Hey there, friend! I’ve got something truly cozy for you today: Baked Pears with Walnut Oat Crumble. Imagine the warm, sweet aroma of ripe pears baking to perfection, topped with a crunchy, nutty crumble that has just the right touch of sweetness. Trust me, you’re going to love this one—it’s like a hug in dessert form. Whether you’re looking for a comforting snack, a simple weeknight treat, or a showstopper for a gathering, these baked pears will definitely steal the spotlight.
Why You’ll Love Baked Pears with Walnut Oat Crumble
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re enjoying a peaceful evening at home or impressing your guests at a holiday gathering, this dessert is here to make things extra special. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile
Perfect for cozy nights in or as a gorgeous dessert at your next dinner party. Picture yourself coming home after a busy day and popping these into the oven—easy, comforting, and delicious.
Budget-Friendly
No need for fancy or hard-to-find ingredients! With just a few pantry staples, you’ll create something that feels indulgent and special without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy
Simple steps that even beginners can follow. This isn’t a fussy dessert—it’s straightforward, fun to make, and utterly satisfying. Plus, the results are impressive!
Customizable
Feel free to play with the flavors. You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a drizzle of honey before baking. It’s your dessert—make it your own!
Crowd-Pleasing
Kids, adults, everyone will adore this one. Sweet, warm pears combined with a crunchy, buttery topping? It’s a winner every time.
Ingredients
Let’s break down what you need to create this simple, yet impressive dessert:
Pears: The main attraction! Fresh, ripe pears are the perfect base for this dessert. They get tender and sweet as they bake, creating the most mouthwatering aroma.
Walnuts: These add that perfect crunch to your topping. Roasted and toasted in the oven, they bring a rich, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the pears.
Oats: These are the backbone of your crumble topping. They add texture and heartiness, making this dessert feel like a little indulgence and a wholesome treat all at once.
Butter: The secret ingredient that makes everything come together beautifully. It makes the topping golden, crispy, and irresistible.
Brown Sugar: For that lovely caramel sweetness that pairs so well with the pears and nuts. It gives the crumble its perfect balance of rich sweetness.
Cinnamon: Just a pinch for that warm, comforting flavor that fills your kitchen while it bakes.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla is all you need to make the flavors come alive. It rounds everything out and adds a warm, inviting aroma.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to get baking? Let’s dive into the steps that’ll have you enjoying this delicious dessert in no time!
Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect temperature for getting the pears tender while giving the crumble a nice golden crisp.
Prepare the Pears
Cut your pears in half and remove the cores. Arrange them in a baking dish, cut side up. If you want, you can drizzle a little lemon juice over them to keep them fresh as they bake.
Make the Crumble Topping
In a medium bowl, combine your oats, chopped walnuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cut the butter into small pieces and add it to the mixture. Use your fingers (or a pastry cutter) to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is all about creating that buttery, crumble texture.
Assemble the Dish
Spoon the crumble mixture evenly over each pear half, pressing it down slightly so it sticks. You want that topping to get nice and crispy while the pears soften up.
Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. The pears should be fork-tender, and the crumble should be golden and bubbling. Don’t worry if it gets a little crispy on top—that’s the good stuff!
Finishing Touches
Once the pears are done baking, let them cool for a few minutes. Trust me, the aroma will have you salivating, but a brief cooling period will make them even more irresistible.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve these warm, either on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Maybe a drizzle of caramel sauce? Oh yeah, that would be perfection.
How to Serve Baked Pears with Walnut Oat Crumble
These pears are pretty fabulous on their own, but here are a few ways to take them to the next level:
A Scoop of Ice Cream
Serve them with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream against the warm, sweet pears and crunchy topping is simply heavenly.
Whipped Cream
A dollop of fresh whipped cream is always a good idea. It adds a light, fluffy contrast to the richness of the crumble.
A Drizzle of Honey
For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a little honey over the pears before serving. It’s an easy addition that elevates the flavor!
A Dusting of Cinnamon
If you love cinnamon, a light dusting over the top of the pears after baking gives it that extra spice and warmth.
Additional Tips
Here are a few tips to make this recipe even better:
Prep Ahead
You can prepare the crumble topping ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, just assemble and bake—it makes the whole process even easier!
Make It Your Own
Feel free to add a handful of dried cranberries or raisins to the crumble for a pop of color and sweetness.
Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare, I know), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the oven.
Freeze It
These pears freeze beautifully! Just assemble the pears and crumble topping, freeze them, and then bake directly from frozen—such a great make-ahead dessert option.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute walnuts with another nut?
A1: Absolutely! If walnuts aren’t your thing, try pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts. Each one will bring its own unique flavor to the dish.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prep the pears and topping in advance. Store the pears in the fridge, and top them with the crumble just before baking.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven to keep that crispy crumble.
Q4: Can I freeze this dessert?
A4: Yes! Assemble the pears and crumble topping, freeze, and bake from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy.
Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Of course! Just make sure to use a larger dish to fit the extra pears and topping, and adjust the baking time if needed.
Q6: Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
A6: You can easily make this vegan by swapping the butter for plant-based butter and skipping the ice cream or using a dairy-free alternative.
I hope you love these Baked Pears with Walnut Oat Crumble as much as I do! They’re warm, comforting, and the perfect way to end a meal. Let me know how they turn out!
PrintThe Recipe: Baked Pears with Walnut Oat Crumble
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Pears with Walnut Oat Crumble are a delicious, healthy dessert featuring tender baked pears topped with a crunchy, nutty crumble. The perfect combination of sweetness and texture, this recipe is great for a cozy fall treat or a light dessert.
Ingredients
- For the Pears:
- 4 ripe pears (Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou are ideal)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- For the Walnut Oat Crumble:
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for a gluten-free version)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the pears:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the pears in half and remove the cores with a melon baller or spoon. Place the pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish. Drizzle with maple syrup or honey, and sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg (if using). - Make the walnut oat crumble:
In a medium bowl, combine the oats, chopped walnuts, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to combine. Add the butter (or coconut oil) and vanilla extract, then use your fingers or a fork to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. - Top the pears:
Spoon the crumble mixture generously over each pear half, pressing it down slightly to pack it in. - Bake the pears:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the crumble is golden brown. - Serve:
Remove the pears from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, optionally topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Vegan option: Use coconut oil in place of butter for a dairy-free and vegan version.
- Gluten-free option: Use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend in the crumble topping.
- Sweetener options: Adjust the sweetness to your taste by using maple syrup, honey, or another preferred sweetener.
- Topping ideas: Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce, a scoop of ice cream, or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pear half with topping
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg