Spiced Pear & Cranberry Crumble: A Cozy Autumn Harvest Dessert

The first chill of autumn always brings a particular kind of longing, doesn't it? It's a craving for comforting warmth, for the vibrant colors of changing leaves, and for the sweet, tart flavors of the harvest season. Growing up, that meant picking baskets overflowing with fragrant pears from my grandfather’s orchard and gathering ruby-red cranberries from the patch behind our barn. The memory of those crisp, sunny days, followed by the cozy warmth of the kitchen filled with the aroma of baking fruit, is something I cherish. This Spiced Pear and Cranberry Crumble is a direct tribute to those cherished autumn memories, using pears sourced from Farmer McGregor's stand down the road and the last of our own cranberries before the first frost. It's a celebration of the season in every delicious bite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This isn't just any dessert; it's a simple, soul-satisfying experience. The Spiced Pear & Cranberry Crumble is the answer to that age-old question: "What can I make with my seasonal bounty that is easy, delicious, and uses pantry staples?" It's ready in under an hour, making it perfect for a weeknight treat or a last-minute addition to your Thanksgiving table. The combination of sweet pears, tart cranberries, and the crunchy walnut streusel is a textural and flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. Plus, it's relatively forgiving – a slightly overripe pear or a generous handful of cranberries won't ruin the dish. This rustic dessert also makes great use of foraged or locally grown ingredients, fitting perfectly into the farm-to-table and homesteading mindset. You'll feel good feeding this to your family and friends.


Ingredients: Autumn's Bounty in a Dish

Here's what you'll need to create this autumnal masterpiece. Feel free to adapt based on what you have on hand or dietary restrictions.

For the Pear & Cranberry Filling:

• 4 cups peeled and sliced pears (about 4-5 medium pears; Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett varieties work well)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or honey/maple syrup to taste)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder

For the Walnut Streusel Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes


Substitutions and Notes:

• Sugar: Feel free to swap granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup. Adjust the amount to your liking based on the sweetness of your pears.
• Flour: A gluten-free all-purpose blend works beautifully in the streusel. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for best results.
• Nuts: Pecans or almonds can be substituted for walnuts. You can also omit the nuts altogether for a nut-free version.
• Pears: Experiment with different pear varieties to find your favorite flavor profile.
• Cranberries: If you only have dried cranberries, plump them up by soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes before using.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Autumn's Sweetness

Follow these simple steps, and you'll have a warm, comforting crumble in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Pear & Cranberry Filling:

In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced pears, cranberries, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Toss everything together gently to coat, being careful not to bruise the pears. The lemon juice helps to brighten the flavors and prevent the pears from browning.

Step 2: Make the Walnut Streusel Topping:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, brown sugar, walnuts, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to keep the butter cold – this will ensure a crumbly texture. Don't overmix; you want to see chunks of butter throughout.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake:

Pour the pear and cranberry filling into a greased 9-inch cast iron skillet or baking dish. The cast iron skillet gives it a wonderfully rustic look and helps the bottom crust get nice and crispy. Sprinkle the walnut streusel evenly over the top of the fruit. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Step 4: Cool and Serve:

Let the crumble cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken slightly and prevents you from burning your tongue!


Serving Suggestions: A Taste of Autumn in Every Bite

The Spiced Pear & Cranberry Crumble is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:

• Warm with Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that never fails. The cold ice cream melts into the warm crumble, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
• Drizzled with Maple Syrup or Honey: Enhance the natural sweetness with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey.
• With Greek Yogurt or Crème Fraîche: For a tangy twist, top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for breakfast or a light dessert.
• Paired with Hot Apple Cider or Herbal Tea: A warm beverage complements the flavors of the crumble perfectly. Our recipe for homemade apple cider is a must-try!


Sustainability Tip: Reducing Food Waste

Don't toss those pear peels and cores! Use them to make homemade pear vinegar. Simply combine them with water and sugar, and let them ferment for a few weeks. You'll have a delicious and tangy vinegar to use in dressings and marinades. You can also compost the leftover scraps to enrich your garden soil, closing the loop and nourishing your future harvests.

Your Autumn Baking Adventure Awaits!

I can't wait to see your beautiful Spiced Pear & Cranberry Crumbles! Share your creations on Instagram using #BetterHomesAndHarvests and tag us @BetterHomesAndHarvests. What are your favorite pear varieties to use in baking? Let me know in the comments below!