble topping can also be made ahead and kept separately in another container. When you’re ready to bake, simply layer the pear filling in a greased baking dish, sprinkle the crumble on top, and pop it in the oven. This way, you’ll have a fresh, warm dessert that still tastes just as delicious, perfect for those cozy nights.
Variations & Substitutions for Baked Pear and Almond Crumble Recipe
Feel free to get creative and make this crumble your own, adding flavors and textures that excite your taste buds!
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Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-friendly dessert.
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Nut-Free: Substitute sliced almonds with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to keep it crunchy without nut allergens.
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Spiced: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon for an aromatic twist that complements the pears beautifully.
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Sweetener Swap: Use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a natural sweetness and a distinct flavor profile.
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Fruit Variations: Mix in other fruits like peaches or blueberries for added color and a medley of flavors—such a delightful surprise!
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Dairy-Free: Swap unsalted butter for coconut oil or vegan butter to create a deliciously rich crumble for dairy-free diets.
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Extra Crunch: Incorporate crushed graham crackers or cornflakes into the topping for an unexpected crunch that adds texture to each bite.
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Bourbon Infusion: Drizzle a tablespoon of bourbon or vanilla extract over the pear filling before topping, giving it a warm, comforting depth of flavor.
Each variation invites you to explore new tastes while still capturing the essence of that cozy baked goodness. Enjoy experimenting!
Baked Pear and Almond Crumble Recipe FAQs
What type of pears should I use for the Baked Pear and Almond Crumble Recipe?
I recommend firm yet ripe pears like Bosc or Bartlett because they soften nicely without turning mushy. Look for pears that give slightly under gentle pressure but are free from dark spots all over.
How long can I store leftover crumble at room temperature or in the fridge?
You can keep leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 1 day to preserve flavor and texture. For longer storage, place the crumble in an airtight container in the fridge where it will stay good for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the Baked Pear and Almond Crumble? How should I do it?
Absolutely! Once the crumble has completely cooled, transfer it to a tightly sealed freezer-safe container or wrap it securely in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the topping regains its crispiness.
What if my crumble topping turns out soggy?
Sogginess often comes from using warm pears or butter that’s too soft in the topping. Make sure your butter is cold and cubed when mixing the crumble. Also, don’t overbake—stop as soon as the topping is golden and the pears are bubbly to keep that perfect crunchy finish.
Is this crumble recipe safe for pets or people with nut allergies?
This recipe contains sliced almonds, which can be harmful to some pets and people with nut allergies, so it’s best to avoid sharing with them. If allergies are a concern, you can substitute almonds with toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for a nut-free version that’s equally delicious.
Easy Baked Pear and Almond Crumble Recipe for Cozy Nights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Slice four to five firm pears into ½-inch wedges, leaving the skin on.
- Toss the pear slices with 2 tablespoons lemon juice, ½ cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon until coated.
- Combine 1 cup rolled oats, ½ cup sliced almonds, ⅓ cup brown sugar, and ¼ cup all-purpose flour in a mixing bowl.
- Cut cold cubed butter into the oat mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Spread the pear filling evenly in the prepared dish, then sprinkle the almond oat topping over it.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the pears are bubbling.
