Spiced Pear Crumble – A Nourishing Gluten-Free Treat for Cozy Days

by Petra
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I created this Spiced Pear Crumble while visiting my mom in the Czech Republic last Christmas. The kitchen smelled of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—and the winter chill outside made it the perfect time for a warm, oven-baked treat.

It quickly became a family favorite—my brother absolutely loves it—and it’s now one of those recipes we all look forward to when the days grow shorter and colder.

Made with naturally sweet pears and topped with a wholesome mix of oats, almond flour, and pecans, this gluten-free crumble is as nourishing as it is comforting. It’s lovely as a cozy winter dessert, especially after dinner when you’re craving something gently sweet to close the day. And the best part? The leftovers reheat beautifully, making for a delicious and warming breakfast the next morning.

Petra’s LifeFuel Tip: To keep this recipe fully gluten-free, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats, as regular oats are often cross-contaminated during processing.

Whether you serve it at a holiday gathering, enjoy it as a quiet after-dinner dessert by candlelight, or warm it up for a nourishing breakfast, this healthy pear crumble brings a touch of comfort to even the coldest days.

Why You’ll Love This Spice Pear Crumble

  • Easy to make – Simple steps and wholesome ingredients
  • Naturally sweetened – Just a touch of honey and ripe pears
  • Nourishing & satisfying – Packed with fiber and plant-based goodness
  • Gluten-free & gut-friendly – Made with almond flour and oats (be sure to use certified gluten-free oats)
  • Healthy fats – From pecans and almonds to support heart and brain health

Health Benefits: A Crumble That Comforts—and Nourishes

This spiced pear crumble isn’t just a cozy dessert—it’s a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients that offer more than just flavor. Here’s a peek at the wellness behind the flavor.

Pears

Naturally rich in fiber—especially pectin—pears support digestive health and help regulate blood sugar levels. They also provide vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants, particularly when the peel is left on.

While some heat-sensitive nutrients like vitamin C may decrease during cooking, both soluble (like pectin) and insoluble fiber are heat-stable. In fact, gentle cooking can make soluble fiber more available and easier to digest. Many beneficial plant compounds—especially in the peel—also remain after baking, making pears a nourishing choice even when cooked.

Cinnamon

Fragrant and warming, cinnamon offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Research suggests it may help support blood sugar balance and overall metabolic health—all while adding natural sweetness without added sugar.

Cloves

Tiny but mighty, cloves contain eugenol, a compound known for its antibacterial, antiviral, and soothing properties. Traditionally used to ease minor aches and support immune health, they bring both flavor and function.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg contains myristicin and linalool, compounds associated with gentle digestive support and mood-calming effects when used in small amounts. It’s also traditionally used to reduce bloating and gas.

Oats

Oats are a nourishing source of slow-digesting carbohydrates, along with beta-glucans, which support heart health, digestion, and immune function. They’re also rich in magnesium, manganese, and plant-based protein.

Pecans

Pecans are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, along with important nutrients like vitamin E, zinc, manganese, and magnesium. They’re also a source of antioxidants, including polyphenols, which help protect the body from oxidative stress.

These buttery nuts may support brain and heart health, promote skin repair, and play a role in reducing inflammation and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.

Almond Flour

Naturally gluten-free and nutrient-dense, almond flour is made from finely ground blanched almonds. It provides healthy fats, plant-based protein, vitamin E, magnesium, and manganese. Almond flour supports blood sugar balance thanks to its low glycemic index and is also rich in antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress.

Recipe Tips for the Best Flavor & Easy Substitutions

Go organic if you can

Use organic ingredients whenever possible—especially when it comes to pears, spices, and oats. Choosing organic helps reduce your exposure to pesticide residues and supports soil and ecosystem health.

Petra’s LifeFuel Tip: Did you know? Pears often rank high on the EWG’s Dirty Dozen list due to pesticide residues—especially when the skin is left on. If you can’t find organic pears, consider peeling them before cooking, as most pesticide residues tend to concentrate in the skin.

