Between the natural sweetness of the fruits, the spices and the crunchiness of the nut and oats topping, this Apple and Pear Crumble with Nutty Oat Topping is the ultimate Winter Dessert!
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For me, there is nothing more comforting than Winter Dessert. Yes, summer treats are great (and summer Crumbles like my Peach Crumble especially), but nothing beats a nice warm, spiced and delicious fragrant dessert in winter!
This Apple and Pear Crumble falls right in this category with tasty winter fruits, lots of spices and a crunchy crumble made with Oats and Nuts.
Apple Pear Crisp Ingredients
You may think that the list of ingredients is huge here but do not panic… It is because it is loaded with spices!
All the ingredients required to make this recipe are fairly basic; nothing a casual home baker shouldn’t already have in their pantry and fridge!
There are two separate elements to this recipe: the fruits and the crumble topping (see all quantities below)
Fruits Ingredients:
- Apples
- Pears
- Cornstarch
- Brown Sugar
- Lemon Juice
- Spices – I used Cinnamon, Star Anise and Ground Ginger but you can use any spices you like
Crumble Topping Ingredients
- Rolled Oats
- Plain Flour / All-Purpose Flour
- Brown Sugar
- Shredded Coconut (optional)
- Chopped Almonds (optional)
- Unsalted Butter
- Spices – I used the same Cinnamon, Star Anise and Ground Ginger but again, you can use any spices you like
How to make a Crumble
There are many ways to make a Crumble, but they are usually made with at least three basic ingredients: flour, sugar and butter.
The most classic crumble recipe simply requires to rub the butter with the flour and sugar until you get crumbs.
For this recipe, I used the same base but added a few more ingredients for taste and crunch: Rolled Oats, Almonds, Desiccated Coconut and Spices.
Whether you like a simple Crumble made with Butter and Flour like this Blueberry and Peach Crumble for Chef Not Required , a version with nuts and oats like here – or even a Gluten Free version with almond based crumble like this Peach an Plum Crumble from It’s not Complicated Recipe – crumble are just always delicious.
And if you love Oat Crumbles, make sure to also try my Fresh Apricot Crumble!
Crumble Topping with Oats
This version of a Crumble is made with the classic crumble ingredients, as well as Oats.
The Rolled Oats are a great way to add some texture (and earthy flavour) to any crumble topping – and so are the desiccated coconut and chopped almonds!
To make this Oat Crumble, simply:
- Place the Flour, Sugar, Rolled Oats and Spices (and the Coconut if you want) in a large bowl
- Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add them to the dry ingredients. Using your fingers, rub the butter into the dry ingredients until you get a thick sand/crumb texture.
- Optionally, add the chopped Almonds
What Pears and Apples to use?
For a crumble, you will want to choose Apples and Pears that will get nice and soft when cooked – no need for fruits that will hold their shape here! For a Crumble, I recommend using:
Apples:
- Golden Delicious
- Jazz
- Fuji
- Pink Lady
- Jonagold
Pears:
- Bartlett
- Bosc
- Anjou
Read more about how to pick the right apples for baking here!
What to serve with this Pear Crumble
For me, there is nothing required to serve this crumble – but that is my own personal taste. If you love to top your Crumbles with something else, there are many options for you:
- simple Vanilla Ice Cream
- Whipped Cream
- Mixed Berry Compote
- Raspberry Coulis
- Strawberry Coulis
- Chocolate Sauce (apples and pears with chocolate = heaven)
- Fresh Berries
- More Roasted Apples or Pears
How to store this Pear and Apple Crisp
This Pear and Apple Crumble is better served warm straight out of the oven, but it can be store for a couple of days in the fridge.
When ready to serve, simply place back in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes (or until the fruits are warm and the crumble is crunchy).
You can also re-heat individual portions in the microwave.
I do not recommend freezing Crumbles.
