Blackberry pear crumble- delicious 1 hour treat!
There’s something magical about a chily winter night, when the evenings grow crisp and the scent of falling leaves drifts through the air. And what better way to celebrate the season than with a warm, comforting dessert? This blackberry and pear crumble is at its peak right now, when the fruits are perfectly ripe and bursting with flavor. Juicy blackberries mingle with tender, sweet pears, creating a luscious, fruity filling that bubbles up as it bakes. On top, a golden, buttery crumble adds the perfect crunch, creating a mouthwatering contrast to the soft fruit beneath.
Even better, this recipe is wonderfully quick and simple, perfect for those times when you want a homemade treat without spending all day in the kitchen. With less than 30 minutes of active preparation and just 30 minutes in the oven, you can have a fragrant, golden crumble ready to serve in under an hour. As it bakes, the sweet aroma of tender pears, juicy blackberries, and a buttery, crisp topping will fill your kitchen, creating an irresistible, cozy atmosphere. Whether you’re wrapping yourself in a blanket with a steaming mug of tea, or sharing this comforting dessert with friends and family, this crumble captures the very essence of autumn: warm, indulgent, and utterly irresistible. Each spoonful is a perfect balance of soft, juicy fruit and crunchy, buttery topping, making it a dessert that delights everyone who tastes it.
Blackberry pear crumble- ingredient list!
Crumble topping ingredients;
110g/4oz cubed butter + additional for greasing
180g/6½oz of regular flour
110g/4oz of demerara sugar
Ingredients for the filling;
Five peeled and entire pears
300g/10½oz blackberries (or frozen blackberries) and 150g/5½oz caster sugar
Ingredient list for the custard;
Four free-range 40g/1½oz caster sugar, 150ml/5½fl oz milk, and 150ml/5½fl oz double cream
Blackberry pear crumble- step by step instruction guide!
Step 1
For the crumble, begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F/Gas Mark 4) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking. While the oven is warming up, take an ovenproof dish and lightly grease it with a generous amount of butter, making sure to coat the base and sides evenly. This will prevent the crumble from sticking and help it develop a beautifully golden, crisp topping as it bakes.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, place the flour and then add the butter in small pieces. Using the tips of your fingers, gently rub the butter into the flour, working it in until the mixture takes on a light, crumbly texture that resembles fine breadcrumbs. Take care not to overwork it, as this will help keep the crumble light and tender. Once the butter is fully incorporated, sprinkle in the sugar and mix thoroughly so that it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. When the sugar is fully combined, set the bowl aside for the moment while you prepare the fruit filling.
Step 3
To prepare the filling, start by placing the whole pears in a large saucepan. Pour in enough water to just cover the pears, and then add 50g (1¾oz) of sugar to sweeten the poaching liquid. Gently bring the water to a boil over medium heat, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the pears to start softening. Once the liquid reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let the pears cook for 10–12 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a knife. Carefully drain the pears and set them aside to cool completely, giving them time to firm up slightly before handling. Once cooled, remove the cores and chop the pear flesh into even, bite-sized pieces, ready to be layered into your crumble.
Step 4
Begin assembling the crumble by spooning one-quarter of the chopped pears into the bottom of the prepared, buttered ovenproof dish, spreading them out evenly to form a uniform layer. Next, scatter one-quarter of the blackberries gently over the pears, taking care to distribute them so that each bite will have a balance of fruit. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the remaining caster sugar evenly over the fruit to add sweetness and help create a lovely syrup as it bakes. Continue this process, layering the remaining pears, blackberries, and sugar in the same manner, until all of the fruit and sugar have been used, creating a beautifully layered base that will sit under the crumble topping.
Step 5
Finally, take the prepared crumble topping and sprinkle it evenly over the layered fruit, covering it completely so that every corner of the dish is topped with the buttery mixture. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the topping turns a beautiful golden-brown and the fruit beneath begins to bubble gently around the edges. The aroma of baked pears, blackberries, and sweet, buttery crumble will fill the kitchen, signaling that your dessert is perfectly cooked and ready to be enjoyed warm.
Step 6
While the crumble is baking, begin making the custard. In a medium bowl, combine the egg yolks and sugar. Using a whisk, beat the mixture vigorously until it becomes thick, smooth, and pale in color, creating a rich base for your custard. In a separate saucepan, pour in the milk and cream and gently bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, keeping a careful eye so it doesn’t scorch. Once the milk and cream reach a boil, slowly pour them into the egg yolk mixture in a steady stream, whisking continuously to prevent the eggs from curdling. Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and heat gently over low to medium heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. At this point, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly before serving alongside the warm crumble.
Blackberries are perfect for freezing, so consider keeping a stash in your freezer. They retain their flavor and texture beautifully, making it easy to enjoy this delicious crumble even in the depths of winter. Simply thaw the berries slightly before using, and you’ll be able to recreate this comforting, fruity dessert any time of year, bringing a taste of summer to your table no matter the season.