Soak your oats and nuts (if possible)

I recommend soaking oats and pecans for at least a couple of hours—or even better, overnight. This simple step helps activate enzymes that break down phytic acid, a naturally occurring compound that can interfere with mineral absorption. Soaking reduces phytic acid and may improve the bioavailability of key minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc.

It also helps break down some of the complex carbohydrates in oats, making them gentler on digestion.

Adjust the spice levels to your taste

I use ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves in this recipe, but cloves have a strong, aromatic flavor that not everyone enjoys in larger amounts. Feel free to start with less, then taste and add more if desired.

The same goes for cinnamon and nutmeg—spice potency can vary by brand and freshness, so adjust based on your taste and the strength of your spices.

Simmer the pears mindfully

Pears vary in firmness and moisture.

  • Very ripe pears may only need 2–3 minutes of gentle simmering.
  • Firmer pears will benefit from 4–5 minutes to soften slightly before baking.
  • Some pears release plenty of juice, while others stay drier—add 1–2 tablespoons of water only if needed to prevent spices from sticking or burning.

Keep in mind: a wetter filling may require a slightly longer baking time to achieve a golden, crisp top.

Substitutions & Add-Ins
  • No pecans? Walnuts work beautifully too.
  • For a vegan version, swap ghee for coconut oil and honey for maple syrup.
  • No pears? Apples are a delicious substitute. Try tart-sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady for balance.
  • For extra crunch, sprinkle a few additional chopped nuts on top of the crumble before baking for a toasty, nutty finish.

Time-Saving Tips

  • Chop the pears in advance: Dice the pears the night before and store them in an airtight container with a splash of lemon juice to keep them from browning. When you’re ready to bake, they’ll be waiting.
  • Skip the soaking (if needed): While soaking oats and nuts improves digestibility, you can skip this step if you’re short on time. The crumble will still come together beautifully with dry rolled oats and raw pecans.
  • Make the crumble topping ahead: Mix the crumble topping in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Just give it a quick stir before using—perfect if you’re prepping for guests or planning a slower morning.
  • Double the batch: Bake a larger batch in a 9×13″ dish and enjoy nourishing leftovers for breakfast or snack time throughout the week.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

This Spiced Pear Crumble is as flexible as it is comforting—and that’s one of the reasons I love it so much.

  • Serve it warm straight from the oven as a cozy after-dinner dessert. The tender fruit and golden topping are satisfying enough on their own.
  • Enjoy it as a nourishing breakfast the next morning—just reheat gently in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crisp.
  • Add a spoonful of plain yogurt (dairy or non-dairy) for a lovely balance of creaminess and tang.
  • For something a little extra, drizzle with almond butter or top with coconut yogurt and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a café-style touch at home.
  • This crumble also makes a beautiful addition to a weekend brunch spread—pair it with herbal tea, fresh fruit, and a source of protein like soft-boiled eggs or a simple omelet. It adds a gently sweet, grounding touch that complements savory dishes and brings balance to the table.

In future recipes, I’ll be sharing more brunch ideas you can mix and match with this crumble—so stay tuned for those delicious pairings!

Storage & Reheating Tips
  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making it just as delicious the next day. 
  • To reheat, warm a portion in the oven or air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes until the topping crisps up again. (The microwave works too, but you’ll lose that lovely crumble texture.)
  • This dish isn’t ideal for freezing, as the texture of the topping can soften too much upon thawing—but it’s so easy to make, you won’t mind baking it fresh.
I’d Love to Hear From You!

