Pear & Blackberry Crumble with Bay Leaf Custard is like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Imagine the sweet, juicy pears mingling with tart blackberries, all topped with a crumbly, buttery goodness that’s just begging to be devoured. And then there’s the bay leaf custard, smooth and fragrant, bringing it all together in an irresistible way that makes your taste buds sing.
If you’re looking for the perfect dessert to impress your friends or simply treat yourself after a long day, this crumble is your answer. It’s not just food; it’s an experience filled with nostalgia and comfort. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a gathering with loved ones, this dish promises to elevate any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Pear & Blackberry Crumble with Bay Leaf Custard is easy to whip up, even for kitchen novices.
- The delightful combination of sweet and tart flavors creates a mouthwatering dessert that everyone will adore.
- Its stunning presentation makes it perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings.
- Versatile enough to enjoy warm or cold, it’s a dessert for all seasons!
Ingredients for Pear & Blackberry Crumble with Bay Leaf Custard
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Pears: Use ripe but firm pears for the best texture and flavor. Bartlett or Anjou varieties work wonderfully.
- Blackberries: Fresh blackberries add a delightful tartness; however, frozen berries can also be used if fresh ones are unavailable.
- Brown Sugar: This adds rich caramel notes that enhance the fruit’s sweetness.
- Oats: Use rolled oats for the crumble topping; they provide great texture and heartiness.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for binding the crumble together and creating that perfect golden crust.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred; it provides richness and helps create a flaky topping.
- Bay Leaves: These aromatic leaves infuse the custard with a unique depth of flavor.
- Milk: Whole milk gives the custard its creamy texture; feel free to use plant-based alternatives if desired. For more inspiration, check out this Vanilla Custard Cream Bars recipe.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Pear & Blackberry Crumble with Bay Leaf Custard
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, grab your favorite baking dish—something that can handle both heat and compliments.
Step 2: Prepare the Fruit
Peel and slice your pears into bite-sized pieces. In a large mixing bowl, toss them gently with blackberries, brown sugar, and a sprinkle of flour. This step ensures the fruit is nice and coated while soaking up all those delicious flavors.
Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping
In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and cold butter cut into cubes. Use your fingers (or a pastry cutter) to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. You want it crumbly but not too fine—think beach vacation sand rather than powdered sugar!
Step 4: Layer It Up
Spread your fruity mixture evenly in the baking dish. Then generously sprinkle that glorious crumble topping over everything like you’re decorating a cake—but let’s face it; this is way better.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Slide your masterpiece into the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes or until bubbling and golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell heavenly—prepare for some serious anticipation!
Step 6: Prepare Bay Leaf Custard
While waiting for the crumble, combine milk and bay leaves in a saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s steaming (but not boiling), remove from heat and let steep for about ten minutes before whisking in egg yolks and sugar until smooth.
Transfer back onto low heat until slightly thickened—it should coat the back of a spoon perfectly!
To serve: Scoop generous portions of pear & blackberry crumble into bowls alongside that silky bay leaf custard drizzle. Enjoy every single bite while soaking in compliments from anyone lucky enough to share this experience!
You Must Know
- This delightful Pear & Blackberry Crumble with Bay Leaf Custard is not just a dessert; it’s a hug in a bowl.
- The combination of juicy pears and tart blackberries topped with a crunchy crumble will make your taste buds dance.
- Perfect for cozy evenings or impressing guests!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by preheating your oven, then mix the crumble topping while the fruits macerate. Layer the fruit in your baking dish, sprinkle with crumble, and pop it in the oven while you prepare the bay leaf custard for ultimate efficiency.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap pears for apples or add some oats to the crumble for texture. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate flavors, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different kinds of berries for a fruity twist. For more inspiration, check out this Cinnamon Pear Walnut Crumble recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place it back in a preheated oven until warm, ensuring that the crumble stays crispy and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use ripe fruits for maximum flavor—they’re sweeter and juicier!
- Keep the crumble mixture chunky for that perfect crunch.
- Lastly, let your crumble rest before serving; it helps everything set beautifully and enhances flavors.
Sometimes I think my family might just be plotting against me when I make this Pear & Blackberry Crumble. They swoop in like hungry hawks, leaving nothing but crumbs behind—literally!
FAQs :
What ingredients are needed for Pear & Blackberry Crumble with Bay Leaf Custard?
To make Pear & Blackberry Crumble with Bay Leaf Custard, you will need ripe pears, fresh blackberries, flour, sugar, butter, oats, and bay leaves. For the custard, gather milk, cream, egg yolks, and sugar. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving a delightful balance of flavors. peach tart with almond cream The pears provide a sweet base, while the blackberries add tartness. peach shortcake with whipped cream The crumble topping combines oats and butter for that perfect crunch. Don’t forget the bay leaf in the custard; it brings an aromatic twist that elevates this dessert.
How long does it take to prepare Pear & Blackberry Crumble with Bay Leaf Custard?
Preparing Pear & Blackberry Crumble with Bay Leaf Custard takes about 30 minutes of active preparation time. You will then need approximately 45 minutes for baking. This classic dessert requires minimal hands-on work but allows you to enjoy the process of layering flavors and textures. While the crumble bakes in the oven, you can whip up the bay leaf custard on the stovetop. In total, set aside around 1 hour and 15 minutes to create this delicious treat from start to finish.
Can I use frozen fruit for Pear & Blackberry Crumble?
Yes, frozen fruit can be used for Pear & Blackberry Crumble with Bay Leaf Custard. Although fresh fruit offers optimal flavor and texture, frozen blackberries and pears are a convenient alternative when fresh options are unavailable. Just remember to thaw and drain any excess liquid from the fruit before incorporating it into your crumble mixture. baked apple cider donuts This prevents your dessert from becoming too soggy while baking. Embrace the versatility of this recipe by using what’s available to create a delightful dish!
How should I store leftover Pear & Blackberry Crumble?
To store leftover Pear & Blackberry Crumble with Bay Leaf Custard properly, let it cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days to maintain freshness. When ready to enjoy again, reheat individual portions in the oven or microwave until warmed through. If you have extra bay leaf custard, keep it stored separately in the fridge as well. Enjoy your delicious leftovers without sacrificing quality!
Conclusion for Pear & Blackberry Crumble with Bay Leaf Custard :
In summary, Pear & Blackberry Crumble with Bay Leaf Custard is a delightful dessert that combines sweet fruits with a crunchy topping and creamy custard infused with aromatic bay leaves. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation steps, this recipe is accessible for both novice and experienced bakers alike. delicious apple crisp recipe The balance of flavors creates a comforting dish perfect for any occasion or season. Don’t hesitate to share this recipe with family and friends; they will appreciate its deliciousness! Enjoy making this treat that celebrates seasonal produce!

Pear & Blackberry Crumble with Bay Leaf Custard
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Pear & Blackberry Crumble with Bay Leaf Custard is a heartwarming dessert that beautifully balances the sweetness of ripe pears and the tartness of fresh blackberries, all enveloped in a crunchy golden crumble. Topped with a silky bay leaf custard, this dish is perfect for cozy evenings or impressing guests. Simple to make yet visually stunning, it’s an ideal treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 medium ripe pears, peeled and diced
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 egg yolks
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, toss diced pears with blackberries, brown sugar, and flour. Transfer to a baking dish.
- For the crumble topping, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter using your fingers until crumbly. Spread over the fruit mixture.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.
- While baking, heat milk with bay leaves until steaming. Steep for 10 minutes. Whisk in egg yolks and sugar; return to low heat until thickened.
- Serve warm crumble drizzled with bay leaf custard.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (210g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 120mg



