Pear Crumble with Almonds and Amaretto: A Cozy Slow Cooker Dessert
Pear Crumble is a timeless dessert that brings comfort and warmth, especially when made with a slow cooker. This version features firm pears, aromatic amaretto, and crunchy toasted almonds, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures. It’s the perfect dessert to make in advance for a cozy evening or to impress guests at a gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: This adds sweetness and a rich, caramel-like flavor.
- ¼ cup amaretto liqueur: Infuses the crumble with a subtle almond flavor and a hint of sophistication.
- ¾ cup butter, melted: Helps to bind the crumble topping and adds richness.
- 8 large firm pears, peeled, cored, and chopped: Choose firm pears to hold their shape during the long cooking process.
- ½ cup sugar: Sweetens the pears and complements the brown sugar in the topping.
- ½ cup flour: Forms the base of the crumble topping.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the dessert.
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg: Enhances the flavor with a hint of spice.
- ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted: Provides a nutty crunch and a lovely texture contrast.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Start by preparing your slow cooker. You can either coat the inside with cooking spray, brush it with oil, or use a slow cooker liner to make cleanup easier.
2. Mix Pears and Sauce: In the slow cooker, combine 1 cup of packed brown sugar, ¼ cup of amaretto liqueur, and ½ cup of melted butter. Stir to mix these ingredients well. Add the chopped pears to the slow cooker and stir to coat them thoroughly with the sugar and butter mixture.
3. Prepare the Crumble Topping: In a separate small bowl, combine ½ cup of sugar, ½ cup of flour, ½ cup of toasted sliced almonds, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg. Pour in the remaining melted butter and stir with a fork until the mixture begins to form crumbly bits. This will create a sweet and crunchy topping.
4. Assemble the Crumble: Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the pears in the slow cooker. This topping will bake to a crisp and golden perfection while the pears become tender and juicy.
5. Cook the Crumble: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for about 3 hours. The crumble is done when the topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The pears should be bubbling and soft.
6. Cool and Serve: Once the cooking time is complete, remove the lid and allow the crumble to cool for about 30 minutes. This cooling period helps the crumble topping set and makes serving easier.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Scoop the warm pear crumble into bowls and serve with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The combination of warm crumble and cold ice cream is simply irresistible.
Tips:
- Choosing Pears: For best results, use pears that are firm and slightly underripe. Overripe pears may become mushy during the slow cooking process.
- Toasting Almonds: Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until golden brown and fragrant. This enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the crumble.
This pear crumble is a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of fall or any time you crave a comforting, homey dessert. The slow cooker makes it easy to prepare, letting you focus on enjoying the sweet, aromatic results.