Mary Berry’s Pear Crumble is a comforting dessert that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat.
You’ll love the way ripe pears blend with subtle spices to create a wonderfully balanced treat.
When selecting pears, opt for firm and ripe varieties like Bosc or Anjou for the best texture.
A key to a great crumble topping is mixing the flour and butter by hand until you achieve a coarse breadcrumb texture.
How to Make Mary Berry Pear Crumble
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Pears (cored and sliced)
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1/3 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 cup Rolled Oats
- 1/4 cup Butter (chilled and cubed)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
Step 2:
In a bowl, toss pears with lemon juice, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
Spread this mixture evenly in the baking dish.
Step 3:
In another bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and oats.
Add chilled butter, and rub into flour mixture until it resembles bread crumbs.
Step 4:
Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the pears in the dish.
Press gently to compact the top layer.
Step 5:
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until topping is golden brown and pears are tender.
Let it cool slightly before serving.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Choose the Right Pears
Use firm and ripe varieties like Bosc or Anjou for the best texture in the crumble.
You don’t want them too mushy once baked!
Even Crumble Texture
Make sure your butter is cold when mixing with flour for a perfect crumbly texture.
Room temperature butter won’t give the crumble you’ll be after.
Adjust Sweetness
Taste your pears before adding sugar.
Some varieties might need less sugar depending on their natural sweetness, so adjust as needed.
Store Leftovers Properly
Store leftover crumble in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
This ensures it stays fresh and delicious for the next serving opportunity.
What to Serve with Mary Berry Pear Crumble
Vanilla Ice Cream
You can’t go wrong with vanilla ice cream alongside your pear crumble.
The cool, creamy texture is a wonderful contrast to the warm, tender pears and crunchy topping.
I find that even a simple scoop can turn a regular serving into something extra special!
Custard
Another classic pairing is custard.
This smooth and creamy sauce enhances the comforting elements of your dessert perfectly.
Pour it generously over a slice of crumble and watch how it melds with the pear juices.
Trust me, it’s a match made in dessert heaven!
Greek Yogurt
If you’re looking for something with a tangy edge, Greek yogurt is a fantastic choice.
Its rich and creamy texture works brilliantly with the flavors of the pear.
For a bit of sweetness, you might try drizzling some honey over the yogurt.
Almond Whipped Cream
So, so good!
Just add a bit of almond extract to your regular whipped cream recipe.
The nutty notes will pair beautifully with the spices in your crumble.
Chai Tea Latte
For the adventurous, try a chai tea latte on the side.
The blend of spices in chai complements the flavors in your pear crumble.
Plus, it’s always nice to have a warm drink alongside dessert, especially in cooler weather.
Variations and Substitutions
Experimenting with different ingredients can make this dessert even more exciting for your taste.
If you’re not a fan of pears, you can easily substitute them with apples or firm peaches for a different flavor.
Using oats in your crumble topping adds a bit of crunch and a slight nutty taste.
Sweetener Options
Switch up the sugar for other sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a different, richer sweetness.
If you love spices, adding a touch of nutmeg or cardamom can enhance the flavor profile.
Dietary Adjustments
For those looking for a gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
You can swap the butter for coconut oil or a dairy-free spread if you’re hoping for a vegan version.
Also, consider using a mix of different nuts like walnuts or almonds for an extra crunch.
These small changes can make each batch unique and suit various preferences!
How to Store Leftover Pear Crumble
To keep your leftover pear crumble fresh, you’ll want to know the best storage methods!
For refrigeration, I suggest placing the crumble in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any odors from the fridge.
You can store the pear crumble in the refrigerator for three to five days and enjoy it as a delicious dessert when you want a quick treat.
For Longer Storage
If you’d like to store it for a longer period, freezing is a great option.
Wrap the crumble tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
This method allows you to enjoy your pear crumble for up to three months without losing its delicious flavors.
Thawing Frozen Crumble
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen pear crumble, just transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator.
Allow it to thaw overnight so it can be ready for a delicious dessert the next day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over-Baking
Don’t over-bake your crumble, or you’ll risk ending up with a topping that’s too dry.
It’s important to keep an eye on it and check a few minutes before the recommended baking time is up.
This way, you’ll pull it out when the top is golden brown and the pears are bubbly.
Ignoring Cornstarch
Always include a bit of cornstarch to avoid a soupy mess where the pears release too much juice.
The cornstarch helps thicken the fruit as it cooks, giving you that perfect consistency.
Without it, you might find your filling is too runny beneath your lovely crumble topping.
Skipping Flavoring Steps
Don’t skip the step where you add lemon juice and cinnamon to the pears.
These flavorings brighten and enhance the natural sweetness of the pears, making every bite more enjoyable.
Mixing the pears with these additions before baking can really make a difference in the final taste.

Mary Berry Pear Crumble Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Pears cored and sliced
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1/3 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 cup Rolled Oats
- 1/4 cup Butter chilled and cubed
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss pears with lemon juice, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
- Spread this mixture evenly in the baking dish.
- In another bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and oats.
- Add chilled butter, and rub into flour mixture until it resembles bread crumbs.
- Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the pears in the dish.
- Press gently to compact the top layer.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until topping is golden brown and pears are tender.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.