Recipe: Pear-walnut crumble

Is there anything more delicious than a warm fruit crumble on a crisp fall day? This dessert is perfect for your Thanksgiving table or any time of the year. Plus, you can substitute apples for a nice variation.

Serves 9 

Ingredients

Fruit Base:

• 4 large pears or granny smith apples, cut into ½ inch wide slices
• ¼ cup artificial sweetener
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• 2 tablespoons orange juice

Crumble Topping:

• ½ cup whole-wheat pastry flour
• ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar substitute
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon applesauce, unsweetened
• 2 tablespoons orange juice concentrate
• 2 tablespoons walnuts, chopped

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Spray a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray. In a bowl, toss the pears, artificial sweetener, orange zest and orange juice. Add to the baking dish.

In another bowl, combine the flour, oats and brown sugar. Add the butter and work it in with your fingertips or pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the applesauce and mix well. Add in the orange juice concentrate until the mixture is moistened.

Spread the crumble mixture evenly over the pears. Bake for about 25 minutes. Top the crumble with the chopped walnuts and continue to bake for another 20 minutes or until the pears are soft and topping is browned.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

140 calories, 3g fat, 26g carbohydrates, 4g fiber, 2g protein

Adapted from: Diabetes Forecast
Reviewed by PeaceHealth dietitians and nutritionists