Rustic Pear and Raspberry Crumble
Indulge in a warm, comforting dessert with this Rustic Pear and Raspberry Crumble. Borrowed from a beloved cookbook swap, this recipe marries the gentle sweetness of ripe pears with the tartness of fresh raspberries. Topped with a buttery vanilla wafer and almond crust, it's an easy-to-make dish that's perfect for any occasion. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a few fresh raspberries for that perfect finishing touch.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
pears
4 (sliced (about 4 cups))
raspberries
1 cup
sugar
1/2 cup
cornstarch
3 tablespoons
cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon
vanilla
1 teaspoon
vanilla wafer cookie
1 cup (finely crushed (about 25 cookies))
sliced almonds
1/2 cup
butter
3 tablespoons (melted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced pears, raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and vanilla, stirring until the fruit is evenly coated.
3
Transfer the fruit mixture into an 8 or 9-inch square baking dish, spreading it evenly.
4
In a separate medium bowl, mix together the crushed vanilla wafer cookies, sliced almonds, and melted butter until well combined.
5
Sprinkle the cookie and almond mixture evenly over the fruit in the baking dish.
6
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the topping is golden brown.
7
Remove from oven and allow to cool for about 15 minutes.
8
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and garnish with additional fresh raspberries.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Pear and Raspberry Crumble?
It is a warm, comforting dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe pears with tart raspberries, finished with a buttery vanilla wafer and almond crust.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How many pears are needed for this crumble?
You will need 4 pears, which is approximately 4 cups when sliced.
What type of topping is used on this dessert?
The topping is made from crushed vanilla wafer cookies, sliced almonds, and melted butter.
How long does the crumble need to bake?
It should bake for 45-50 minutes until the pears are tender and the topping is golden brown.
What size baking dish should I use?
An 8 or 9-inch square baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes, you can use fresh or frozen raspberries for this recipe.
How many vanilla wafer cookies are required?
You will need approximately 25 cookies to make 1 cup of finely crushed crumbs.
Should the butter for the topping be melted?
Yes, the 3 tablespoons of butter should be melted before mixing with the cookie crumbs and almonds.
What spices are used in the fruit mixture?
The fruit is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1 teaspoon of vanilla.
Why is cornstarch added to the fruit?
Cornstarch is used as a thickening agent for the fruit juices as they bake.
How long should the crumble cool before serving?
Allow the dish to cool for about 15 minutes after removing it from the oven.
What is the recommended way to serve this crumble?
Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a garnish of fresh raspberries.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that is perfect for any occasion.
Can I substitute the almonds in the topping?
Yes, you could substitute sliced almonds with other nuts like pecans or walnuts, or omit them if necessary.
How much sugar is in the fruit filling?
The filling uses 1/2 cup of sugar.
How do I prepare the pears?
The pears should be sliced before being combined with the other filling ingredients.
What is the texture of the topping?
The topping is buttery and crunchy due to the combination of cookie crumbs and sliced almonds.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using certified gluten-free vanilla wafer cookies.
Is this a good dessert for comfort food lovers?
Absolutely, it is specifically tagged as a comfort food dessert.
Can I use a different cookie for the topping?
While vanilla wafers are recommended for their flavor, graham crackers or ginger snaps could offer a different but delicious variation.
How do I know when the crumble is finished baking?
The topping should be golden brown and the pears should feel tender when pierced with a fork.
Should the fruit be mixed before putting it in the dish?
Yes, combine the pears, raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and vanilla in a bowl first to ensure the fruit is evenly coated.
How much cinnamon is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon.
How much vanilla extract is needed?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in the fruit mixture.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake it in a larger 9x13 inch pan, though baking time may vary slightly.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I reheat this dessert?
Yes, it can be reheated in the oven at 350 degrees until warm or in the microwave.
What makes this crumble 'rustic'?
The simple preparation, fresh fruit, and uneven, crunchy topping give it a traditional, home-style rustic appearance.