Baked Pears with Walnut Oat Crumble Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that feels both comforting and a bit fancy without hours in the kitchen, let me introduce you to the magic of Baked Pears with Walnut Oat Crumble. This dish brings together tender, naturally sweet pears baked to perfection with a crunchy, buttery walnut and oat topping bursting with warm cinnamon notes. Every bite offers a beautiful contrast of soft fruit and crisp crumble, making it a perfect treat whether you’re winding down after dinner or enjoying a cozy moment with your morning coffee. Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight but impressive enough to share with guests!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to make Baked Pears with Walnut Oat Crumble means gathering just a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in crafting the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the ripe yet firm pears to the crunchy walnuts and fragrant cinnamon, these elements combine effortlessly to create dessert magic.

• Pears: Choose medium-large, ripe but still firm pears so they hold their shape during baking and bring natural sweetness.
• Golden brown sugar: This adds rich caramel-like sweetness and helps the crumble mix stick together beautifully.
• Chopped walnuts: Provide a lovely crunch and earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with oats and cinnamon.
• Old fashioned oats: Give the crumble substance and a rustic texture that contrasts the soft pears.
• Ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth and spice, elevating the richness of the walnuts and oats.
• Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the other flavors, making the crumble irresistibly balanced.
• Butter (room temperature): Adds moisture and richness to the crumble, helping it brown to a perfect crisp.

How to Make Baked Pears with Walnut Oat Crumble

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375° F. Choose a medium-sized baking pan that can comfortably fit four pear halves in a single layer without too much empty space, which helps them bake evenly and soak in all the delicious juices.

Step 2: Mix the Walnut Oat Crumble

In a medium bowl, combine golden brown sugar, chopped walnuts, old fashioned oats, cinnamon, and salt. Then, add the softened butter and use your fingertips to blend everything together. The mixture should be crumbly but hold together slightly when pressed—this balance creates that crave-worthy crispy topping.

Step 3: Prepare the Pears

Slice your pears in half and use a small ice cream scoop or spoon to remove the seeds along with some of the flesh, creating a little cavity ready to hold your walnut oat crumble. This step ensures every bite includes that delectable topping and sweet fruit.

Step 4: Assemble the Pears in the Baking Pan

Pour about 5 to 6 tablespoons of water into the baking pan to keep the pears moist as they bake. Place the pears cut side up in the pan, then generously spoon the walnut oat crumble into each hollowed-out pear half.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake your Baked Pears with Walnut Oat Crumble for 35 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of your pears. You want the fruit to be tender and softened but still holding shape, and the crumble topping golden brown and crisp. Once done, let the pears cool just until warm, so the flavors have time to meld beautifully.

How to Serve Baked Pears with Walnut Oat Crumble

Garnishes

To take this dish from delightful to downright decadent, try topping your warm baked pears with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The contrast of the cold, smooth ice cream against the warm fruit and crisp crumble is pure bliss. For a lighter or breakfast-friendly version, a dollop of sweetened Greek yogurt adds a tangy creaminess that complements the sweetness perfectly.

Side Dishes

While Baked Pears with Walnut Oat Crumble shines on its own, pairing it with a simple cup of spiced tea or fresh herbal infusion can elevate your cozy moment. For brunch, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or some toasted nuts to add more texture and brighten the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation makes every bite feel special. Try serving each pear half on a small dessert plate, drizzle a bit of the pan juices over the top, and sprinkle a few extra chopped walnuts for added crunch. For a festive touch, dust lightly with powdered sugar or grate some dark chocolate over the warm crumble just before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers — and believe me, that’s a happy problem to have — store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The pears will soften even more, and the crumble may lose some of its crispness, but reheating can revive that lovely contrast.

Freezing

You can freeze baked pears with walnut oat crumble, but keep in mind their texture might shift slightly upon thawing. To freeze, wrap each pear half tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and serving.

Reheating

To bring back the warm, cozy feeling of freshly baked pears, reheat in a 350° F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes. This will warm the fruit through and help crisp up the crumble topping again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crumble from getting soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut in the crumble?

Absolutely! Walnuts have a lovely flavor and texture, but pecans or almonds would also work beautifully in the walnut oat crumble. Just chop them finely to mimic the original texture.

What kind of pears should I choose for this recipe?

Look for medium to large pears that are ripe but still firm, such as Bosc or Anjou. These varieties hold their shape well when baked but soften enough to absorb the flavors.

Can I make this dessert vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the butter with a plant-based or vegan butter alternative. The crumble texture and taste remain just as delicious, making this dessert suitable for dairy-free diets.

Is this dessert suitable for breakfast?

Definitely! Swap the ice cream for sweetened Greek yogurt or even a drizzle of honey, and you have a wholesome, satisfying breakfast that feels indulgent yet nutritious.

How can I make the crumble crunchier?

To get an extra-crisp texture, you can toast the oat and nut mixture lightly in a dry pan before mixing with the sugar and butter. This step brings out the nuttiness and gives the topping more crunch after baking.

Final Thoughts

I can’t emphasize enough how Baked Pears with Walnut Oat Crumble is one of those simple yet show-stopping dishes that wins hearts every time. It’s cozy, richly textured, and full of natural sweetness that feels just right for any occasion. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become your go-to for a sweet treat that’s both wholesome and indulgent. Happy baking!

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