Mary Berry Pear Crumble Recipe

This Mary Berry Pear Crumble is a comforting British dessert built around soft, juicy pears topped with a golden, buttery crumble. The flavour is gently sweet with a natural fruitiness, while the crumble adds a crisp contrast that makes each spoonful satisfying. It’s perfect for cooler evenings, family dinners, or when you want a simple dessert that feels familiar and reassuring.

The preparation is easy, the baking time is forgiving, and the ingredients are everyday staples. Inspired by the classic baking style of Mary Berry, this recipe focuses on balance—tender fruit, crisp topping, and no unnecessary fuss.

What Is Mary Berry Pear Crumble?

Mary Berry Pear Crumble is a traditional baked dessert made by layering sliced pears in a dish and topping them with a mixture of flour, butter, and sugar. As it bakes, the pears soften and release their juices, while the crumble turns crisp and lightly golden on top.

It is usually served warm and pairs well with custard, cream, or ice cream.

Other Popular Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry Apple Frangipane Tart
• Mary Berry Simnel Cake
• Mary Berry Banana Bread Loaf
• Mary Berry Lemon and Poppy Seed Cake

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Soft, juicy fruit base – pears bake down beautifully
• Crisp crumble topping – adds texture and contrast
• Simple ingredients – no complicated elements
• Flexible dessert – easy to adapt or scale
• Classic comfort food – always satisfying

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Pear Crumble

• Ripe pears – 6 medium, peeled, cored, and sliced
• Caster sugar – 75 g
• Lemon juice – 1 tbsp

For the crumble topping

• Plain flour – 175 g
• Unsalted butter – 100 g, cold and cubed
• Light brown sugar – 75 g

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Sharp knife and chopping board
• Pastry cutter or fingertips
• Spoon for layering

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Pear Crumble

• Prepare the pears – Peel, core, and slice the pears evenly. Place them in the baking dish, toss gently with lemon juice and caster sugar, and spread them out in an even layer so they soften uniformly as they bake.
• Make the crumble topping – Put the plain flour and cold butter into a bowl. Rub the butter into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Work lightly to keep the topping crumbly rather than doughy.
• Add the sugar – Stir the light brown sugar through the crumble mixture so it is evenly distributed. This helps the topping caramelise slightly during baking.
• Assemble the crumble – Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the pears, covering the fruit without pressing it down. A loose topping gives the best crisp texture.
• Bake until golden – Place the dish in the oven and bake until the pears are soft and bubbling around the edges and the crumble is golden and crisp on top.
• Rest briefly before serving – Let the crumble stand for a few minutes after baking. This allows the juices to thicken slightly and makes serving easier.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Watery base – Using very ripe pears caused excess juice, so firmer pears worked better.
• Soft topping – Pressing the crumble down stopped it from crisping, so sprinkling lightly fixed this.
• Uneven browning – Spreading the topping evenly improved the colour.
• Over-sweet result – Reducing sugar slightly balanced the pears.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry Pear Crumble

For a lighter version, reduce the amount of crumble topping and use wholemeal flour for added fibre. The pears still provide plenty of natural sweetness without needing extra sugar.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Pear Crumble

• Pears (6) – Use apples or a mix of apples and pears
• Plain flour (175 g) – Wholemeal flour for a nuttier flavour
• Butter (100 g) – Use a reduced-fat spread, chilled
• Light brown sugar (75 g) – Demerara sugar for extra crunch

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Pear Crumble

• Warm custard – Classic and comforting
• Vanilla ice cream – Adds contrast in temperature
• Lightly whipped cream – Softens the sweetness
• Greek yoghurt – Keeps it balanced
• Hot tea or coffee – Complements the dessert

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Pear Crumble

• Choose firm pears – They hold their shape better
• Keep butter cold – Ensures a crisp topping
• Do not overwork the crumble – Light texture matters
• Bake until bubbling – Confirms the fruit is cooked
• Let it rest briefly – Improves serving texture
• Serve warm – Best flavour and contrast

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Pear Crumble

• Spiced version – Add cinnamon or nutmeg
• Nutty topping – Mix in chopped almonds
• Oat crumble – Replace some flour with oats
• Pear and ginger mix – Add stem ginger for warmth
• Honey-sweetened fruit – Swap sugar for honey

Storing Mary Berry Pear Crumble the Right Way

• Refrigerated storage – Cover and store for up to two days
• Reheat before serving – Best enjoyed warm
• Avoid freezing with topping – Texture can soften
• Use an airtight container – Prevents drying

How to Reheat Mary Berry Pear Crumble (If Needed)

Reheat in a moderate oven until warmed through and the topping is crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can soften the crumble.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~45 g
• Fats: ~14 g
• Protein: ~4 g
• Sugar: ~26 g

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FAQs

Why is my pear crumble watery at the bottom?

A watery base usually happens when the pears are very ripe and release too much juice. Using firm pears and tossing them with a little sugar before baking helps control excess liquid.

How do I get a really crisp crumble topping?

Keep the butter cold and rub it lightly into the flour so the mixture stays crumbly. Do not press the topping down, as loose crumbs bake into a crisp, golden finish.

Should I cook the pears before adding the crumble topping?

No, the pears should be added raw. They soften fully during baking and keep their shape better when baked directly under the crumble.

Can I prepare pear crumble in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the crumble a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Bake it just before serving for the best texture and flavour.

Wrapping It Up

Mary Berry Pear Crumble is a dependable, comforting dessert that brings together soft fruit and crisp topping with minimal effort. It’s the kind of recipe you can rely on for both everyday meals and relaxed gatherings, delivering warmth and familiarity every time.