With the holidays coming up, I’ve been experimenting with some different dessert options. This past weekend, I decided to make a pear and pecan layered dessert. I love pairing pecans and pears together because they complement each other so well. If you’re looking for a fun holiday treat, give this recipe a try!
Pear Filling Ingredients:
- 6 large Bosc pears
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
Crumble Ingredients:
- 3 cups pecan halves
- 1 cup quick oats (I use gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Pear Filling Directions:
Begin by peeling your pears and cutting them into quarters. Cut out the seeds and stem. Now, take your peeled and cored pears and cut them up into slightly smaller pieces. Place the pieces into a large stove-top pot. Add enough water to the pot so that it rises halfway up the pears.
Next, turn the burner to medium heat and place the pot with the water and pears on it. Cover the pot with a lid. Let the water come to a slow boil. Cook the pears until they are very soft and starting to break down (this will take around 40-50 minutes. Be sure to stir your pears occasionally. It’s also important to keep an eye on the water level. Don’t let all of the water evaporate or the pears will stick to the bottom of the pot. If you think the water is starting to get too low, add a little bit.
Once the pears have started to really break down, turn off the burner and transfer the pears and the remaining water to the bowl of your food processor (note that if you are using a blender, you’ll need to make sure the pears cool before blending or the pressure of the heat will cause a mess). Process until the pears are nice and smooth. Return the pears to the pot and stir in the maple syrup and cinnamon. Now prepare the cornstarch. Measure out the cornstarch in a mug or large measuring cup. Add just enough water to cover the cornstarch. Mix the water + cornstarch until it’s fully combined. Add the mixture to the blended pears and stir well.
Place the pot back on medium heat and stir continuously. Cook and stir until the pears start to thicken. This will happen as the mixture starts to boil. You might also notice that the pear mixture darkens a little as it gets thicker.
Once the pear filling has thickened, remove the pot from the burner, turn off the burner, and set the pot aside to cool. After 10-15 minutes, put the pot into the fridge and let the filling cool for 2-3 hours before assembling the dish.
Crumble Directions:
Start by measuring out your pecan halves. Then, break up the halves into smaller pieces and put them into a large mixing bowl. Add the remaining ingredients to the mixing bowl and stir until well combined. Set aside until you are ready to assemble the dish.
Assembly:
Once the filling has cooled, you are ready to assemble the dessert! Using small mason jars, or regular-sized mugs, spoon in some of the crumble to cover the bottom of the jar or mug. Next, add some filling. Then add more crumble, more filling, and more crumble again. (That’s three layers of crumble and two layers of filling.) This should fill your mason jar or mug up to the top. Next repeat in another jar or mug. Do this until you have no filling or crumble left. This recipe fills about 6 small mason jars.
Once you have no filling or crumble left, place the jars or mugs in the fridge and let them cool for another couple of hours before diving in and enjoying.
Store leftovers in the fridge.
Enjoy!
Desserts à la Mariane 