Easy Caramel Poached Pears with Pecan Crumble
This Caramel Poached Pear Crumble is a delicious holiday dessert made with fresh pears and a buttery pecan crumble that’s perfect for gatherings.
Recipe Inspiration:
This recipe is a true family favorite, inspired by the fresh pears from my sister’s garden! I wanted to combine the delicate flavors of caramel poached pears with a warm, spiced pecan crumble, perfect for cozy fall and winter celebrations. Whether you’re serving it as an after-dinner treat or for a special occasion, the contrast of textures—soft poached pears and crunchy crumble—brings out the best of this seasonal dessert.
Star Ingredients:
Pears: Fresh, juicy pears poached in caramel add natural sweetness and make this dish a seasonal delight.
Pecan Crumble: The combination of oats, pecans, and cinnamon creates a nutty, spiced crunch, perfect for complementing the soft poached pears.
Caramel Sauce: Simple yet luxurious, the caramel sauce coats the pears and adds a sweet finish with just a hint of vanilla.
Caramel Poached Pears & Pecan Crumble Recipe
Ingredients:
Caramel Poached Pears:
4 pears, peeled and halved
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup water
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
Pecan Crumble:
1/4 cup oats
1/2 cup flour
1/3 cup brown sugar
3 T butter, frozen
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1 tsp vanilla
2-3 tsp cold water
1/4 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions:
Pecan Crumble:
Preheat the oven to 320°F.
In a medium bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Grate or cut the frozen butter into the dry mixture and stir until crumbly.
Add vanilla and cold water, folding gently to form clumps. If needed, add more water by the teaspoon to reach the desired crumble texture.
Fold in chopped pecans.
Spread the crumble mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until slightly golden and crisp.
Let cool. Use immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Caramel Poached Pears:
In a large saucepan, add sugar over medium heat and allow it to melt and caramelize, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
Once the sugar turns amber, carefully add water, vanilla, and salt. Reduce heat to low and stir until the caramel dissolves completely.
Add the pear halves, cover, and simmer gently for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Remove the pears from the liquid and set aside. Continue simmering the caramel sauce until it reduces by half.
To serve, place two pear halves on each plate, drizzle with the reduced caramel, and top generously with pecan crumble.
Meal Prep Tips:
Make Ahead: Prepare the pecan crumble up to 2 weeks in advance and store in an airtight container. You can also poach the pears a day ahead and refrigerate them, then warm up and serve when needed.
Serving Options: This dish can be enjoyed on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to take it to the next level.
Customizing: Not a fan of pecans? Swap them for walnuts or almonds in the crumble. Or use my classic crumble recipe. You can also use this caramel poaching method for other fruits like apples or peaches!