Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mini Pear Crumble Cups are comforting, easy to make, and full of cozy flavor. They come together quickly with pantry staples and fresh pears, and their small size makes them ideal for portion control or serving a crowd. Whether topped with ice cream or served plain, they’re elegant enough for guests yet simple enough for everyday baking.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the pear filling:
- Ripe pears, peeled, cored, and diced
- Granulated sugar
- Lemon juice
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Cornstarch
For the crumble topping:
- Rolled oats
- All-purpose flour
- Brown sugar
- Unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- Ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin or use silicone muffin molds.
- In a bowl, toss the diced pears with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Divide the pear mixture evenly among the muffin cups, pressing down gently to fill each one.
- In a separate bowl, mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Spoon the crumble mixture over each pear-filled cup, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Let cool for 10 minutes in the pan before carefully removing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 8–10 mini pear crumble cups.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Apple-Pear Crumble: Use half apples and half pears for a fruit medley.
- Nutty Topping: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble for added crunch.
- Maple Twist: Replace the granulated sugar in the filling with maple syrup for deeper flavor.
- Spiced Pear Chai: Add a pinch of ground ginger and cardamom for chai-inspired warmth.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
- Mini Crumble Jars: Bake in small mason jars for a fun and portable dessert.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or microwave for about 20–30 seconds until heated through.
You can freeze baked and cooled cups for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
FAQs
What kind of pears work best for baking?
Firm varieties like Bosc or Anjou hold their shape well and offer great flavor.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes, you can bake them a day ahead and reheat before serving.
Can I use canned pears?
Fresh is best for texture, but well-drained canned pears can be used in a pinch.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just bake in batches or use multiple muffin tins.
Do I need to peel the pears?
Peeling is recommended for a softer texture, but it’s optional based on preference.
Can I use butter alternatives?
Yes, plant-based butter or margarine can be used in the crumble.
Are these good served cold?
Yes, they’re delicious chilled or at room temperature, though they’re best warm.
Can I add raisins or dried fruit?
Yes, stir in a handful of raisins or chopped dried cranberries with the pears.
What if I don’t have a muffin tin?
You can use ramekins or bake as one large crumble in a small baking dish.
Can I serve these with ice cream?
Absolutely—vanilla ice cream or whipped cream pairs perfectly with the warm crumble.
Conclusion
Mini Pear Crumble Cups are a deliciously simple dessert that captures the essence of fall in every bite. With tender spiced pears and a golden oat topping, these personal-sized treats are perfect for cozy evenings, entertaining guests, or just enjoying something sweet and homemade. Easy to make and even easier to love, they’ll quickly become a favorite go-to dessert.
PrintMini Pear Crumble Cups
Mini Pear Crumble Cups are individual-sized desserts featuring juicy spiced pears topped with a golden oat crumble. Baked in muffin tins, they’re a cozy and convenient way to enjoy the flavors of fall in a handheld format.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 mini crumble cups
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Pear Filling:
- 3 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Crumble Topping:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin or use silicone molds.
- In a bowl, combine diced pears with granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Stir to coat evenly.
- Divide the pear mixture evenly into 8–10 muffin cups, pressing down lightly.
- In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Spoon the crumble mixture over the pears in each cup, pressing slightly to adhere.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and filling is bubbling.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use firm pears like Bosc or Anjou for best texture.
- Add chopped nuts to the crumble for extra crunch.
- These reheat well in the oven or microwave for a warm treat.
- Delicious served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crumble cup
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg