Spiced Pear and Cranberry Crumble: A Warm, Festive Dessert

This Spiced Pear and Cranberry Crumble combines the natural sweetness of ripe pears with the tartness of fresh cranberries, all enhanced by a medley of warm spices. Topped with a buttery, golden oat crumble, this dessert is perfect for cozy fall evenings or holiday celebrations. Each bite offers a delightful mix of textures, from the soft, spiced fruit filling to the crisp, buttery topping.

With minimal preparation and big flavor, this crumble is an easy and elegant dessert that pairs beautifully with whipped cream, custard, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s a comforting classic with a seasonal twist that’s sure to become a favorite.

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Ingredients

For the Filling:

Ingredient	Quantity
Ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou)	5 large, peeled, cored, and sliced
Fresh or frozen cranberries	1 1/2 cups
Granulated sugar	1/4 cup
Brown sugar	1/4 cup
Lemon juice	1 tablespoon
Ground cinnamon	1 teaspoon
Ground nutmeg	1/4 teaspoon
Ground ginger	1/4 teaspoon
All-purpose flour	1 tablespoon

For the Crumble Topping:

Ingredient	Quantity
Rolled oats	1 cup
All-purpose flour	3/4 cup
Brown sugar	1/2 cup
Ground cinnamon	1/2 teaspoon
Salt	1/4 teaspoon
Cold unsalted butter	1/2 cup (1 stick), cubed

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Equipment Needed

• 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
• Pastry cutter or fork
• Wooden spoon or spatula

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced pears and cranberries.
3. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and flour to the fruit. Toss gently until the fruit is evenly coated with the sugar and spices.
4. Transfer the fruit mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until well combined.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or fork, work the butter into the mixture until it forms pea-sized crumbs. The mixture should look crumbly but hold together slightly when pressed.
3. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the fruit mixture in the baking dish.

Step 3: Bake the Crumble

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling around the edges.
2. Remove the crumble from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Serve

1. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of custard. The warm fruit and crisp topping pair beautifully with cool, creamy accompaniments.

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Tips and Variations

• Choosing Pears: Bartlett or Anjou pears work best for this recipe because they are sweet and soften well during baking. For added complexity, use a mix of pear varieties.
• Add Nuts: For a crunchy twist, add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure the oats are certified gluten-free.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom to the filling for extra warmth and flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

This Spiced Pear and Cranberry Crumble is a versatile dessert that can be dressed up or kept simple. For an elegant touch, garnish each serving with a sprig of fresh mint or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. If serving for the holidays, consider adding sugared cranberries on top for a festive presentation.

For a cozy evening treat, pair it with a warm beverage like spiced chai tea, hot cider, or mulled wine. The warm spices and tart cranberries complement these drinks beautifully, making this dessert perfect for chilly nights.

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Pairings

The tart cranberries and sweet pears in this crumble pair wonderfully with light, aromatic wines. A glass of Moscato d’Asti or a late-harvest Riesling offers a refreshing contrast to the dessert’s warmth. For something stronger, a hot toddy or a bourbon-based cocktail enhances the crumble’s spiced undertones.

For non-alcoholic options, hot cocoa or a cinnamon-spiced tea creates a comforting pairing that rounds out the dessert perfectly.

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Storage and Reheating

To store leftovers, cover the crumble tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes. Reheating in the oven will help restore the crispiness of the topping.

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Nutritional Information

Per Serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 3g
• Allergens: Contains dairy and gluten.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

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Conclusion

This Spiced Pear and Cranberry Crumble is the perfect dessert for fall and winter, blending the sweetness of pears with the tang of cranberries and the warmth of holiday spices. With its crisp topping and luscious fruit filling, this crumble is as easy to make as it is delicious. Try it for your next gathering or cozy evening at home, and watch it become a seasonal favorite!

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