Pear Crumble
This crumble is a healthier way to get your comfort-food fix. Rather than being loaded with added sugar, the natural sweetness and subtle flavor of the pears shines through, enhanced with a little maple syrup, and gently spiced with ground cinnamon and ginger. The topping, made with ground almonds, healthy oil and whole grains, provides the classic contrasting crunch.
You’ll need an 8-by-8-inch baking dish.
Ingredients
For the topping
- 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon slivered almonds (may substitute 1/2 cup almond meal)
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (do not use quick-cooking or instant)
- 1/4 cup whole-wheat pastry flour (may substitute regular whole-wheat flour)
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup canola oil, or other neutral-tasting oil, plus more for the baking dish
For the filling
- 3 pounds ripe but firm pears, peeled, cored and cut into 1/4- inch slices
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Directions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Brush the baking dish lightly with oil.
Step 2
For the topping: Process the slivered almonds in a food processor until finely ground. Transfer to a medium bowl, along with the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. Drizzle with the 1/4 cup of oil; stir until well incorporated.
Step 3
For the filling: Combine the pears, maple syrup and lemon juice in a large bowl. Sprinkle with the cornstarch, cinnamon and ginger; stir until the pears are evenly coated. Transfer to the baking dish, then crumble the topping over the pears.
Step 4
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until bubbling and the topping is lightly browned. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.