Apple and Pear Crumble

Apple and Pear Crumble Recipe - Delicious Dessert

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

The Apple and Pear Crumble is a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of Granny Smith apples with the sweet, subtle flavor of Bosc pears. Topped with a crispy, nutty crust, this dish is perfect for those who appreciate the harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Ideal for any season, it's especially comforting during the fall and winter months. This recipe not only offers a delicious treat but also a healthier alternative to traditional crumbles, incorporating whole ingredients and natural sweeteners.

History

The concept of fruit crumbles can be traced back to Britain during World War II, when rationing made traditional pie-making ingredients scarce. Cooks had to get creative, leading to the birth of the crumble as an economical and simpler dessert. The apple and pear variation is a more modern take, showcasing how the recipe has evolved to include a wider variety of fruits and accommodate dietary preferences, such as the use of nondairy yogurt and soy margarine in this version.

Ingredients

4 medium granny smith apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
3 medium bosc pears, cored and thinly sliced
0.25 cup pure maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
0.25 tsp ground allspice
Nondairy vanilla frozen dessert or frozen yogurt for serving (optional)
Topping
0.5 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
0.5 cup wheat germ
0.33 cup finely chopped almonds
2 tbsp soy margarine, melted
2 tbsp light brown sugar
0.25 tsp ground cinnamon

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Lightly coat a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with vegetable oil cooking spray.
In a large bowl, mix together the apples, pears, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice until well combined.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.

Make the topping

In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well.
Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the fruit mixture.
Bake until the fruits are soft and the topping is golden, for about 40 to 45 minutes.
Let it cool on a wire rack until it is just warm, and serve as is or with frozen dessert if desired.

Variations

For a twist on the classic, try adding berries, such as raspberries or blackberries, to the fruit mixture. You can also experiment with different nuts in the topping, such as walnuts or pecans, for varied textures and flavors.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For the best texture and flavor, use Granny Smith apples for their tartness and firmness, which balance the sweetness of the pears and prevent the dish from becoming too mushy. To enhance the nutty flavor of the topping, lightly toast the almonds before chopping. For a more indulgent topping, consider adding a handful of rolled oats or a sprinkle of coconut flakes for extra crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this crumble warm, with a dollop of nondairy yogurt or a scoop of your favorite frozen dessert for an extra special touch. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup can also enhance the flavors.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the crumble until the fruits are soft and the topping is golden brown is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. Allowing the crumble to cool slightly before serving helps the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegan version, ensure that the soy margarine is certified vegan. Maple syrup can be substituted with honey (for non-vegans) or agave syrup. If you're out of wheat germ, ground flaxseed is a nutritious alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

This crumble can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Alternatively, bake the crumble fully, let it cool, then cover and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven for a quick and easy dessert.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the crumble in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

A glass of dessert wine, such as a late harvest Riesling, complements the fruity flavors of the crumble beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, a spiced apple cider or a robust black tea pairs well.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover crumble covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the topping soggy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of this Apple and Pear Crumble contains approximately 250 calories. This makes it a relatively light dessert option, especially when compared to other sweets, allowing you to indulge without overdoing it on calories.

Carbohydrates

This Apple and Pear Crumble is a carb-conscious eater's delight. Each serving contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from the fruits and whole-pastry flour. The natural sugars from the fruits and maple syrup offer a healthier alternative to refined sugars, providing a steady source of energy.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come mainly from the almonds and soy margarine, totaling about 10 grams per serving. These are healthier fats, which are essential for nutrient absorption and brain health. The use of soy margarine also makes this dish suitable for those avoiding dairy.

Proteins

Each serving of this crumble provides around 5 grams of protein, thanks to the wheat germ and almonds. While not a high-protein dish, it contributes to the daily protein intake necessary for muscle repair and growth.

Vitamins and minerals

This dessert is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly from the fruits and almonds. Apples and pears are excellent sources of vitamin C and dietary fiber, while almonds provide vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium. These nutrients support overall health, including heart health and immune function.

