Spiced Pear and Walnut Crumble with Maple Yogurt Drizzle Recipe

Spiced Pear and Walnut Crumble with maple yogurt drizzle is a delicious dessert that combines the sweetness of pears with the crunch of walnuts and the warmth of spices. This dessert is perfect for fall and winter, when pears are in season and the weather is chilly. It is also a great way to use up leftover pears that may be too ripe for eating raw.

A rustic bowl of spiced pear and walnut crumble sits on a wooden table, with a generous drizzle of maple yogurt cascading over the top

The history of spiced pear and walnut crumble can be traced back to traditional British desserts such as apple crumble and apple pie. However, the addition of warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, as well as the use of pears instead of apples, gives this dessert a unique and delicious twist. The maple yogurt drizzle adds a creamy and slightly tangy element that complements the sweetness of the crumble.

Key Takeaways:

  • Spiced Pear and Walnut Crumble is a delicious dessert that combines the sweetness of pears with the crunch of walnuts and the warmth of spices.
  • This dessert has its roots in traditional British desserts but has been updated with the use of pears and warm spices.
  • The addition of a maple yogurt drizzle adds a creamy and tangy element to the dessert.

History of Spiced Pear and Walnut Crumble

A spiced pear and walnut crumble sits on a rustic wooden table, with a drizzle of maple yogurt cascading over the top

Origins of the Dish

Spiced Pear and Walnut Crumble is a dessert dish that has been enjoyed for many years. It is believed to have originated in England during the 17th century, where it was commonly served during the fall and winter months. The dish was made with seasonal ingredients such as pears and walnuts, which were readily available during this time of year.

The dish was typically prepared by peeling and slicing fresh pears, mixing them with sugar and spices, and then topping them with a crumbly mixture of flour, butter, and sugar. The dish was then baked in the oven until the pears were soft and the topping was golden brown.

Evolution of the Recipe

Over time, the recipe for Spiced Pear and Walnut Crumble has evolved to include a wider variety of ingredients and flavors. Today, many different variations of the dish can be found, each with its own unique twist on the classic recipe.

One popular variation of the dish is to add cinnamon or ginger to the crumble topping, which gives it a warm, spicy flavor. Another variation is to add chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping, which adds a delicious crunch to the dish.

In recent years, some chefs have even started experimenting with different types of fruit, such as apples or peaches, to create new and exciting versions of the dish. However, the classic combination of spiced pears and crunchy walnuts remains a favorite among many dessert lovers.

Key Ingredients

A rustic bowl of spiced pear and walnut crumble sits topped with a drizzle of maple yogurt, surrounded by scattered ingredients

Pears and Their Varieties

Pears are the star of this Spiced Pear and Walnut Crumble. They are a versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in both sweet and savory dishes. There are many different varieties of pears, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Some of the most popular varieties used in cooking and baking include Bartlett, Anjou, and Bosc.

Bartlett pears are sweet and juicy, making them a great choice for this recipe. They are also one of the most common varieties of pear found in grocery stores. Anjou pears are slightly less sweet than Bartlett pears and have a firmer texture. Bosc pears are the firmest of the three and have a slightly nutty flavor.

Walnuts and Their Benefits

Walnuts are a delicious and nutritious addition to this crumble. They are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making them a great choice for a healthy snack. Walnuts also contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help protect against heart disease and other chronic conditions.

Spices Used

The spices used in this recipe add warmth and depth of flavor to the crumble. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger are the main spices used. Cinnamon adds a sweet and slightly spicy flavor, while nutmeg adds a warm and nutty flavor. Ginger adds a slightly spicy and zesty flavor to the crumble.

Maple Syrup and Yogurt

The maple syrup and yogurt drizzle is the perfect finishing touch to this delicious dessert. Maple syrup adds a sweet and slightly smoky flavor to the crumble, while yogurt adds a tangy and creamy flavor. Together, they create a delicious and balanced flavor that complements the spiced pear and walnut crumble perfectly.

Ingredients:

  • 4 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/4 cup butter, cold and cut into small pieces
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
A bowl of spiced pear and walnut crumble topped with maple yogurt drizzle sits on a rustic wooden table, surrounded by scattered ingredients like cinnamon sticks and whole walnuts

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, combine the sliced pears, chopped walnuts, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt. Mix well to coat the pears and walnuts with the sugar and spices.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, and cold butter pieces. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix the ingredients until crumbly.
  4. Spread the pear and walnut mixture evenly in a baking dish.
  5. Sprinkle the oat and flour mixture over the top of the pears.
  6. Drizzle the maple syrup over the crumble topping.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the pears are tender.
  8. While the crumble is baking, mix the Greek yogurt with a little maple syrup to taste for the drizzle.
  9. Serve the Spiced Pear and Walnut Crumble warm, drizzled with the maple yogurt mixture.

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