Description

These easy, make-ahead dessert bars feature a buttery crumble crust and topping filled with spiced pears and fresh ginger. They are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy autumn treat.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (200g) light brown sugar
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 medium firm pears (Bosc or Anjou), peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coarse sea salt, for optional topping

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides, and grease lightly.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, ground ginger, and salt.
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Work the butter into the mixture using your fingers, a pastry cutter, or a fork until it resembles coarse sand with pea-sized clumps.
Set aside 1/2 cup of the crumble mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
In a separate bowl, toss the diced pears with grated fresh ginger, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and cornstarch until evenly coated.
Spread the pear mixture evenly over the pressed crust.
Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup of crumble topping generously over the pears.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is deep golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Tent with foil if browning too quickly after 30 minutes.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 45 minutes before cutting into squares.
Optional: Sprinkle with coarse sea salt immediately after baking.

Notes

Keep butter cold for a crunchy topping. Use firm pears like Bosc or Anjou to prevent mushiness. Bars must cool completely before cutting to set properly. Can be made gluten-free using a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Can be made dairy-free using vegan butter.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 280
Sugar: 28
Sodium: 150
Fat: 12
Saturated Fat: 7
Carbohydrates: 42
Fiber: 2
Protein: 3

Keywords: fall dessert, pear crumble, ginger bars, easy dessert, make-ahead dessert, autumn baking, guest recipe