Alergens

The primary allergens in this recipe are almonds and wheat. Those with nut allergies can substitute the almonds with seeds, such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds, and use a gluten-free flour blend in place of whole-pastry flour to make this dish allergen-friendly.

Summary

Overall, this Apple and Pear Crumble is a nutritious dessert option that balances indulgence with health. It's rich in dietary fiber, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals, making it a guilt-free treat that supports overall well-being.

Summary

The Apple and Pear Crumble is a versatile, delicious, and nutritious dessert that's sure to please any crowd. With its rich history, variety of health benefits, and adaptability to dietary needs, it's a wonderful addition to any meal. Whether you're looking for a comforting dessert on a chilly evening or a healthier sweet treat, this crumble is sure to hit the spot.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Apple and Pear Crumble. It was a chilly autumn afternoon, and I had just returned from a visit to my dear friend Margaret's house. Margaret was known far and wide for her delicious baked goods, and she had promised to share one of her most prized recipes with me.

As I sat at my kitchen table, carefully copying down the ingredients and instructions that Margaret had dictated to me, I couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement in my chest. The combination of sweet apples and juicy pears, topped with a crunchy crumble topping, sounded like the perfect dessert to enjoy on a crisp fall evening.

I had always loved to cook and bake, ever since I was a young girl helping my own grandmother in the kitchen. Over the years, I had collected a wide array of recipes from friends, family, and even strangers I had met on my travels. Each recipe held a special place in my heart, a memory of the person who had shared it with me and the joy it had brought to those I had cooked for.

As I gathered the ingredients for the Apple and Pear Crumble, I thought back to all the times I had spent in the kitchen, experimenting with new flavors and techniques. I could still remember the first time I had made a pie from scratch, the feeling of accomplishment as I pulled it out of the oven and saw the golden crust bubbling with fruit underneath. Cooking had always been a way for me to express my creativity and share my love with others.

With a smile on my face, I began to peel and slice the apples and pears, savoring the sweet aroma that filled the room. I mixed them with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar, allowing the flavors to meld together before pouring them into a baking dish. Then, I turned my attention to the crumble topping, combining flour, oats, brown sugar, and butter until it formed a coarse mixture.

As I sprinkled the crumble over the fruit mixture, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in my creation. The dish looked beautiful, with the golden crumble topping glistening in the light and the sweet fruit peeking out from underneath. I carefully placed the dish in the oven, eager to see the final result of my efforts.

As the Apple and Pear Crumble baked, the scent of cinnamon and sugar filled the air, making my mouth water with anticipation. I watched through the oven door as the crumble turned a golden brown and the fruit bubbled underneath, creating a tantalizing aroma that made my stomach growl in hunger.

Finally, the timer dinged, and I carefully removed the dish from the oven, the crumble topping still slightly warm to the touch. I couldn't resist taking a bite before letting it cool, the flavors exploding on my taste buds in a symphony of sweetness and crunch. It was even better than I had imagined, the apples and pears perfectly cooked and tender, the crumble topping providing just the right amount of texture and flavor.

As I sat down at the kitchen table with a steaming bowl of Apple and Pear Crumble in front of me, I couldn't help but think back to that afternoon with Margaret. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen, a beloved dessert that I would make for my family and friends for years to come.

And so, as I savored each bite of the delicious crumble, I felt a sense of gratitude for all the people who had shared their recipes with me over the years. Cooking had always been more than just a hobby for me—it was a way to connect with others, to create something beautiful and delicious to share with the ones I loved.

As I finished my dessert, I knew that I would always hold a special place in my heart for this Apple and Pear Crumble recipe. It was a reminder of the joy and satisfaction that came from creating something with love and care, and a testament to the power of food to bring people together in warmth and happiness. And so, with a contented sigh, I set down my spoon and smiled, grateful for all the memories and flavors that had brought me to this moment of pure, delicious bliss.