Rustic Oat-Topped Apple & Pear Crumble Recipe That Warms Hearts

Baking a delightful oat-topped apple & pear crumble brings comfort straight to your kitchen table.

Sweet autumn fruits nestle beneath a golden, crispy blanket of hearty oats.

Cinnamon whispers warmth through each delectable bite, promising pure satisfaction.

Seasonal pears and apples create a perfect harmony of soft textures and rich flavors.

Minimal ingredients blend effortlessly, making this dessert accessible for novice and experienced bakers alike.

simple techniques transform ordinary fruits into an extraordinary treat that feels like a warm hug.

Serve this crumble and watch faces light up with pure joy.

Storing and Reheating Fruit Crumble

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping the crumble's texture and flavor intact.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for 2-3 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil to prevent burning, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Heat individual portions for 30-45 seconds, checking midway to ensure even warming and maintain crispy topping texture.

Serving Suggestions for Apple & Pear Crumble

• Sip Smooth Caramel Chai: Warm chai tea with caramel notes perfectly complements the sweet and spicy undertones of the crumble, creating a harmonious flavor experience that enhances the dessert's warmth.
• Serve Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream provides a delightful temperature contrast, melting gently over the warm crumble and adding rich, smooth texture to each bite.
• Match with Aged Calvados: A French apple brandy brings sophisticated depth, its complex apple and oak notes beautifully echoing the fruit in the dessert while adding a subtle alcoholic warmth.
• Select Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Lightly spiced whipped cream with a hint of cinnamon amplifies the dessert's existing flavors, adding an extra layer of creamy indulgence that ties the dish together perfectly.

Flavor Twists on Fruit Crumbles

• Gluten-Free Oat Crumble: Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Use certified gluten-free oats to ensure complete dietary compliance.
• Vegan Apple Pear Crisp: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for extra protein and crunch.
• Low-Sugar Fruit Bake: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use tart apples like Granny Smith to reduce overall sweetness while maintaining flavor intensity.
• Spiced Autumn Variation: Incorporate ground cardamom and ginger alongside cinnamon. Add dried cranberries or raisins to enhance the seasonal warmth and complexity of the dessert.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of apples and pears?

Yes, you can mix and match varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Bosc, or Bartlett pears. Choose firm fruits that hold their shape during baking for the best texture.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains flour. To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.

• How do I know when the crumble is perfectly baked?

Look for a golden-brown topping and bubbling fruit filling around the edges. When the fruit is tender and the topping is crisp, your crumble is ready.

• Can I prepare this dessert in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the crumble a few hours before baking and refrigerate. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if you’re putting it in the oven straight from the refrigerator.

Oat-Topped Apple & Pear Crumble: Comfort in a Dish

• Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual dinner parties, this dessert appeals to all ages with its warm, nostalgic flavors and simple ingredients.
• Customize the recipe by using whatever fruits are fresh and available, making it a flexible dessert that celebrates seasonal produce and reduces food waste.
• Requires only basic mixing and minimal prep work, allowing you to create a homemade dessert without spending hours in the kitchen or dealing with complex baking methods.

What You Need for Apple & Pear Crumble

• Apples: Crisp and sweet base for the fruity filling.
• Pears: Soft and juicy complement to the apples, adding depth to the dessert.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that add rich, aromatic depth to the fruit mixture.
• Lemon Juice: Bright acid that prevents fruit browning and balances sweetness.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the dessert's sweetness.

• Rolled Oats: Provides a hearty, crunchy texture to the crumble topping.
• Flour: Helps bind the topping and create a crumbly consistency.
• Brown Sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness and helps create a golden-brown topping.

• Butter: Creates richness and helps achieve a crisp, golden topping.
• Sugar: Sweetens the fruit filling and helps create a syrupy texture.
• Vanilla Ice Cream, Whipped Cream: Optional serving suggestions for added indulgence.

How to Layer Your Crumble to Perfection

Step 1: Prep the Fruity Base

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350F (175C).

Grab a big mixing bowl and toss in your chopped apples and pears.

• Sugar
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Lemon juice

Mix everything so each fruit piece gets a delicious coating.

Pour this yummy mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Create the Crunchy Oat Topping

• Rolled oats
• Flour
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Salt

Toss in cubed butter and use your fingers to massage it into the dry ingredients.

Keep working until the mixture looks like rough, crumbly pebbles.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Crumble

Shower the oat topping evenly over the fruit base, making sure every inch gets covered.

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the fruit filling starts bubbling with excitement.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Let the crumble rest for 10 minutes to cool down.

Serve it warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a fluffy dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Tips for Golden, Crunchy Oat Topping

• Choose crisp, sweet apples and pears at peak ripeness for maximum flavor and natural sweetness, avoiding overripe or bruised produce.
• Modify sugar quantities based on fruit's natural sweetness – taste fruit beforehand and reduce added sugar if fruits are already very sweet.
• Work cold butter into dry ingredients using fingertips or pastry cutter, ensuring butter remains chilled for a perfectly crumbly, light topping.
• Spread fruit mixture evenly in baking dish and avoid overmixing to maintain fruit's structural integrity and prevent excess liquid accumulation.
• Experiment with spice combinations like adding ground ginger or a pinch of cardamom to complement cinnamon, creating a more nuanced dessert profile.

Simple Oat-Topped Apple & Pear Crumble Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Wholesome Simple Oat-Topped Apple & Pear Crumble brings together sweet seasonal fruits beneath a golden, crumbly oat layer. Warm spices and buttery notes create a comforting dessert that wraps you in pure autumn satisfaction.

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Ingredients

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Fruits:

• 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 2 large pears, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup (90 grams) rolled oats
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup (70 grams) brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 grams) salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (57 grams) cold unsalted butter, cubed

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C), creating an ideal environment for baking the fruit dessert.
2. Slice apples and pears into uniform chunks, ensuring even cooking and balanced texture.
3. Combine fruit pieces in a mixing bowl, thoroughly coating with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and tangy lemon juice to enhance natural sweetness.
4. Transfer seasoned fruit mixture into a greased 9-inch baking dish, spreading evenly to create a consistent base.
5. In a separate bowl, blend rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt to form the crumbly topping.
6. Cut cold butter into small cubes and integrate into the dry ingredients using fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse, uneven crumbs.
7. Generously distribute the oat topping across the fruit layer, ensuring complete coverage for a crisp, golden finish.
8. Place the assembled crumble in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the topping turns golden brown and fruit filling becomes bubbly and tender.
9. Remove from oven and allow the dessert to rest for 10 minutes, helping the filling set and cool slightly.
10. Serve warm, optionally accompanying with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Notes

• Choose ripe, firm apples and pears for the best texture and natural sweetness, avoiding overly soft or bruised fruits.
• Experiment with different apple varieties like Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness to customize flavor profiles.
• Cut fruits into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the crumble.
• Adjust sugar levels based on fruit ripeness and personal preference, using less sugar for sweeter fruits or more for tart varieties.
• Replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version that maintains a rich, crispy topping texture.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to the oat topping for extra protein and crunch.
• Make the dessert gluten-free by substituting regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free oat flour.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 15mg