You’ve probably noticed that pears and almonds appear together in countless desserts, and it’s no accident – they’re natural flavor companions that have delighted palates for centuries. This rustic crumble takes their partnership to new heights by incorporating rich almond butter into a warmly spiced oat topping that crowns tender, caramelized pears. If you’re wondering what makes this version different from traditional fruit crumbles, there’s quite a story behind its evolution.
History
While fruit crumbles trace back to World War II Britain when rationing made traditional pie crusts scarce, this modern fusion dessert combines classical European techniques with contemporary American flavors.
You’ll find that almond butter‘s inclusion represents a recent culinary trend that gained popularity in the 2010s as home cooks sought protein-rich alternatives to traditional ingredients.
The spiced element draws from the centuries-old European tradition of adding warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to baked goods.
Pears have been a staple in desserts since ancient Roman times, but you’ll notice they’ve experienced a renaissance in modern cooking.
The dish emerged in upscale American restaurants around 2015, when chefs began experimenting with nut butters in traditional desserts, creating this sophisticated twist on the humble crumble.
Recipe
A cozy autumn dessert that combines the natural sweetness of ripe pears with warm spices and crunchy almonds. This crumble strikes the perfect balance between fruit and topping, creating a comforting treat that’s both rustic and sophisticated.
The addition of almond butter to the traditional crumble topping adds richness and depth, while cardamom and cinnamon enhance the pears’ natural flavor. This dessert can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving, making it ideal for entertaining or family gatherings.
- 6 ripe pears, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss sliced pears with lemon juice and cornstarch in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, spices, and salt. Cut in cold butter and almond butter until mixture is crumbly. Add sliced almonds.
Transfer pears to a 9×13-inch baking dish, top with crumble mixture, and bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
For the best results, choose pears that are ripe but still firm. Bartlett or Bosc varieties work particularly well.
The dessert can be made gluten-free by substituting almond flour for all-purpose flour, while coconut sugar can replace brown sugar for a less refined option. For extra crunch, toast the almonds before adding them to the topping.
Final Thoughts
This spiced almond butter and pear crumble offers more than just a seasonal dessert – it represents the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication in home baking.
You’ll find that the combination of warm spices, creamy almond butter, and tender pears creates a unique twist on traditional crumble recipes.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different pear varieties or adjust the spice levels to suit your taste.
The beauty of this dessert lies in its versatility – serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for a cozy evening treat, or enjoy it at room temperature with your morning coffee.
The leftovers (if there are any) will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, though the topping may lose some of its crispness over time.
