Pear and Coconut Crumble is a delicious dessert that combines the sweet and juicy flavor of pears with a crunchy coconut and oat topping. It’s a popular dessert in many countries and has a history of being a comforting and satisfying treat. Let’s explore its history, components, preparation steps, and time needed to make it:
History:
The exact origin of pear and coconut crumble is not well-documented, but crumbles, in general, are believed to have originated in Britain during World War II when rationing led to creative ways of making desserts with limited ingredients. Over time, variations of crumble recipes have emerged, including the delightful combination of pears and coconut.
Components:
- Pears: You’ll need ripe pears, typically peeled, cored, and sliced.
- Coconut: Sweetened shredded coconut adds a delightful tropical flavor.
- Oats: Rolled oats create the crumbly topping.
- Flour: All-purpose flour helps bind the topping.
- Sugar: Both granulated sugar and brown sugar add sweetness.
- Butter: Cold butter is cut into the dry ingredients to create a crumbly texture.
- Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices add warmth and depth to the flavor.
Preparation Steps:
Prep Time: Approximately 20 minutes
Baking Time: Around 30-35 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 55 minutes
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish or individual ramekins.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Peel, core, and slice the pears.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the pear slices with a tablespoon of granulated sugar and a pinch of cinnamon. Toss to coat evenly.
- Transfer the pear mixture into the greased baking dish or ramekins.
Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping
- In another bowl, mix the rolled oats, shredded coconut, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, a pinch of cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
- Cut cold butter into small pieces and add it to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the pears in the baking dish or ramekins.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the pears are tender.
Step 5: Serve
- Allow the pear and coconut crumble to cool slightly before serving. It’s often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
Enjoy your homemade Pear and Coconut Crumble! This delightful dessert combines the sweetness of pears with the tropical flavor of coconut, all under a crispy, crumbly topping. It’s a comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Pear and Coconut Crumble:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving, assuming 8 servings):
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 46g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 26g
- Protein: 2g
- Vitamin D: 1%
- Calcium: 2%
- Iron: 6%
- Potassium: 4%
Health Information:
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Moderate Calories: Pear and Coconut Crumble is moderately calorie-dense due to the butter, sugar, and oats in the topping. It’s best enjoyed in moderation as a dessert rather than a daily staple.
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Good Source of Fiber: The dessert contains a decent amount of dietary fiber, mainly from the pears and oats. Fiber is essential for digestive health and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
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Moderate Sugar Content: While Pear and Coconut Crumble does contain sugars from both the pears and added sugars in the topping, it’s not excessively high. However, it’s still advisable to consume sweet treats like this in moderation to manage sugar intake.
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Healthy Fats: Coconut and butter provide fats in the dessert. Coconut contains healthy medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), but it’s essential to consume fats in moderation as they are calorie-dense.
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Vitamins and Minerals: Pears contribute some essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium. These nutrients can support overall health.
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Portion Control: To make this dessert a more health-conscious choice, consider smaller portion sizes and pairing it with healthier options like low-fat yogurt or fresh fruit.
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Variations: You can make healthier versions of Pear and Coconut Crumble by using substitutes like coconut oil instead of butter, reducing sugar, or incorporating whole-grain oats for added nutrition.
While Pear and Coconut Crumble can be enjoyed as an occasional treat, it’s essential to be mindful of portion sizes and overall dietary balance. It’s a dessert that combines the sweetness of pears with the indulgence of a crumbly topping, making it a delightful choice for special occasions or when you’re in the mood for something sweet.
