This Mary Berry Pear Crumble recipe is a deliciously simple dessert, perfect for cooler days. The sweet, juicy pears are topped with a golden, buttery crumble, making it a family favorite that’s both comforting and easy to prepare.
What is Mary Berry Pear Crumble?
Pear crumble is a classic British dessert where tender baked pears are topped with a crunchy crumble made from flour, butter, and sugar. Mary Berry’s recipe adds a touch of simplicity and elegance, letting the natural sweetness of the pears shine through.

Other Popular Recipes
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Minimal prep and simple ingredients.
- Comforting and warm: Perfect for a cozy dessert.
- Customizable: Add spices or nuts for extra flavor.
- Great for any occasion: A hit for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients Needed for Mary Berry Pear Crumble
- 6 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
For the Crumble Topping:
- 150g plain flour
- 100g unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 75g demerara sugar
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Medium baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and chopping board
- Pastry blender or fingertips
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Pear Crumble
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F.
- Prepare the Pears:
- Peel, core, and slice the pears.
- Place them in a medium baking dish and toss with lemon juice, sugar, and ground cinnamon (if using).
- Make the Crumble Topping:
- In a mixing bowl, add the flour and cubed butter.
- Rub the butter into the flour using your fingertips or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Stir in the demerara sugar.
- Assemble the Crumble:
- Spread the crumble topping evenly over the pears, ensuring all the fruit is covered.
- Bake the Crumble:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pears are bubbling.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the crumble cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with custard, cream, or vanilla ice cream.

What to Serve With Mary Berry Pear Crumble
- Custard: A classic pairing for a warm, creamy touch.
- Vanilla ice cream: Adds a cool contrast to the warm crumble.
- Whipped cream: Light and airy for an indulgent dessert.
- Caramel sauce: Drizzle over the top for extra sweetness.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Mary Berry Pear Crumble
- Choose ripe pears: Ripe pears bake beautifully and bring out the natural sweetness.
- Add texture: Mix chopped nuts or oats into the crumble topping for extra crunch.
- Spice it up: Add nutmeg or ginger for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Make ahead: Assemble the crumble in advance and bake when ready to serve.
How Do I Store Mary Berry Pear Crumble?
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze the baked crumble in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
How Do I Reheat Mary Berry Pear Crumble?
- Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes.
Nutrition Value (per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
FAQs
How do I stop the crumble from getting soggy?
To keep the crumble topping crisp, ensure the pears are not overly juicy by tossing them in a little flour or cornstarch before baking. Bake the crumble uncovered to allow the topping to crisp up properly.
Can I use canned pears for pear crumble?
Yes, canned pears can be used. Drain them thoroughly to remove excess liquid, and adjust the sugar in the recipe as canned pears are often packed in syrup.
How do I make the crumble topping extra crunchy?
For an extra crunchy topping, mix in chopped nuts, oats, or desiccated coconut with the flour and sugar. A sprinkle of demerara sugar on top before baking also adds crunch.
Can I make pear crumble ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the crumble ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, bake the crumble and reheat it in the oven just before serving.
Final Words
This Mary Berry Pear Crumble Recipe is a timeless dessert that combines sweet, juicy pears with a crisp, buttery topping.
Try it today for a comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion!
More Delicious Recipes
- Jamie Oliver Plum Jam
- Jamie Oliver Pea and Prawn Risotto
- Jamie Oliver Pommes Anna
- Jamie Oliver Salmon and Lentils
Mary Berry Pear Crumble Recipe
Pear crumble is a classic British dessert where tender baked pears are topped with a crunchy crumble made from flour, butter, and sugar. Mary Berry’s recipe adds a touch of simplicity and elegance, letting the natural sweetness of the pears shine through.
- Prep Time: 35
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
- 6 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
For the Crumble Topping:
- 150g plain flour
- 100g unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 75g demerara sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F.
- Prepare the Pears:
- Peel, core, and slice the pears.
- Place them in a medium baking dish and toss with lemon juice, sugar, and ground cinnamon (if using).
- Make the Crumble Topping:
- In a mixing bowl, add the flour and cubed butter.
- Rub the butter into the flour using your fingertips or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Stir in the demerara sugar.
- Assemble the Crumble:
- Spread the crumble topping evenly over the pears, ensuring all the fruit is covered.
- Bake the Crumble:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pears are bubbling.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the crumble cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with custard, cream, or vanilla ice cream.