Pear Walnut Chocolate Oat Crumble
You guys. I put chocolate in this pear crumble!
You already know that if there’s a possibility for me to put chopped chocolate in my dessert, I’m going to make the most of that opportunity. But said opportunities usually only arise in recipes such as cookies and bars. Not crumbles. Until now.
Cuz now, I’ve found a way to incorporate chunks of bittersweet chocolate into this pear walnut oat crumble. Not just to incorporate it. But to make the addition of chocolate chunks seem so seamless and natural and even necessary.
First off, this crumble is already unique in the fact that it utilizes pears. Because most crumbles I’ve come across use apples or berries or summer stone fruits. Pears never seem to be invited to the party. Not today. Today the underdog takes center stage.
What also makes this crumble extra-exciting is the addition of chopped walnuts. Because a crumble without nuts is lacking, in my opinion. I want - nay need - that deep, nutty flavor and crunch in my fruit crumbles.
Also included in the package: rolled oats. Aside from just flour. For that earthiness and heartiness and even more texture and subtle crunch.
And last, but oh so certainly not least, the chopped chocolate. Because chocolate! It really works here. Not just in a satisfactory way. In a magical way.
I think it’s the pears in specific that pair so well with the dark chocolate. Pears are sweet and light and have those hints of fall/winter spice flavor in them. And also, pears are kinda buttery. And butter + chocolate? Yeah, it just makes sense. A berry or a nectarine crumble with chocolate? Not so much. But a pear crumble? Tell me more.
And to play up the fall/winter spice flavor of the pears, we’ve got cinnamon and nutmeg added to the pear mixture. And a little in the crumble as well. Cuz yummy.
Apples would probably also be a nice option for this chocolate oat crumble, but if you’ve got the pears, please, do use the pears.
This cozy pear crumble gives me all the winter feelings. But in a good way, obviously. Pears. With oats. And brown sugar. And vanilla and cinnamon and nutmeg. And walnuts. And dark chocolate. It’s comfort. In a crumble.
Just a warning: chop up a bar of good-quality chocolate for this crumble. Do not use chocolate chips. I know I say this every time I post a recipe with chocolate, but this isn’t just a personal preference thing this time. Chocolate chips DO NOT work for this pear crumble. They’re acceptable in cookies. Unacceptable in the crumble.
Did I come across as too strict just now? Good, I hope so.
Well. Pear walnut chocolate oat crumble. It’s officially a thing, and it’s officially delicious.
Pear Walnut Chocolate Oat Crumble
Yield: 8-10 servings
Fruit Mixture:
5 pears (preferably Bosc or Concorde)
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crumble:
1 cup rolled oats
¾ cup packed flour
2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon baking powder
2/3 cup chopped walnuts
2/3 cup coarsely chopped bittersweet chocolate (not chips)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup oil
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a deep pie dish (9 to 11 inches).
2. Peel and slice the pears into small cubes or thin wedges. In a large bowl, combine the pears with the rest of the fruit mixture ingredients until the pears are evenly coated. Pour the mixture into prepared pie dish.
3. Prepare the crumble: In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, walnuts, chocolate, cinnamon, and salt. Add the vanilla extract and oil and mix till the crumble forms.
4. Sprinkle the crumble over the fruit mixture and bake on the lower oven rack until the fruit juices are bubbling and the top is browned, 35 to 50 minutes (depending on the size and depth of pie dish). Serve crumble warm or at room temperature, with ice cream if desired.
