Spiced Pear and Cranberry Crumble is a warm, comforting dessert that combines tender, juicy pears and tart cranberries with a blend of fragrant spices. Topped with a buttery, crumbly oat streusel, this dessert is perfect for fall and winter gatherings. Whether served fresh out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this crumble is a seasonal treat that’s easy to make and hard to resist.

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1. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1.1 Seasonal and Festive

• Combines the best flavors of fall and winter with sweet pears, tart cranberries, and warm spices.
• A perfect dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or cozy family dinners.

1.2 Simple Yet Impressive

• Straightforward to prepare, yet it looks and tastes elegant enough for special occasions.

1.3 Customizable and Comforting

• Easily adjusted to fit dietary needs or ingredient preferences.
• Offers the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and crunchy in every bite.

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2. Ingredients You’ll Need

2.1 For the Fruit Filling

• Pears (4 medium, peeled and sliced): Choose firm, ripe pears like Bosc or Anjou.
• Fresh or frozen cranberries (1 cup): Adds a pop of tartness.
• Brown sugar (1/3 cup): Sweetens the fruit and enhances the spices.
• Cornstarch (1 tbsp): Thickens the juices.
• Cinnamon (1 tsp): A warm, essential spice.
• Nutmeg (1/4 tsp): For a hint of complexity.
• Ground ginger (1/4 tsp): Adds a subtle zing.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Rounds out the flavors.

2.2 For the Crumble Topping

• Rolled oats (1 cup): Adds a hearty, chewy texture.
• All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Binds the crumble together.
• Brown sugar (1/3 cup): Adds sweetness and depth.
• Butter (6 tbsp, cold and cubed): Creates a buttery, crumbly topping.
• Chopped nuts (1/4 cup, optional): Pecans or walnuts for added crunch.

this Recipe

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3. Step-by-Step Instructions

3.1 Prepare the Filling

1. Mix the Fruit: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced pears, cranberries, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla extract. Toss until the fruit is evenly coated.
2. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the fruit mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.

3.2 Make the Crumble Topping

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, and nuts (if using).
2. Add the Butter: Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands to work the cold butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

3.3 Assemble the Crumble

1. Top the Fruit: Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the fruit mixture, covering it completely.

3.4 Bake the Crumble

1. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling.
2. Cool Slightly: Let the crumble cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

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4. Tips for the Perfect Crumble

4.1 Choose the Right Pears

• Use pears that are firm enough to hold their shape but ripe enough to release their juices when baked.

4.2 Balance Sweetness and Tartness

• Adjust the sugar in the filling if your pears are especially sweet or your cranberries are very tart.

4.3 Keep the Butter Cold

• Cold butter ensures the topping becomes crispy and golden, rather than greasy.

4.4 Prevent Soggy Crumble

• Don’t overmix the topping—keep it crumbly to achieve the perfect texture.

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5. Serving Suggestions

Spiced Pear and Cranberry Crumble is delicious on its own, but it can be enhanced with simple pairings.

5.1 Perfect Pairings

• Ice Cream: Vanilla or caramel ice cream adds creaminess to balance the crumble’s texture.
• Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream offers a fluffy contrast to the rich crumble.
• Custard Sauce: Drizzle with warm custard for a luxurious finishing touch.

5.2 Beverages to Complement

• Hot mulled cider
• Spiced tea or chai latte
• Dessert wine, such as Moscato or Late Harvest Riesling

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6. Variations to Try

6.1 Gluten-Free Crumble

• Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

6.2 Vegan Option

• Replace butter with vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.

6.3 Add Citrus Zest

• Add orange or lemon zest to the filling for a burst of brightness.

6.4 Mixed Fruit Crumble

• Combine pears and cranberries with apples or plums for a unique twist.

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7. Storage and Reheating

7.1 How to Store

• Cover the cooled crumble tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

7.2 How to Reheat

1. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore crispness.
2. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in short intervals until warmed through.

7.3 Can You Freeze It?

Yes, freeze the baked crumble for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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8. Why This Recipe Works

8.1 Balanced Flavors

• Sweet pears and tart cranberries are enhanced by warm spices and a buttery topping.

8.2 Effortlessly Elegant

• Simple to prepare yet visually appealing and bursting with flavor.

8.3 Customizable

• The recipe is adaptable to various dietary needs and ingredient preferences.

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FAQ

1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of frozen?

Yes! Fresh cranberries work perfectly, and there’s no need to thaw them.

2. What type of pears are best?

Bosc or Anjou pears are ideal for baking due to their firmness and natural sweetness.

3. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the crumble up to a day in advance, refrigerate it, and bake just before serving.

4. How do I make the topping extra crispy?

Bake uncovered, and broil for the last 1-2 minutes to achieve a golden, crunchy topping.

5. Can I use other fruits?

Absolutely! Apples, plums, or peaches can be substituted or added for variety.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.

7. How do I prevent the filling from becoming watery?

Use cornstarch to thicken the juices and avoid overripe pears, which release too much liquid.

8. Can I add nuts to the topping?

Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts add a delicious crunch to the crumble.

9. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat before serving.

10. Can I make individual crumbles?

Yes, divide the filling and topping into ramekins and bake for 25-30 minutes.

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Spiced Pear and Cranberry Crumble is the ultimate seasonal dessert, combining warmth, sweetness, and tang in every spoonful. Whether enjoyed as a holiday treat or a cozy weeknight indulgence, this crumble is sure to delight everyone at the table.