Irresistibly Easy Christmas Spiced Pear Crumble to Warm You Up

Katherine

Honoring generations of culinary artistry.

When the house fills with the warm scent of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, I know the holidays are truly here. This Christmas Spiced Pear Crumble is my go-to dessert for cozy gatherings—its sweet, tender pears perfectly balanced by a crisp, buttery topping that practically melts in your mouth. What I love most is how effortlessly it comes together, making it a crowd-pleaser without the fuss. Whether you’re winding down after a busy day or hosting friends around the table, this crumble brings that magical blend of festive comfort and homemade goodness everyone will savor.

Why choose Christmas Spiced Pear Crumble?

Effortless Comfort: This crumble blends warm spices and juicy pears for a simple, worry-free dessert. Festive Flavors: Cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg create that perfect holiday aroma. Irresistibly Crisp: The buttery topping adds a delightful crunch against tender fruit. Versatile Treat: Great for cozy nights or festive gatherings. Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves its sweet, spiced charm!

Christmas Spiced Pear Crumble Ingredients

For the Pear Filling

Ripe Pears – Choose firm yet juicy pears like Bosc or Bartlett for the perfect texture.
Brown Sugar – Adds rich sweetness and helps caramelize the pears as they bake.
Ground Cinnamon – The key spice that brings warm, cozy notes to the filling.
Ground Cloves – Use sparingly for a subtle, aromatic hint that deepens the flavor.
Grated Nutmeg – Freshly grated nutmeg brightens the spice mix with a hint of zest.
Lemon Juice – Balances sweetness and prevents pears from browning too quickly.

For the Crumble Topping

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the crisp, buttery topping everyone loves.
Rolled Oats – Adds a rustic texture and wholesome crunch.
Cold Unsalted Butter – Cut into the mixture to create that melt-in-your-mouth crispness.
Light Brown Sugar – Sweetens and helps to brown the crumble topping beautifully.
Ground Cinnamon – A pinch ties the topping flavor back to the warm spices in the filling.

Enjoy preparing your Christmas Spiced Pear Crumble with these simple, comforting ingredients that bring festive joy to every bite!

How to Make Christmas Spiced Pear Crumble

Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish generously with softened butter or nonstick spray, ensuring every corner is coated to prevent sticking as the crumble bakes to golden perfection.
For the Pear Filling:
Peel & Slice Pears: Peel, core, and slice pears into even wedges. Toss with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, freshly grated nutmeg, and lemon juice until shiny and well coated.
Arrange Filling: Spread the pear mixture evenly in the prepared dish, smoothing the top so each juicy wedge peeks through, setting the stage for a sweet, spiced filling beneath.
For the Crumble Topping:
Mix Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, rolled oats, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Cut in cold unsalted butter with a pastry cutter until coarse, pea-sized crumbs form.
Top the Pears: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the pears, pressing lightly to cover gaps and ensure a uniform, golden crust that locks in the fragrant spice and sweet juices.
Bake: Place on the center rack and bake for 35–40 minutes until the topping turns golden brown and the pear filling bubbles enticingly at the edges.
Cool & Serve: Allow the crumble to rest for 10 minutes, letting the juices thicken slightly. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra cozy indulgence.

Optional: Dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Spiced Pear Crumble

Room Temperature: Allow the crumble to cool completely before storing it at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered loosely to maintain some crispiness.
Fridge: For longer preservation, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in a warm oven to restore the topping’s crunch.
Freezer: Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: If frozen, reheat the Christmas Spiced Pear Crumble at 350°F for about 25 minutes until warmed through and crispy on top, ensuring a delightful experience for each bite!

Expert Tips for Christmas Spiced Pear Crumble

Choose Firm Pears: Use firm yet ripe pears like Bosc or Bartlett to maintain structure during baking without turning mushy.
Don’t Overmix Topping: Cut the cold butter just until pea-sized crumbs form; overmixing melts the butter, losing that perfect crumble texture.
Balance Sweetness and Spice: Adjust brown sugar and spices to taste—start with less and add more gradually for a warm, festive flavor without overpowering.
Even Slices: Slice pears evenly to ensure they cook uniformly and create a consistent, tender filling in your Christmas Spiced Pear Crumble.
Rest Before Serving: Let the crumble cool for 10 minutes after baking; this helps thicken the juices and enhances flavor melding.

Christmas Spiced Pear Crumble Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to add your unique flair to this delightful crumble with these fun variations!

Nuts & Seeds: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping for extra crunch and a nutty flavor.
Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend to keep the crumbles deliciously crispy.
Fruit Fusion: Mix in sliced apples or cranberries for a festive twist that adds vibrant color and flavor contrast.
Herbal Boost: Incorporate fresh rosemary or thyme into the pear filling for an unexpected aromatic depth that intrigues the palate.
Maple Sweetener: Replace brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a natural sweetness that adds a touch of warmth.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut oil instead of butter in the crumble topping for a vegan-friendly alternative without losing that wonderful crisp.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the topping for a delightful heat that dances with the sweetness of the pears.

These variations will elevate your Christmas Spiced Pear Crumble while keeping that signature cozy charm everyone loves!

What to Serve with Christmas Spiced Pear Crumble?

The cozy aroma of herbs and spices truly sets the tone for a lovely winter meal.

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a smooth, sweet contrast to the warm, spiced crumble.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, fresh whipped cream brings a pillowy touch against the warm, crumbly texture.
Spiced Mulled Wine: The warm notes of cinnamon and clove in mulled wine perfectly align with the flavors of the pear crumble.
Gingerbread Cookies: These festive treats offer a delightful crunch and seasonal spices that echo the flavors in your crumble.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling a warm caramel sauce adds a rich sweetness, enhancing both the pears and the crumble.
Pecans or Walnuts: A handful of toasted nuts provides a satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor to elevate each bite.
Fresh Pear Slices: Serve alongside for freshness; their crisp bite contrasts beautifully with the tender baked pears.
Mint Tea: A calming cup of mint tea acts as a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of the warm dessert.

This delightful array of pairings not only complements the Christmas Spiced Pear Crumble but also creates a heartwarming dining experience.

Make Ahead Options

This Christmas Spiced Pear Crumble is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during the bustling holiday season! You can prepare the pear filling up to 24 hours in advance by peeling, coring, and slicing the pears, then tossing them with brown sugar, spices, and lemon juice to prevent browning. Store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, the crumble topping can be mixed and refrigerated for up to 3 days as well. When it’s time to serve, simply layer the filling in your baking dish, sprinkle the crumble on top, and bake as directed—the result will be just as delicious and cozy as if made fresh that day!

Christmas Spiced Pear Crumble Recipe FAQs

What type of pears should I use for the Christmas Spiced Pear Crumble?
I recommend using firm yet juicy pears like Bosc or Bartlett. They hold their shape beautifully during baking without becoming mushy, giving you that perfect tender bite with a bit of structure.

How long can I store leftover crumble, and what’s the best way to keep it fresh?
Once cooled, you can keep the crumble at room temperature, covered loosely, for up to 2 days which maintains some crispiness. For longer storage, refrigerate it in an airtight container up to 5 days. Reheating in an oven helps revive the delightful crunch on top.

Can I freeze Christmas Spiced Pear Crumble, and how should I do it?
Absolutely! Freeze portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect from freezer burn. Store for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating at 350°F for about 25 minutes until piping hot and crisp on top.

My crumble topping turned out soggy—how can I fix that?
This usually happens if the butter melts too much before baking or if pieces of fruit release too much juice. Next time, keep your butter cold when mixing, and evenly distribute the crumble topping pressing it slightly to seal the filling. Also, let the dish cool before serving—this helps the juices thicken naturally.

Is this Christmas Spiced Pear Crumble safe for pets or people with nut allergies?
This recipe is nut-free and safe for most human allergy concerns; however, it’s not suitable for pets. Pears are fine for humans but many common crumble ingredients, such as sugar and butter, can be harmful to pets, so keep the treat just for the family table.