This Pear and Blueberry Crumble is a simple fruit-based dessert made by combining diced pears with fresh or frozen blueberries and topping it off with a hearty and crunchy oat topping.
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There are so many reasons why fruit crumbles are one of my favourite desserts to make. They're delicious, easy to make, and are adaptable depending on the fruit in season.
With so many fruit and nut combinations you can choose from, you can make a different crumble every weekend! Crumbles are delicious all year round and since they can be served warm, they're an excellent choice for a comforting dessert in cooler weather.
Fruit Crumble with Oats
What I enjoy the most in a crumble is the contrast in texture between the topping and the fruit filling. While some prefer to make the topping using only flour, butter and sugar, others will add oats. I like to include oats, as it makes the dessert heartier, healthier and adds even more texture to the topping.
Another thing I like to do is add some chopped nuts to the topping. The nuts add even more crunch and texture to this dessert.
My favourite with this Pear and Blueberry Crumble are hazelnuts. Just add in one-third to half a cup of toasted, skinned and chopped hazelnuts to the crumble mixture before topping and baking the fruit crumble.
If you don't have hazelnuts, you can add in almonds, walnuts or pecans, all of these would be tasty. And if there is a nut allergy in the family, just leave the nuts out, it will still be delicious.
Making a Gluten-Free Crumble
Crumbles are also great if you need a gluten-free dessert. The wheat flour in the topping can be replaced with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. If adding rolled oats to the topping, make sure you use oats that are certified gluten-free. And when making the fruit filling use cornstarch instead of flour.
Making the Crumble Topping in Advance
Did you know that you could prepare the crumble topping in advance and freeze it? Next time you make a crumble consider doubling the topping ingredients. Use half for your dessert and store the other half in a freezer bag and freeze it. Next time you'll feel like making a crumble, all you'll need to do is defrost the topping and prepare your filling.
How to Serve
My absolute favourite way to serve this dessert is warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
Depending on the fruit you use and whether the fruit is fresh or frozen, you may find there is lots of sauce at the bottom of the dish. This is normal if you don't wait long enough before digging in, as I did when I shot the pictures for this Pear and Blueberry Crumble. If this happens, you can always drizzle the warm sauce over the ice cream, it's so yummy!
How to Store
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can re-warm the crumble in a low-temperature oven to serve it warm but it can also be served at room temperature or even cold.
More Delicious Blueberry Recipes
- Blueberry Almond Crumble Galette
- Blueberry Jam and Hazelnut Bars
- Blueberry Cobbler
- Blueberry and Lemon Scones
- Blueberry Oatmeal Smoothie
Pear and Blueberry Crumble
Ingredients
Crumble Topping
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup unbleached all-purpose flour use almond flour for gluten-free
- ¼ cup brown sugar packed
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Pear and Blueberry Filling
- 3 cups pear peeled and diced
- 3 cups blueberries washed and picked
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar add more if fruit isn't very sweet
- 2 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour use cornstarch for gluten-free
- 2 teaspoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
Crumble Topping
- In a medium bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt and butter. Using your fingers, rub the softened butter into the ingredients until evenly distributed. Set aside.
Pear and Blueberry Crumble
- With the rack in the middle position, preheat the oven to 375 °F. Lightly coat a 9x9 inch (or similar in size) baking dish with butter and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the peeled and diced pear, the blueberries, the granulated sugar, all purpose-flour, lemon juice and cinnamon. Mix well.
- Add the fruit mixture to your baking dish and spread it evenly. Evenly top the fruit with the crumble topping.
- Bake in the oven for approximately 45 to 55 minutes or until the fruit is bubbling around the edges and the top is golden brown and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let cool at least 15 minutes before serving.
- Optional: Serve the crumble with your ice cream of choice or whipped cream.
Notes
Nutrition
Karen
Saturday 7th of October 2017
Pears and blueberries, now that is a nice combination. I'm with you about crumble topping...the more texture the better.
Sweet and Savoury Pursuits
Wednesday 18th of October 2017
Thanks Karen! Yes, nuts are great for adding texture, taste and nutrition!
Claire
Thursday 5th of October 2017
This sounds lovely, I must try to make it
Sweet and Savoury Pursuits
Wednesday 18th of October 2017
Thank you Claire, it's one of my go to desserts when I need something delicious, quick and comforting!
Amanda
Sunday 1st of October 2017
Yum! This crumble looks amazing!
Sweet and Savoury Pursuits
Tuesday 3rd of October 2017
Thanks Amanda, I'm sure you would love this!