Spring Crumble with Pears

Ingredients

• For the Fruit Filling
• Pears 4-6 medium
• Caster sugar 50g
• Lemon juice 1 tbsp
• Ground cinnamon or mixed spice 1 tsp
• For the Crumble Topping
• Plain flour 175g
• Cold butter 100g, cubed
• Caster sugar 75g
• Rolled oats (optional, for texture) 50g

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C / 170°C fan / Gas Mark 5. Lightly grease a medium ovenproof dish (approx. 20x20cm).
2. Peel, core, and slice the pears into roughly 1-2cm thick pieces. Place them in the prepared dish.
3. Scatter the 50g of caster sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon (or mixed spice) over the pears. Toss gently to coat.
4. In a separate bowl, add the plain flour and cubed cold butter. Rub the butter into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Be careful not to overwork it.
5. Stir in the 75g of caster sugar and the rolled oats (if using) into the flour and butter mixture. Mix until just combined.
6. Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the pear mixture in the dish.
7. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling.