Nothing feels more like fall than a warm fruit dessert fresh from the oven. This Pear And Cranberry Crumble brings together ripe pears, tart cranberries, fresh orange zest, and a buttery crumble topping for a comforting dessert that belongs on any autumn table.
The pears soften into a tender, juicy filling while the cranberries add a bright pop of tartness that keeps the dessert balanced. Finished with a golden crumble topping, this treat is perfect for holiday dinners, weekend baking, or enjoying with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a chilly evening.
Why This Fall Dessert Belongs on Your Table
- Seasonal Fruit Combination: Pears and cranberries create a beautiful balance of sweetness and tartness using classic fall ingredients.
- Perfect Holiday Dessert: This crumble fits naturally on Thanksgiving tables, Friendsgiving menus, and autumn gatherings.
- Simple Baking Process: No pie crust or complicated techniques are needed, making it approachable for home bakers.
- Great for Sharing: The large baking dish makes plenty of servings for family and guests.
- Warm Fall Flavors: Orange zest and cinnamon add a cozy seasonal touch to the fruit filling.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or simply on its own.
Ingredient Notes & Helpful Tips
- Pears: Choose ripe but firm pears so they soften during baking while still keeping some shape. Bosc or Anjou pears work especially well.
- Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide a bright tart flavor, but frozen cranberries are also a convenient option.
- Orange Zest: Adds a fresh citrus note that enhances the fruit flavors without making the dessert overly sweet.
- Tapioca Flour: Helps thicken the fruit juices as the crumble bakes. Cornstarch can be used as an alternative.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a deeper caramel-like sweetness to the topping and pairs well with the fruit.
- Butter: Melted salted butter helps create a rich, golden crumble topping with crisp edges.
Chef’s Tip: Let the crumble rest for about 15 minutes after baking. This gives the fruit filling time to thicken and makes serving easier.
Pear Cranberry Crumble Recipe
This Pear Cranberry Crumble is made with juicy pears, tart cranberries, and a buttery golden crumble topping. The fruit filling is lightly spiced with cinnamon and brightened with fresh orange zest, creating a fall dessert that is delicious served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- medium mixing bowl
- 9×13 inch baking dish
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh orange zest
- 3 tbsp tapioca flour, or ground instant tapioca or cornstarch
- 3 lbs ripe pears, peeled and diced
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- 3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped in half or lightly pulsed in food processor or blender
- ¼ cup orange juice, can use fresh juice from orange, apple juice or cranberry juice
Topping
- Pinch of salt
- ⅓ cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 14 tbsp salted butter, melted
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the pears, cranberries, sugar, tapioca flour (or cornstarch), orange zest, cinnamon, and juice.
- Stir until evenly combined, then spread the fruit mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for the crumble topping.
- Add the melted butter and stir until small clumps form.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the fruit mixture.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the fruit is bubbly and the topping turns golden brown.
- Allow the crumble to rest for 15 minutes before serving, so the filling can thicken.
- Enjoy warm with vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- For a crunchier topping, add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the crumble mixture.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 385 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 58 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 34 g |
| Sodium | 190 mg |
Baking Tips for Better Results
- Use Firm Fruit: Pears that are too soft can break down too much while baking.
- Spread the Topping Evenly: This helps the crumble brown consistently across the surface.
- Avoid Overmixing: Stir the topping only until crumbs form to keep its texture.
- Use a Baking Dish With Space: A 9×13-inch dish allows the filling and topping to bake evenly.
- Check the Center: The fruit should be bubbling before removing the crumble from the oven.
Creative Ways to Use Leftovers
- Breakfast Topping: Spoon leftovers over yogurt with chopped nuts.
- Ice Cream Dessert: Warm a portion and serve it over vanilla ice cream.
- Oatmeal Mix-In: Add pieces to oatmeal for a fruit-filled breakfast.
- Pancake Topping: Use small portions over pancakes or waffles.
- Dessert Cups: Layer crumble with whipped cream in small glasses.
Perfect Pairings With Pear And Cranberry Crumble!
Storage Guide
| Method | Time | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator Storage | Up to 5 days | Keep covered in an airtight container or baking dish. |
| Freezer Storage | Up to 3 months | Freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers. |
| Reheating | As needed | Warm individual servings until heated through. |
| Room Temperature | Up to 2 days | Cover tightly if keeping briefly before serving. |
| Freshness Tip | Before Serving | Add toppings like ice cream or whipped cream after warming. |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use pears with the skin left on?
Yes. The skins are edible, but peeling creates a softer filling texture. - Can I use another fruit with cranberries?
Yes. Apples can be combined with pears or used as a replacement. - Why does my fruit filling look watery?
The crumble needs resting time after baking so the juices can thicken. - Can I make the crumble topping ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the topping and store it separately in the refrigerator until needed. - What causes a soggy crumble topping?
Too much moisture from the fruit or underbaking can prevent the topping from becoming crisp. - Can I reduce the sweetness of this recipe?
Yes. The sugar can be slightly adjusted based on the sweetness of your pears. - Can I bake this in a smaller dish?
Yes, but the baking time may need adjustment depending on the depth of the dish. - How do I know when the crumble is done?
The topping should be golden and the fruit filling should bubble around the edges.
hi there,
i’m Archie
A San Diego-born home cook who turns her kitchen into a playground of flavors.
