Spiced Pear & Cranberry Crumble: Autumn's Easiest Cozy Dessert

Do you remember the crisp air of an autumn afternoon, the crunch of leaves underfoot as you wander through an orchard? This year, while the apples were plentiful, it was the pears that truly stole the show. Baskets overflowed with their smooth, golden skin, hinting at the sweet, juicy goodness inside. And what better way to celebrate the season's bounty than with a comforting, from-scratch dessert? This Spiced Pear & Cranberry Crumble is the perfect way to capture those autumn flavors and create a warm, inviting atmosphere in your home. Simple, satisfying, and bursting with the taste of fall, this recipe is destined to become a new family favorite, especially for those of us at Better Homes and Harvests who cherish simple, seasonal cooking.

These autumn pears and cranberries are ready to be transformed into a delicious and warming dessert, evoking the essence of the harvest season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn't your average crumble; it's a hug in a bowl! What makes this Spiced Pear & Cranberry Crumble so special?

• Effortless Elegance: Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean you can whip this up even on a busy weeknight.
• Flavor Explosion: The sweet pears, tart cranberries, and warming spices create a harmonious blend that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Comforting Texture: The buttery, crumbly oat topping provides the perfect contrast to the soft, juicy fruit filling.
• Versatile Delight: Whether you're serving it for a cozy family dinner or a festive Thanksgiving gathering, this crumble is sure to impress.
• Waste Not, Want Not: A fantastic way to use up leftover cranberries from holiday sauces or jams!
• Rustic Charm: Baking it in a cast iron skillet adds a touch of rustic charm and ensures even cooking. Plus, the presentation is stunning!

A spoonful of warm pear and cranberry crumble, with steam rising to show its comforting heat, is a delicious and inviting treat.

Ingredients List: The Essence of Autumn

Here's what you'll need to create this delicious autumnal masterpiece:

Pear & Cranberry Filling:

• 4-5 medium Pears (Bosc or Anjou are excellent choices), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1 cup Fresh or Frozen Cranberries
• ¼ cup Brown Sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
• ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon Nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon Ground Ginger
• 1 tablespoon Cornstarch

Ginger Oat Topping:

• 1 cup Rolled Oats
• ½ cup All-Purpose Flour (or gluten-free blend)
• ½ cup Brown Sugar, packed
• ½ cup (1 stick) Cold Butter, cubed
• ½ teaspoon Ground Ginger
• Pinch of Salt

Substitutions & Tips:

• Feel free to swap out the pears for apples if that's what you have on hand. Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples would work beautifully.
• For a refined sugar-free option, replace the brown sugar with maple syrup.
• To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free rolled oats and a gluten-free flour blend.
• Everything you need should be readily available as pantry staples, making this recipe even more convenient.

![All ingredients measured rustic wood table]
A flat lay of the pear and cranberry crumble ingredients, neatly arranged on a rustic wooden table, showcases the simple and natural components of this comforting dessert.

Step-by-Step Instructions: A Symphony of Simplicity

Now, let's get baking! Follow these simple steps for a perfect crumble every time:

Preparing the Filling:

1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced pears, cranberries, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cornstarch.
2. Gently toss all the ingredients together until the fruit is evenly coated in the spice mixture.

![pear cranberry mixture bowl pouring skillet]
The pear and cranberry mixture is being poured from a bowl into a greased cast iron skillet, ready to be topped with the crumble.

3. Pour the mixture into a greased 9-inch cast iron skillet. The cast iron ensures even heat distribution and a beautiful presentation.

Making the Topping:

1. In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, ground ginger, and salt.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips. The goal is to create a crumbly mixture resembling coarse crumbs. The cold butter is key to a tender, flaky topping.

![oat crumble mixture mixing pastry blender]
The oat crumble topping is being mixed in a bowl using a pastry blender, creating a crumbly texture that will bake into a golden-brown crust.

Assembling and Baking:

1. Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the pear and cranberry filling in the skillet.
2. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent the topping from burning.

![completed crumble bubbly golden brown oven]
A completed pear and cranberry crumble is bubbly and golden brown inside the oven, promising a warm and comforting treat.

Cooling and Serving:

1. Once baked, carefully remove the skillet from the oven and let the crumble cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to thicken slightly and prevent burning your mouth!
2. Tip: Don't overmix the filling ingredients; gentle tossing is key to maintaining the texture of the fruit.

Serving Suggestions: Elevate the Experience

Here are a few ideas to make your Spiced Pear & Cranberry Crumble even more irresistible:

• Serve it warm with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream against the warm crumble is pure bliss.
• Top it with a dollop of homemade whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
• Pair it with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
• For a delightful breakfast option, serve it with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a dollop of creme fraiche.
• Add some chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping for an extra layer of crunch and nutty flavor.

![Slice pear cranberry crumble ice cream fork]
A slice of pear and cranberry crumble is being lifted with a fork, topped with melting ice cream, highlighting the delicious combination of warm fruit and cold cream.

A Homesteading Invitation: Your Kitchen, Your Creation

As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, I encourage you to embrace the spirit of the season by experimenting with this Spiced Pear & Cranberry Crumble. Don't be afraid to use different spices, fruits, or even nuts to create your own unique variation. After all, the best recipes are the ones that are made with love and adapted to your own taste.

What are your favorite fall fruits to bake with? Share your thoughts and variations in the comments below! We'd love to hear about your culinary creations. And don't forget to tag us in your photos on Instagram with #BetterHomesAndHarvests so we can see your beautiful crumbles.

Happy baking, and may your home be filled with the warmth and abundance of the season!

![Warm family gathered table eating crumble]
A warm and inviting scene shows a family gathered around a table, enjoying the pear and cranberry crumble together, symbolizing the joy of sharing homemade food.

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