Easy Peasy Warm and Cosy Pear Crumble Recipe

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Need a comforting dessert that’s guaranteed to satisfy, and feels like a hug in a bowl? This easy pear crumble is exactly what you’ve been looking for! Perfectly ripe and tender pear slices, topped with a sweet and crunchy crumble topping… absolute perfection! Keep reading to learn just how easy this classic dessert is to make from scratch…

Someone spooning pear crumble and custard from a bowl. The custard is dripping and it looks very tasty!

Why you’ll love this recipe

Most Brits grow up enjoying apple crumble and custard, myself included. But sometimes it’s nice to mix things up a little! This beautiful pear crumble recipe is as easy as it gets, and a delightful twist on a classic. No exotic ingredients or faffy instructions – just everyday foods, simple techniques, and stunning results that anyone can achieve.

Been out fruit picking? You might also like this apple berry fruit crumble too!

Someone spooning pear crumble from a baking dish.

Ingredients

Confused about what ingredients to buy? Not sure about a substitution? Here’s everything you might need to know…

Pears – Use whatever pears are ripe and available. I’ve used both Comice and conference, and both have been delicious.
Sugar – I like to use light soft brown sugar in the filling and sprinkled on top, and caster sugar in the crumble mixture. You could use one or the other throughout, it will still work well.
Lemon Juice – This adds an extra freshness to the filling. I prefer fresh lemon juice, but you could use bottled in a pinch.
Flour – Plain/all purpose flour is needed for a crumble. Don’t use self raising as it could affect the texture of your crumble.
Butter – I always use unsalted butter and add salt separately. You can use salted butter if you prefer, just don’t add the extra salt.
Walnuts – These are optional, but add a really lovely flavour and crunch! You could substitute these for oats if you prefer.

A bowl of pear crumble and custard with cut pears and lemons to the side.

Emma’s top tips

Here are tips you’ll find helpful when making this recipe.

I quartered the pears, then cut each quarter into 3 slices. This gave them a tender texture with a bit of bite. If you prefer your pears softer, cut them into smaller pieces.
Place your crumble filled dish onto a tray for baking, just in case it bubbles over. (No one likes a messy clean up!)
I like a very full 18cm (7″) baking dish. You can use a 20cm (8″) dish if you prefer, but you may need to cook for less time. Check on it regularly towards the end.
Like to be efficient and/or struggle with pain in your hands? Use a pastry blender when making the crumble topping! My Gran swore by hers and so do I!
Love a warming spice? Add 1 tsp of ground cinnamon to the crumble mixture.

A bowl of pear crumble and custard on a plate with a spoon. There is a vase of pretty white flowers in the background.

Timings

Have limited time? Struggle with recipe timings? Or juggling around other things? Here’s some time managing info to make your life easier!

Preparing the pears should take no more than 5-10 mins.
Making the crumble will take around 5-10 mins.
Assembling your crumble will only take 2 minutes.
Baking your pear crumble will take between 40-45 mins.

A baking dish of pear crumble with a serving spoon, next to a bowl of pear crumble and custard. There are chopped walnuts, cut pears and lemons on the worktop too.

Easy Pear Crumble – Step by Step Picture Recipe

(For a printer friendly version, see the recipe card at the end of this post)

Ingredients

Here is what you will need to serve 4-5.

Please note, this recipe includes both UK metric and US Cup measurements.

For the pear filling

550g (x 4) Ripe Pears
1 tbsp Soft Light Brown Sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
1 tbsp Lemon Juice

For the crumble

85g (2/3 Cup) Plain Flour
60g (1/4 Cup) Caster Sugar
Pinch of Salt
60g (1/4 Cup) Unsalted Butter, cold and cubed
25g (3 tbsp) Walnuts, finely chopped (optional)

Essential equipment

18cm (7″) Round Baking Dish
Chopping Board
Sharp Knife
2 x Large Mixing Bowls
Pastry Blender (optional)
Baking Tray

Instructions

First thing’s first – generously grease your baking dish and preheat the oven to 190°C/180°C Fan/374°F.

A greased baking dish on a kitchen worktop.

Next, peel, core, and chop your pears (550g | x 4) into thick slices, and pop them into a mixing bowl.

Now add in the brown sugar (1 tbsp) and lemon juice (1 tbsp), and mix it all together.

A bowl of sliced pears topped with brown sugar and lemon juice.

Then spread the pears out in your greased dish. If you like a juicy/saucy filling, spoon over the remaining lemon sugar syrup too. Set the dish to one side.

Sliced pears in a baking dish on a kitchen worktop.

To make the crumble, add the flour (85g | 2/3 Cup), caster sugar (60g | 1/4 Cup), salt (pinch), and butter (60g | 1/4 Cup) to another mixing bowl.

A mixing bowl containing flour, sugar, salt and cubed butter.

Then, either using a pastry blender or your forefingers and thumbs, rub together the ingredients until they become a breadcrumb like consistency. (The aim is no large pieces of butter.)

A crumble topping in a large mixing bowl on a kitchen worktop.

Now briefly mix through the chopped walnuts, if you’re adding them.

Chopped walnuts mixed into a crumble topping in a mixing bowl.

Next, scatter the crumble topping over the pears in your dish, and top with a sprinkling of extra soft brown sugar.

A unbaked pear crumble in a dish on a baking tray, ready for the oven.

Finally, pop your dish onto a baking tray, and place onto the bottom shelf of your oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the pears are bubbling and the crumble is crisp and golden brown.

A baked pear crumble, with a crispy golden brown topping.

Allow your pear crumble to cool for 15 minutes, then serve with some custard, cream, or ice cream. Enjoy!

A white bowl filled with pear crumble and custard, set on a wooden board with a linen napkin at the side.

How to store pear crumble

If you have any pear crumble leftover – allow to cool to room temperature, then cover and chill in the fridge. Reheat in the oven when you want some, and consume within 2 days.

A bowl of pear crumble and custard with a spoon, set on a decorative plate.

FAQs

What pears are best for crumble?

Using whatever pears are ripe and in season is better than a specific variety. Although my favourite so far is Comice, as they have a lovely flavour.

What goes with pear crumble?

Pear crumble is delicious on it’s own, but is also delightful when served with custard, cream, or ice cream!

Can pear crumble be frozen?

Yes, it can. However it’s best when you freeze the fruit filling and crumble topping separately, then assemble when you are ready to cook. Use within 3-4 months.

How long to cook pear crumble?

It depends on a few variables (what size dish you use, how thick your pears are etc), but usually a pear crumble takes around 40-45 minutes to cook.

A dish filled with pear crumble on a wooden board. The crumble topping is crisp and golden, and the filling is juicy and shiny.

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Someone spooning pear crumble and custard from a bowl. The custard is dripping and it looks very tempting! A text overlay says 'Warm and cosy pear crumble recipe'.