Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Gingersnap Pear Crumble?
It is a dessert featuring tender pears and a crunchy gingersnap and walnut topping.
Can I use fresh pears for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe works with both drained canned pears and fresh pears from the garden.
What type of pears are recommended?
The recipe calls for sliced canned pears, specifically four 15 1/4 ounce cans.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to fill eight 8-ounce custard cups.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Why is flour added to the pears?
The all-purpose flour is tossed with the pears to help thicken the fruit juices during the baking process.
What ingredients are in the topping?
The topping consists of finely crushed gingersnap cookies, chopped walnuts, and melted butter.
How many gingersnap cookies do I need?
You will need approximately 32 cookies to make 1.5 cups of finely crushed gingersnaps.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, while walnuts are suggested, you can use your nuts of choice or omit them.
How do I prepare the topping mixture?
Combine the crushed gingersnaps, chopped walnuts, and melted butter in a bowl and stir until it resembles moist crumbs.
How long does the crumble bake?
It should bake for 15-20 minutes in a preheated oven.
How do I know when the dessert is done?
The crumble is ready when the topping is golden and the pears are heated through.
Should I use a baking sheet?
Yes, arrange the custard cups on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips while baking.
What are some serving suggestions?
Serve the crumble warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is considered an easy fruit dessert that uses simple pantry staples like canned pears and cookies.
Do I need to drain the canned pears?
Yes, the instructions specify that the canned pears should be drained before use.
What size containers are used for baking?
The recipe recommends using eight 8-ounce custard cups.
Can I make this as one large dish?
While the recipe specifies individual cups, you could likely use a single large baking dish, though cooking times may vary.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the ingredients are fruit, flour, cookies, nuts, and butter, which are vegetarian-friendly.
How much butter is used?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of melted butter.
What type of flour is used?
One tablespoon of all-purpose flour is used to coat the pears.
How much walnut is required?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of finely chopped walnuts.
Is the dessert served hot or cold?
It is best enjoyed warm, though it can be served at room temperature.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
You can substitute margarine, though butter provides a richer flavor for the gingersnap topping.
Should I crush the gingersnaps finely?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the cookies should be finely crushed for the best texture.
Can I add extra spices?
The gingersnaps provide significant spice, but you can add extra ginger or cinnamon to the pears if desired.
Is this a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and is ideal for warm, decadent treats.
How much pear goes into each cup?
Divide the coated pears evenly among the eight custard cups for equal portions.
Can I use frozen pears?
The recipe is designed for canned or fresh, but frozen pears could be used if thawed and drained first.
What flavor profile does this dessert have?
It features natural sweetness from pears complemented by warm ginger and spices from the cookies.