Hello, my fellow food enthusiasts!
Winter’s grip may be firm, but there’s a silver lining to these chilly days – seasonal fruits that beg to be turned into warm, comforting desserts. And that’s exactly what I’ve got on the cards for you today: a delightful Spiced Baked Pear Crumble that captures the essence of British winter while keeping our family’s dietary needs in check.
As a father to four wonderful children, navigating the challenges of food allergies has become second nature. This recipe eschews eggs, dairy, and soya without skimming an ounce of flavor or texture. It’s the kind of dessert that brings a sparkle to the eye and warmth to the heart, not to mention it fills the kitchen with an aroma that’s both comforting and invigorating.
Our key player is the humble pear, one of winter’s most understated stars. Ripe and juicy, pears are perfect for baking, bringing a natural sweetness that’s enhanced by a trio of spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. These warming spices are the soul of winter cooking, offering depth and a hint of nostalgic holiday cheer.
The crumble topping is a little marvel in itself. Made from rolled oats and almond flour, it gives a nod to the traditional British crumble with a lovely golden crunch, while also keeping it gluten-free and wholesome. And instead of butter, I’ve used coconut oil – a wonderful dairy-free alternative that contributes to the crumble’s irresistible texture.
As I prepared this dish, the kids were milling about, drawn in by the scents wafting through our home. It’s one of those family moments you cherish, where the simple act of baking brings everyone together.
The result? A crumble that’s crisp, fragrant, and delightfully nutty – a perfect companion to the tender, spiced pears underneath. It’s a dish that invites improvisation too. Feel free to adjust the spices to your family’s taste, or swap pears for any seasonal fruit you fancy. That’s the beauty of a crumble – it’s as versatile as it is delicious.
I must say, serving this up after our Sunday roast has become a bit of a tradition. It’s the kind of dessert that requires little in the way of accompaniment, but if you’re looking to indulge, a dollop of coconut whipped cream or a scoop of vegan ice cream can certainly elevate it to new heights.
Winter’s chill may linger outside, but inside our home, there’s nothing but the warmth of good food and family. I hope this Spiced Baked Pear Crumble brings the same sense of joy and contentment to your table. Happy baking, and stay cozy!
All my best,
Al
Ingredients
– 4 ripe pears, cored and sliced
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup almond flour
– 1/4 cup coconut oil, solid
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced pears with the fresh lemon juice to coat evenly. Sprinkle the brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of the cinnamon, a pinch each of nutmeg and ginger over the pears, and toss again to distribute the spices evenly.
3. Transfer the spiced pear mixture into a medium-sized baking dish, spreading out into an even layer.
4. In another mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, ginger, and a pinch of salt.
5. Add the solid coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the dry mix. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the ingredients together until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
6. Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the spiced pears in the baking dish, making sure to cover the fruit completely.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the pears are tender when pierced with a fork.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 10 minutes before serving. Can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
