Pear and plum chocolate butter crumble

A decadent combination of pear and plum crumble showcases the tartness of ripe fruits with a rich chocolate butter crumble topping. Perfectly balanced with toasted hazelnuts, it’s an indulgent dessert for any occasion.

By Gurdeep Loyal
From Saturday Kitchen

Moderately healthy dessert with rich flavours. Learn more.

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Roasting tin
• Measuring spoons

Ingredients

For the filling

• Pears: 2 large ripe, cored and diced into 1cm pieces
• Plums: 6 ripe, destoned and diced into 1cm pieces
• Dark brown sugar: 3 tbsp
• Cornflour: 1 tbsp
• Lemon juice: 3 tbsp
• Vanilla bean paste: 1 tsp
• Hazelnuts: 50g/1¾oz, chopped and toasted

For the chocolate butter crumble

• Jumbo oats: 125g/4½oz
• Einkhorn flour: 125g/4½oz
• Dark brown sugar: 4 tbsp
• Demerara sugar: 4 tbsp
• Cinnamon: 1 tsp
• Fine salt: ½ tsp
• Chocolate butter: 185g/6½oz, cubed

Method

Prepare the filling

• Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C Fan/Gas 6.
• Mix the diced pears, plums, 2 tablespoons of dark brown sugar, cornflour, lemon juice, vanilla bean paste, and toasted hazelnuts in a bowl.
• Transfer the mixture into a 16x24cm/6x9in deep roasting tin and spread evenly.

Make the crumble topping

• Combine the oats, einkhorn flour, dark brown sugar, demerara sugar, cinnamon, and fine salt in a mixing bowl.
• Add the cubed chocolate butter and rub it in using your hands until you achieve a chunky, crumbly texture.

Assemble and bake

• Scatter the crumble topping over the fruit mixture, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
• Bake for 45–50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the fruit is soft and juicy.
• If the topping browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning.

Suggested Wine Pairing

• Majestic: Brown Brothers Orange Muscat & Flora. A sweet and citrusy wine that complements the dessert’s fruity and nutty flavors.
• Tesco: Rustenberg Straw Wine. A rich, honeyed dessert wine that enhances the chocolate crumble and spiced undertones.
• Sainsbury’s: Pedro Ximénez Sherry. Deep caramel and fig notes create a luscious pairing with the crumble’s sweetness.

What can you serve with this

1. Vanilla ice cream: Balances the rich crumble with creamy coolness.
2. Whipped cream: Adds a light and fluffy texture to complement the dessert.
3. Warm custard: Creates a comforting and traditional pairing.

Nutri-score Health Check

This dessert receives a Nutri-score of D due to its higher sugar and fat content from the crumble topping. While it provides some nutritional benefits from the fruits and nuts, its indulgent nature places it in the less healthy range. This score has been automatically calculated based on the recipe’s ingredients and is only a guide.

Recipe FAQ

• Can I use other fruits? Yes, you can substitute pears and plums with apples, berries, or peaches.
• What is einkhorn flour? Einkhorn is an ancient grain known for its nutty flavour and nutritional benefits.
• Could I use ordinary flour? Whole Wheat Flour provides a similar nutty flavour and robust texture.
• Can I use regular butter? Yes, but the chocolate butter adds a unique richness to the crumble.
• How do I toast hazelnuts? Toast them in a dry pan over medium heat until golden and aromatic.
• Can I make this dessert vegan? Yes, use vegan chocolate butter and ensure all other ingredients are plant-based.
• What is the best way to store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
• Can I freeze this dessert? Yes, freeze the unbaked crumble for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
• What is the purpose of cornflour in the filling? It thickens the fruit juices, creating a luscious consistency.
• Can I use gluten-free flour? Yes, substitute einkhorn flour with a gluten-free alternative.