Brown Butter Pear Crumble

There’s something utterly magical about the warm, nutty aroma of browned butter combined with the sweet, tender juiciness of ripe pears. Enter the Brown Butter Pear Crumble—a comforting dessert that’s equal parts rustic and refined. It’s the kind of treat that fills your kitchen with the scent of autumn, begs for a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, and makes every bite feel like a cozy hug. Whether you’re baking for a family dinner, a casual weekend treat, or just because you deserve a little something special, this recipe will quickly become a staple. Let’s dive into what makes this crumble so irresistible and how to bring it to life effortlessly.

The Upside of Brown Butter Pear Crumble

What sets this crumble apart from your usual fruit desserts? The secret lies in that rich, golden brown butter. Browning butter enhances its flavor, giving it deep caramel notes and a subtle nuttiness that perfectly complements the sweet pears. Combined with a crumble topping that’s both crisp and chewy thanks to a blend of oats and flour, this dessert strikes an ideal balance of textures.

Using ripe pears means bursting juicy sweetness, but the addition of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg elevates the dish, adding complexity and warmth. It’s a dessert that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to prepare. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a delightful finish to a dinner party or a comforting solo snack paired with tea.

Ingredient Rundown

• 4 ripe pears, peeled and sliced – Choose pears that are soft to the touch but not mushy. Bartlett or Bosc varieties work beautifully for their natural sweetness and texture.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour – The base of your crumble topping, providing structure and a slight chew.
• 1 cup rolled oats – Adds hearty texture and rustic charm to the topping.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar – For sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor that pairs perfectly with the brown butter.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter – Essential for browning and creating that rich, nutty flavor. Unsalted is preferred to control the salt level in the recipe.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a lovely aromatic layer that enhances the pears and topping.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon – A warm spice that’s a classic pairing with pears.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg – Adds subtle earthy warmth, rounding out the spice profile.

Equipment at a Glance

• Medium saucepan – For browning the butter carefully.
• Mixing bowls – One for the pears and one for the crumble topping.
• 9×9-inch baking dish – Perfect size for this recipe; you can also use an 8×8 but the crumble may be thicker.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – For mixing the ingredients without overworking the butter.
• Peeler and knife – To prep your pears.

From Start to Finish: Brown Butter Pear Crumble

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Begin by melting the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Keep a close eye on it, stirring frequently. The butter will foam, then start to turn golden brown and smell nutty. Once it reaches a deep amber color with brown flecks, remove it from heat immediately to prevent burning. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Pears

While the butter cools, peel and slice your ripe pears. Place them in a mixing bowl and gently toss with the vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. This will infuse the fruit with spice and aroma, making every bite flavorful.

Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping

In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, and brown sugar. Pour in the slightly cooled browned butter and mix with a wooden spoon or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should coat all the dry ingredients, binding them just enough without forming a dough.

Step 4: Assemble the Crumble

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the spiced pears evenly in the bottom of your baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the pears, ensuring the fruit is fully covered.

Step 5: Bake until Golden

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp, and the pears are bubbly and soft underneath. The kitchen will fill with a delightful aroma that’s hard to resist.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the crumble to cool slightly before serving. It’s fantastic on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a fun twist, try serving alongside a slice of Blueberry Pie for a fruit-forward dessert spread.

Flavor-Forward Alternatives

• Swap pears for apples or a combo of apples and pears for a slightly tart variation.
• Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra crunch.
• Sprinkle dried cranberries or currants over the pears before topping for bursts of tartness.
• For a summery spin, try peach slices and serve alongside Cinnamon Sugar Peach Hand Pies Air Fryer for a fruity dessert duo.
• Incorporate a splash of bourbon or brandy into the pear mixture to deepen the flavor profile.

Errors to Dodge

• Overcooking the brown butter: Butter can quickly go from browned to burnt. Watch it carefully and remove it from heat as soon as you see golden flecks and smell that nutty aroma.
• Using underripe pears: They won’t soften properly and can taste too tart, ruining the dessert’s balance.
• Skipping the spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are what make this crumble warm and inviting. Don’t leave them out!
• Overmixing the crumble topping: Stir gently to maintain that crumbly texture rather than a dough-like consistency.

Storage & Reheat Guide

Once cooled, cover your Brown Butter Pear Crumble tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or heat the whole dish at 325°F (160°C) for about 15 minutes until warmed through and crisp on top. Leftovers also freeze beautifully—wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ask the Chef

Can I use frozen pears for this crumble?

Frozen pears can work in a pinch, but they tend to release more water when thawed, which might make the crumble a bit soggy. If you do use frozen, drain excess liquid before assembling and consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to the pears to help thicken the juices.

What’s the best way to peel and slice pears evenly?

Use a sharp vegetable peeler to remove the skin smoothly. Slice the pears in half, remove the core with a small spoon or melon baller, then slice each half into even wedges or thin slices for uniform cooking.

Can I make this crumble gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure your rolled oats are certified gluten-free. This swap will maintain the texture and flavor beautifully.

Is it okay to use salted butter?

It’s best to use unsalted butter for browning so you can control the salt level precisely. If salted butter is all you have, reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-seasoning.

Similar Recipes

• Blueberry Pie – A classic berry-filled dessert with a flaky crust.
• Cinnamon Sugar Peach Hand Pies Air Fryer – Perfect handheld fruit pies with a cinnamon sugar kick.
• Butterscotch Zucchini Blondies Browned Butter – A unique twist on blondies with the richness of browned butter.

Save & Share

If you love this Brown Butter Pear Crumble, don’t forget to bookmark this page for easy access next time you’re craving a warm, spiced dessert. Share it with friends or family—because good food is meant to be enjoyed together! You can also tag your photos on social media or send the recipe link to fellow dessert lovers. Happy baking!

This Brown Butter Pear Crumble is the perfect blend of sweet, spiced, and nutty flavors that come together in a delightfully crumbly texture. Its simplicity and warmth make it an all-time favorite for any occasion. Ready to bake? Your kitchen is calling!

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