If youāre looking for a delicious and easy dessert to make this autumn, you canāt go wrong with Mary Berryās pear crumble. This recipe is one of my favorites, as it combines juicy pears with a buttery, crunchy topping that has a hint of hazelnuts. Itās perfect for serving with custard or ice cream, and it will make your house smell amazing.
Pear Crumble is a classic British pudding that dates back to the 19th century. It is similar to apple Crumble but uses pears instead of apples. Pears are a great fruit for baking, as they have a delicate flavor and a soft texture when cooked. They also pair well with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, which add warmth and aroma to the dish.
In this article, I will show you how to make Mary Berryās pear crumble step by step, using simple ingredients and techniques.
What is Mary Berry Pear Crumble?
Mary Berry Pear Crumble is a delicious dessert that consists of sliced pears cooked with sugar and lemon juice, topped with a crumbly mixture of flour, butter, sugar, almonds, and juniper berries. It is baked in the oven until the topping is golden and crisp and the pears are soft and juicy. It is a classic British pudding that is easy to make and perfect for autumn.
Other Crumble Recipes
Why You Love this Recipe
Thereās a certain magic about Mary Berryās pear crumble, and hereās why it has a special place in my heart:
- Simplicity: This recipe is straightforward, ensuring anyone, regardless of their culinary expertise, can follow along and achieve a delightful result.
- Comforting Essence: Every bite brings forth a wave of nostalgia and comfort, making it the perfect dish to warm your soul.
- Seasonal Ingredients: Harnessing the power of fresh, seasonal ingredients ensures maximum flavor. Plus, these ingredients are not just accessible, but also budget-friendly.
- Balanced Flavor Palette: The crumble masterfully balances diverse textures and flavors. The tartness of the pears complements the rich, buttery crunch of the topping, creating a symphony in your mouth.
- Versatility: One of the joys of this recipe is its adaptability. Whether itās tweaking the ingredients to your liking or choosing various side accompaniments, it leaves room for creativity.
Mary Berry Pear Crumble Ingredients
You will need:
- 6 ripe pears
- 120 g of soft brown sugar
- 1/2 lemon
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 100 g of plain flour
- 50 g of blanched almonds
- 75 g of sugar
- 75 g of unsalted butter
- 3 juniper berries
Useful Equipment
You will need the following equipment:
- Large Mixing Bowl: For preparing the crumble topping.
- Peeler and Knife: For peeling and slicing the pears.
- 8-inch Square Baking Dish: Perfect size for a crisp topping and evenly cooked fruit.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
Instruction to Make Mary Berry Pear Crumble
Step 1: Preparing the Pear Filling
- Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 190Ā°C (375Ā°F) to ensure readiness for baking.
- Peel and Slice the Pears: Peel 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) of pears and slice them into even pieces, discarding cores.
- Toss Pears with Flavorings: Combine pear slices with 1 tbsp lemon juice, 100g (Ā½ cup) granulated sugar, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon in a bowl.
- Layer in Baking Dish: Transfer the pear mixture to an 8-inch square baking dish, and evenly spread.
Step 2: Making the Crumble Topping
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Stir together 225g (8 oz) all-purpose flour, 75g (ā cup) brown sugar, and 50g (Ā½ cup) rolled oats in a bowl.
- Work in the Butter: Rub 125g (4.4 oz) cubed unsalted butter into the dry mix until it resembles breadcrumbs.
- Assemble the Crumble: Evenly cover the pear filling with the crumble mixture.
Step 3: Baking the Crumble
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling.
- Cool Before Serving: Let the crumble cool slightly before serving to allow flavors to meld.
How Do I Serve Mary Berry Pear Crumble?
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Adds a creamy, cool contrast to the warm crumble.
- Custard: A classic British accompaniment, custard makes the dessert even more comforting.
- Whipped Cream: Offers a light, airy topping that pairs beautifully with the spiced fruit.
- Fresh Berries: For a touch of freshness and color, serve with a handful of fresh berries.
Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Pear Crumble
Here are some pro tips to make the perfect Mary Berry Pear Crumble:
- The Right Pear: Go for ripe, juicy pears that strike the balance between firmness and softness. While most varieties work, Bartlett or Anjou pears shine brightest in flavor and texture.
- Slicing Precision: Thinly slice your pears. This not only ensures uniform cooking but also wards off a mushy texture.
- Flavor Preservation: A quick toss of your pears in sugar and lemon juice does dual duty ā it keeps browning at bay and accentuates the fruitās natural flavors.
- Almonds, Elevated: Opt for blanched almonds in the topping; their subtle taste and smooth texture make a difference. For an extra depth of flavor, toast them lightly.
- Butter Matters: Unsalted butter grants you control over the dishās saltiness. For an even flakier topping, cold butter is your ally.
- The Juniper Touch: Juniper berries infuse a refreshing, spicy undertone to your crumble. Canāt find them? Ground ginger or cardamom are worthy substitutes.
- Airy Topping: Resist the urge to firmly press the topping; keeping it light ensures the desired crunch.
- The Baking Finale: Your crumbleās perfection lies in baking until you achieve that golden crust, with the pears bubbling softly beneath.
Variations of Mary Berry Pear Crumble
While the classic Mary Berry Pear Crumble is timeless, a dash of creativity can lead to delightful variations:
- Fruit Fusion: Introduce chopped apples or cranberries. Their inclusion not only elevates the fruity dimension but adds vibrant hues.
- Texture Play: Incorporate oats or coconut flakes in the topping, boosting both fiber content and layered textures.
- Decadent Dives: Chocolate chips or a drizzle of caramel sauce can transport your crumble into a realm of indulgence.
- Nutty Nuances: Walnuts or pecans, when chopped and sprinkled, introduce a contrasting crunch and nutty richness.
- Herb Harmony: A sprinkle of rosemary or thyme can seamlessly blend with the dessert, lending a unique aromatic twist.
How do I store Mary Berry Pear Crumble Leftovers?
Hereās how to store it:
- Short-Term Storage: Place the remaining crumble in an airtight container and slide it into the refrigerator. Itāll remain fresh and delightful for up to 3 days.
- For Future Indulgences: If youāre thinking long-term, opt for freezer-safe containers or bags. Your crumble will patiently wait for your cravings for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat Mary Berry Pear Crumble Leftovers?
Hereās how to reheat it to perfection:
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 180Ā°C (350Ā°F). Once ready, slide in the crumble and let it bake for 15-20 minutes. The outcome? A warmed-through, aromatic delight.
- Microwave Magic: In a time crunch? Transfer the crumble to a microwave-safe dish and heat it for 2-3 minutes. A quick stir in between can ensure even warmth.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about pear crumble Mary Berry:
I hope you enjoyed this article and learned how to make Mary Berryās pear crumble recipe step by step. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Iād love to hear from you!
Thank you for reading and happy baking!