Pear Crunch
A warm, comforting dessert featuring tender pear halves topped with a crunchy cinnamon-brown sugar crumb, perfect for cozy gatherings and sweet tooth indulgence.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the pear halves, reserving the liquid.
- Place each pear half in a casserole dish.
- Combine brown sugar, cornflake crumbs, cinnamon, and butter to make the crumb topping.
- Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over each pear half.
- Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
- Add the reserved liquid to the casserole dish before serving.
- Serve warm with Cool Whip or ice cream as a garnish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier topping, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crumb mixture. You can also substitute the brown sugar with a sugar alternative if you're looking for a lower-calorie option. If you don't have cornflake crumbs, crushed graham crackers make a great alternative. For an extra flavor boost, try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the pears before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this warm dessert alongside a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of Cool Whip for a delightful contrast of temperatures. It pairs beautifully with Addie'S Spinach Casserole for a balanced meal, or as a sweet ending to a comforting dinner. For an extra indulgence, drizzle with caramel sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the pear crunch in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings for about 30-45 seconds, but be careful not to overheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pear Crunch contains roughly 38 calories, with 0g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pears instead of canned?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh pears! Just make sure to peel and slice them, then toss them with a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning. Bake for slightly longer, about 25-30 minutes, until they're tender and caramelized.
What can I use instead of Cool Whip?
If you're looking for an alternative to Cool Whip, homemade whipped cream is a great option. Simply whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. This will add a fresh taste and a light texture to your dessert.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pear halves and crumb mixture ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake just before serving. This makes it a convenient option for entertaining or a busy weeknight dessert.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).