More Desserts with Pears Ideas:
- Fresh Pear Pie
- Red Wine Poached Pears
- Pear Crumble Cake
- Pear Tarte Tatin
- Double Chocolate Cake with Pears
Pear and Apple Crumble Recipe:
Pear and Apple Crumble
Ingredients
Fruits
- 3 Large Pears
- 2 Large Apples
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 2 teasp. Cornstarch
- 1 Lemon, Juiced
- 2 teasp. Ground Cinnamon
- 1 teasp. Ground Ginger
- 1/2 teasp. Star Anise Powder
Spiced Crumble
- 1 cup (100gr) Rolled Oats
- 1/3 cup (50gr) Plain Flour
- 2 tbsp (15gr) Shredded Coconut , optional
- 3 tbsp (35gr) Brown Sugar
- 1 1/2 teasp. Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 teasp. Ground Ginger
- 1/2 teasp. Star Anise Powder
- 1/3 cup (75gr) Unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup (75gr) Chopped Almonds
Instructions
- Preheat your oven on 180'C/350'F
Fruits
- Peal, core and slice the Pears and Apples into small cubes. Place them in a large bowl and add the Brown Sugar, Cornstarch, Lemon Juice and Spices. Mix well and set aside.
Spiced Crumble
- Place the Rolled Oats, Plain Flour, Shredded Coconut, Brown Sugar and Spices in a large bowl.
- Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add the to the dry ingredients. Use your fingers and palms to rub the butter in the dry ingredients to create small crumbs.
- Optional: chop the almonds and mix them in the rest of the crumble.
Putting the crumble together
- Place the Fruits and juices at the bottom of a large baking dish (see note 1). Completely cover the fruits with the crumbles then bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until the crumbs look golden brown. Eat warm.
Notes
- I used a large round Ceramic dish but your can use any type of baking dish you prefer – ceramic, glass or even metal. I do not recommend using springform pans for this recipe.
Winter it may be down under, but I’d be happy to eat this right now, here at the hight of summer. Pear cooks really nicely, but I rarely think to use it in desserts.
Pinned. #CookBlogShare
I’m with you, I would eat this any time of the year! Anything with pears is a win in my books 😉
I absolutely love apple crumble! Your addition of the pear sounds amazing! I must try!
Thanks Jess, love a good crumble too!
This recipe is our staple dessert! (Pardon the pun) – crumbles are always so comforting and warming, especially on a cold winter’s night.
Sooo comforting, isnt it!?
This is surely delicious and healthy. Awesome combination to making this amazing crumble.
Thanks Veena!
This was delicious!! Thank you for this great dessert idea!
So glad you liked it, Noelle 🙂
Pear AND apple? Yes!! This sounds fantastic. Who says these flavors have to be reserved for the cold months. Nopers. All year here!
Alright I’ll have to agree with you – it is definitely an all year round dessert favourite!
It is so sweet of you to bake me dessert…haha!! Just kidding lady. Another fabulous recipe from you, well done!!!! Loving everything you are doing .
Hehe wish I could mail some to you!
What a pretty dessert! I love crumble, the idea of pear and apple together sounds delicious! Can’t wait to try.
Thank you Andrea, it is such a yummy combo!
Warming and comforting dessert – this is the kind of sweet treat I love to enjoy snuggled up on the couch!
Such a comforting dessert to enjoy snuggled up on the couch 🙂
I love a crumble especially if it is heavily laced with cinnamon. Cinnamon and apple is in my top five favourite flavour combos of all time. I can’t get enough and this recipe looks absolutelyfantastic. Thank you so much for sharing it with #BakingCrumbs
Such a classic and delicious combo, isn’t it!? I dont think I ever bake with apples without cinnamon as well 🙂
Now that we are slowly heading towards the end of Summer here in the UK, I am really looking forward to delicious autumn/winter desserts just like your lovely crumble! Love the almonds in the topping ! Delicious! Thank you for sharing your recipe with #BakingCrumbs 🙂
Crumbles just scream autumn and winter, don’t they!?