Blackberry and pear crumble

Blackberry and pear crumble are at their best in in this crumble recipe – just right for early autumn as the evenings start to turn chilly and hot puddings become oh-so tempting.

Ingredients for Blackberry and pear crumble

For the crumble topping

• 110g/4oz butter, cubed, plus extra for greasing
• 180g/6½oz plain flour
• 110g/4oz demerara sugar

For the filling

• 5 pears, peeled and left whole
• 150g/5½oz caster sugar
• 300g/10½oz blackberries (or frozen blackberries)

For the custard

• 4 free-range egg yolks
• 40g/1½oz caster sugar
• 150ml/5½fl oz milk
• 150ml/5½fl oz double cream

Method

1. For the crumble, preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. Grease an ovenproof dish with butter.

2. In a large bowl, rub the butter into the flour using your fingertips, until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add the sugar, mix well, then set aside.

3. To make the filling, place the whole pears in a pan, cover with water and add 50g/1¾oz of the sugar. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the pears are tender. Drain well and set the pears aside to cool. Remove the pear cores and chop the flesh.

4. Spoon one-quarter of the pears in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared ovenproof dish. Scatter one-quarter of the blackberries over the pears and then sprinkle over 2 tablespoons of the remaining caster sugar. Repeat the layering process until all the pears, blackberries and sugar have been used.

5. Sprinkle over the topping and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden-brown and bubbling.

6. Meanwhile, make the custard. Place the egg yolks and sugar in a bowl and whisk until thick and pale.

7. Place the milk and cream in a saucepan and bring to the boil. Pour onto the egg mixture, whisk well, then return to the pan. Heat gently, until the custard is thick enough to coat the back of the spoon.

8. To serve, divide the crumble between serving bowls and pour the custard over.

Blackberry and pear crumble