Mary Berry’s Rhubarb and Pear Crumble is a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of pears, all topped with a buttery, crumbly topping. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or as a comforting treat on a chilly evening.
This recipe serves 6-8 people and can be prepared in approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
In this article, I will show you how to make Mary Berry’s Rhubarb and Pear Crumble step by step, with tips and tricks along the way.
What is Mary Berry Rhubarb and Pear Crumble?
Mary Berry Rhubarb and Pear Crumble is a classic British dessert featuring tender rhubarb and pear slices beneath a golden, crunchy crumble topping. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors.
Other Crumble Recipes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The tartness of rhubarb and the sweetness of pears create a delightful contrast.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is suitable for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Comfort Food: It’s the perfect dessert for cozy evenings, offering warmth and comfort.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the fruit filling to suit your taste or seasonal availability.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, this dessert is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Rhubarb and Pear Crumble
- Rhubarb: 500g (1.1 lbs), chopped into 1-inch pieces
- Pears: 3 large, peeled, cored, and sliced
- Caster Sugar: 100g (0.22 lbs) for the filling
- Plain Flour: 200g (0.44 lbs) for the crumble topping
- Butter: 100g (0.22 lbs), chilled and diced
- Light Brown Sugar: 100g (0.22 lbs) for the crumble topping
- Rolled Oats: 50g (0.11 lbs) for added texture
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon for warmth and spice
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and chopping board
- Pastry blender or fork
- Oven
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Rhubarb and Pear Crumble
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Step 2: Prepare the Fruit Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rhubarb, pears, and caster sugar. Mix well to ensure the fruit is evenly coated with sugar.
Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping
In another bowl, combine the flour and diced butter. Use a pastry blender or fork to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the light brown sugar and rolled oats, then add the ground cinnamon.
Step 4: Assemble the Crumble
Transfer the fruit mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the fruit, ensuring it covers the fruit completely.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling.
Step 6 Cool and Serve
Let the crumble cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Rhubarb and Pear Crumble?
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool creaminess pairs perfectly with the warm crumble.
- Custard: A classic accompaniment that enhances the comforting aspect of the dessert.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it adds a touch of elegance.
- Greek Yogurt: For a tangy contrast that complements the sweetness of the crumble.
- Clotted Cream: For a rich, indulgent treat.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Rhubarb and Pear Crumble
- Use Cold Butter: This helps achieve a crumbly, buttery topping.
- Mix Fruits: Experiment with different fruits like apples or berries for variety.
- Don’t Overmix: When making the crumble topping, avoid overmixing to keep the texture light.
- Taste Your Fruit: Adjust the sugar based on the tartness of your rhubarb.
- Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is properly preheated to get the perfect bake.
- Add Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavors of the fruit filling.
- Use Almond Flour: For a different texture and flavor, substitute some of the plain flour with almond flour in the topping.
- Chill the Topping: After preparing the crumble topping, chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before baking to enhance the texture.
- Layer the Flavors: Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg over the fruit filling for added depth of flavor.
- Keep an Eye on the Bake Time: If the topping is browning too quickly, cover the dish with foil to prevent burning while allowing the fruit to continue cooking.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, ripe pears and rhubarb will give the best flavor and texture to your crumble.
- Consider Texture Balance: Make sure the fruit pieces are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture in each bite.
Variations of Mary Berry Rhubarb and Pear Crumble
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts into the crumble topping for extra crunch.
- Spice it Up: Add ginger or nutmeg for a different spice profile.
- Use Different Sugars: Try using demerara sugar for a more caramel-like flavor.
- Incorporate Citrus: Add lemon or orange zest to the fruit mixture for a zesty kick.
- Make it Vegan: Use plant-based butter and sugar substitutes to create a vegan version.
How do I Store Mary Berry Rhubarb and Pear Crumble Leftovers?
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the crumble in portions for up to 3 months.
- Cover Tightly: Ensure leftovers are well covered to prevent drying out.
- Label and Date: Always label and date your storage containers for easy tracking.
How do I Reheat Mary Berry Rhubarb and Pear Crumble Leftovers?
- Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: For a quick option, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
- Cover with Foil: When reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent the topping from burning.
- Check Temperature: Ensure the crumble is heated through before serving.
- Serve Warm: Reheated crumble tastes best when served warm.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugars: 30g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 100mg
FAQs
How do I prevent my crumble topping from becoming too soggy?
To prevent the crumble topping from becoming too soggy, make sure to use cold butter when preparing the topping. Also, ensure the fruit filling isn’t too watery by slightly cooking the rhubarb and pears to reduce excess moisture before adding the topping.
Can I make Mary Berry Rhubarb and Pear Crumble in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the crumble in advance. Assemble the fruit filling and crumble topping separately, then store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, combine them and bake as instructed. This helps keep the topping crisp and the fruit filling fresh.
What can I substitute for rhubarb in this crumble recipe?
If you don’t have rhubarb, you can substitute it with other tart fruits like cranberries or sour cherries. Alternatively, you can use more pears or add apples for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the sugar levels accordingly to balance the sweetness and tartness.
How do I know when my crumble is done baking?
Your crumble is done baking when the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling around the edges. You can also insert a knife into the fruit to check if it is tender. If the topping browns too quickly, cover it with foil and continue baking until the fruit is cooked.
Final Words
Mary Berry’s Rhubarb and Pear Crumble is a delightful dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Its combination of sweet and tart flavors, along with a crunchy topping, makes it a favorite for many. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious, comforting treat with your loved ones.