If you try this Spiced Pear Crumble, let me know how it turned out in the comments!
Did you make any fun twists or serve it for a special occasion? I’d love to hear how you enjoyed it

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Spiced Pear Crumble – A Nourishing Gluten-Free Treat for Cozy Days

Print Recipe

This cozy, naturally sweetened crumble is made with juicy pears, warming spices, and a golden oat-pecan topping. It’s perfect for a wholesome dessert or a gently spiced breakfast treat.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pear Base:

  • 1 lb pears (cored, unpeeled, cut into 1/4-inch pieces)
  • 1 tbsp ghee (or coconut oil for a vegan option)
  • 2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest (preferably from organic lemon)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1–2 tbsp water, as needed

For the Crumble Topping:

  • 1/2 cup (2 oz) almond flour
  • 1/2 cup (2 oz) certified gluten-free rolled oats (ideally soaked overnight, then drained and rinsed)
  • 1/2 cup (2 oz) pecans (ideally soaked overnight, then drained, rinsed, and chopped)
  • 1/4 cup ghee (melted, or use coconut oil for a vegan version)
  • 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for a vegan alternative)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position a rack in the center.

Cook the pear base

  • In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon ghee (or coconut oil) over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped pears, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
  • Stir to combine and let simmer for 1–2 minutes.

Add the spices

  • Stir in 2 teaspoons cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon cloves.
  • Tip: If you’re sensitive to the strong flavor of cloves, start with a little less and adjust to taste.
  • If the pears begin to stick, add 1–2 tablespoons of water to prevent burning. Continue simmering for another 2–4 minutes, until the pears soften slightly but still hold their shape.

Prepare the crumble topping

  • In a medium bowl, combine:
    • ½ cup almond flour
    • ½ cup soaked and drained rolled oats
    • ½ cup soaked, chopped pecans
  • Add ¼ cup melted ghee (or coconut oil), 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup), 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is evenly coated and crumbly.

Assemble the crumble

  • Lightly grease a medium baking dish (an 8×8-inch dish works well).
  • Spread the spiced pear base evenly across the bottom, then sprinkle the crumble topping over it, covering the fruit completely.

Bake

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.

Cool and serve

  • Allow the crumble to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
  • Enjoy it warm on its own, pair it with yogurt, whipped coconut cream, or a drizzle of nut butter for an extra indulgent touch.

Notes

Recipe Tips & Substitutions

  • Use organic when possible – Especially for pears, oats, and spices. Peel pears if not organic.
  • For gluten-free: Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats, as regular oats may be cross-contaminated with gluten during processing
  • Soaking optional – Soaking oats and nuts improves digestion and mineral absorption, but you can skip it if short on time.
  • Spices to taste – Cloves can be strong for some—start with less and adjust to your preference. Cinnamon and nutmeg strength may also vary by brand.
  • Watch your pears – Ripe pears need less simmering and often release more juice. Add water only if needed to prevent sticking.
  • Nut swap – Walnuts can be used instead of pecans.
  • Vegan-friendly – Substitute ghee with coconut oil and honey with maple syrup.
  • No pears? – Apples work well too. Try tart-sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady.
  • Extra crunch – Sprinkle a few chopped nuts on top before baking.

Time Saving Tips

  1. Chop pears in advance and store them in the fridge with lemon juice.
  2. Skip soaking oats and nuts if short on time—recipe still works well.
  3. Prep crumble ahead and refrigerate for up to 1 day.
  4. Double the batch and bake in a 9×13” dish for easy leftovers.

Pairing/Servin Suggestions

  • Enjoy warm as dessert or reheated for breakfast.
  • Add a spoonful of yogurt (dairy or non-dairy).
  • Try with a drizzle of nut butter or whipped coconut cream.
  • Pairs beautifully with herbal tea or eggs as part of a balanced brunch.

Storage Tips

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes for the best texture.
  • Not ideal for freezing—best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.

Final Notes

This spiced pear crumble is as nourishing as it is comforting. Feel free to make it your own—adjust the spices, swap the nuts, and enjoy it in your favorite way.

  • Author: Petra
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 30
  • Category: Dessert, Breakfast
  • Cuisine: British-inspired
  • Diet: Gluten Free

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The nutrition information provided with this recipe is automatically calculated using an online nutrition calculator and is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a substitute for professional dietary advice. Read the full disclaimer here.

Categories: Breakfast, Desserts, Recipes

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