The Perfect Mary Berry Pear Crumble Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Mary Berry’s pear crumble represents comfort food at its finest, offering a delightful blend of warm spices and sweet fruit.

Golden-brown crumble topping promises a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with tender, caramelized pears.

Seasonal ingredients transform simple produce into an irresistible dessert that feels both rustic and elegant.

Home bakers love how quickly this classic recipe comes together with minimal preparation.

Fragrant cinnamon and buttery layers create a harmonious balance of flavors that instantly warms the soul.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect combination of softness and texture that feels like a gentle culinary hug.

Baking this dessert fills the kitchen with an inviting aroma that draws everyone to the table: prepare to be amazed.

What Makes Mary Berry’s Pear Crumble So Comforting

• Savor Seasonal Sweetness: This pear crumble captures the essence of autumn's most delightful fruit, transforming simple pears into a warm, comforting dessert that celebrates seasonal produce.
• Master Easy Baking Magic: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create a stunning dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a professional kitchen, boosting confidence in the cooking process.
• Enjoy Irresistible Texture Contrast: The recipe delivers a perfect balance between the soft, tender pear filling and the crispy, golden crumble topping, creating a delightful sensory experience with every single bite.
• Quick Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: In just under two hours, you'll have a dessert that serves multiple people, making it ideal for family gatherings, weekend treats, or impromptu dinner parties with minimal preparation effort.

What You’ll Need for This Warm Dessert

• Pears: Sweet, ripe pears are the star of this dessert, providing natural sweetness and soft texture.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus that prevents pears from browning and adds a subtle tang.
• Granulated Sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the pears.
• Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements the pear's flavor profile.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the base structure for the crumbly topping.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps bind the crumble ingredients together.
• Light Brown Sugar: Provides caramel-like sweetness and helps create a golden-brown crust.
• Rolled Oats: Optional ingredient that adds texture and nutty flavor to the crumble topping.

• Baking Dish: Ceramic or glass dish for even baking and serving.

How to Make Mary’s Signature Pear Crumble

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get ready for baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Pear Filling

• Lemon juice
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Transfer the fragrant mixture to a lightly greased 9-inch baking dish.

Step 3: Create the Crumble Topping

• Light brown sugar
• Rolled oats (optional)

Mix the ingredients until they’re well combined and crumbly.

Step 4: Assemble the Crumble

Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the pear filling, making sure to cover the entire surface.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Look for a golden-brown topping and bubbling fruit around the edges, which signals the crumble is perfectly cooked.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the crumble cool for 10-15 minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch.

Tips for That Golden, Crunchy Crumb

• Sprinkle Spice Magic: Ground ginger or nutmeg transforms the pear filling from ordinary to extraordinary, adding warmth and depth to every bite.
• Crunch Up Your Topping: Fold chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans into the crumble mixture for a delightful textural surprise that elevates the entire dessert.
• Melt with Creamy Companions: Vanilla ice cream, silky whipped cream, or velvety custard turns this humble crumble into a decadent dessert experience.
• Timing Is Everything: Let the crumble rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to allow the filling to set and flavors to meld perfectly.
• Seasonal Swap Secret: Experiment with different seasonal fruits like apples or plums when pears aren't at their peak, keeping the crumble technique consistent.

How to Store Pear Crumble the Right Way

• Airtight Container Method: Maximize freshness by sealing leftover crumble in a sturdy, leak-proof container with a snug lid. Protect the delicate dessert from absorbing other refrigerator odors and prevent moisture from compromising its crispy topping.
• Freezer Preservation Method: Shield your pear crumble from freezer burn by first wrapping it securely in plastic wrap, then adding a protective layer of aluminum foil. Label the package with the date to track storage time and ensure optimal quality.
• Portioning Method: Divide the crumble into individual serving sizes before storing. This smart technique allows you to thaw and enjoy smaller portions without compromising the entire dessert, reducing waste and maintaining maximum flavor and texture.

Additions to Make This Crumble Your Own

• Nutty Harvest Crunch: Replace rolled oats with chopped almonds and pecans for a rich, textural upgrade that adds depth and crunch to the classic pear crumble.
• Ginger Spice Warmer: Incorporate freshly grated ginger and a pinch of ground nutmeg into the pear mixture to create a warming, aromatic dessert with subtle heat and complexity.
• Caramel Apple Fusion: Swap pears for sliced apples and drizzle caramel sauce between the fruit layer and crumble topping, creating a decadent and indulgent version of the traditional recipe.
• Maple Walnut Special: Use maple syrup instead of granulated sugar in the fruit mixture and fold chopped walnuts into the crumble topping for a quintessential autumn-inspired dessert with robust, earthy flavors.

What We Thought of This Fruity Treat

Mary Berry’s pear crumble brings British comfort straight to your kitchen, offering a delightful symphony of sweet, caramelized pears nestled beneath a crisp, buttery topping.

Seasonal pears mingle with warm cinnamon, creating an irresistible autumn dessert that whispers memories of countryside kitchens.

Humble ingredients transform into an elegant treat that celebrates simplicity and flavor.

Classic techniques shine through this traditional recipe, connecting generations through shared culinary experiences.

Crumbly, golden-brown topping promises a satisfying contrast against tender fruit beneath.

You’ll want to savor each spoonful, share this recipe with friends, click that like button, and spread the delicious joy of home baking!

Mary Berry Pear Crumble Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mary Berry’s classic pear crumble delivers pure British comfort on a plate. Warm spices and tender pears nestle beneath a golden, buttery oat topping that melts in your palate, inviting sweet nostalgia with each delightful spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits:

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) pears, cored, peeled (optional), and sliced

Dry Ingredients:

• 175 g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
• 75 g (⅓ cup) light brown sugar
• 50 g (¼ cup) rolled oats (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Additional Ingredients:

• 100 g (½ cup) unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even baking.
2. Slice pears into uniform pieces, then immediately toss with freshly squeezed lemon juice to prevent browning, creating a vibrant coating that adds a subtle tangy brightness.
3. Combine the pear slices with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, gently mixing to distribute the sweet and aromatic seasonings evenly throughout the fruit.
4. Carefully transfer the seasoned pear mixture into a lightly greased 9-inch (23-centimeter) baking dish, arranging the slices in a smooth, even layer.
5. Create the crumble topping by combining flour and cold unsalted butter, using fingertips to massage the ingredients until they resemble coarse, sandy texture with small pebble-like clusters.
6. Incorporate light brown sugar and rolled oats into the flour-butter mixture, continuing to blend until the topping develops a rustic, crumbly consistency.
7. Generously sprinkle the prepared crumble topping across the pear filling, ensuring complete and uniform coverage for a delightful textural contrast.
8. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping and bubbling fruit edges that indicate the dessert is perfectly cooked.

Notes

• Select super ripe pears that feel soft when gently pressed, ensuring maximum sweetness and tender texture.
• Generously coat pear slices with fresh lemon juice to prevent unsightly browning and introduce a bright, zesty note.
• Mix room temperature butter into the crumble topping for smoother blending and more consistent crumbly texture.
• Sprinkle light brown sugar throughout the mixture to create deeper caramel undertones than standard white sugar.
• Optionally incorporate rolled oats into the topping for delightful nutty crunch and additional rustic charm.
• Consider serving immediately with vanilla ice cream while the crumble remains warm and wonderfully aromatic.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg