Walnuts & Feta Crumble Recipe

If you adore warm, comforting desserts that bring together a lovely dance of flavors and textures, you have to try this delightful Walnuts & Feta Crumble dish featuring baked pears with honey and fresh berries. This recipe takes ripe, juicy pears and elevates them by baking to tender perfection, then topping them with a wonderfully crunchy and tangy Walnuts & Feta Crumble that adds depth and excitement to every bite. The combination of sweet honey, tart berries, nutty walnuts, and creamy feta creates a dessert experience that feels both fresh and indulgent, perfect for cozy evenings or special occasions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is truly about using simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play an essential role. From the juicy, fragrant pears that form the base, to the toasted walnuts that provide crunch, every element is chosen to create the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors along with gorgeous texture and color.

• Ripe pears: Choose pears that are just ripe to ensure they bake up soft and juicy without becoming mushy.
• Melted butter: Adds a rich, silky layer on the pears, helping that caramelization in the oven.
• Honey: Brings natural sweetness and a luscious glaze that pairs beautifully with the fruit and nuts.
• Cinnamon: Gives warm aromatic spice making the baked pears smell irresistible.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor that enhances the overall dessert complexity.
• Fresh mixed berries: A vibrant burst of tartness and color, combining strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
• Chopped walnuts, toasted: Toasting intensifies their flavor and crunch, a key component of the Walnuts & Feta Crumble topping.
• Crumbled feta: Brings a salty, creamy contrast that complements the sweetness and crunch of the crumble.
• Extra honey for drizzling: A final sweet touch that ties all the flavors together beautifully.

How to Make Walnuts & Feta Crumble

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pears

Start by preheating your oven to a warm 375°F (190°C). Halve and core the pears so they’re ready to soak up all those buttery, honeyed flavors. Arrange them cut side up in a baking dish to ensure even cooking and that beautiful caramelized surface later.

Step 2: Brush Pears With Flavor

Brush each pear half generously with melted butter, then drizzle honey over top. Sprinkle cinnamon evenly and add a touch of vanilla extract. This mixture forms the irresistible aroma and flavor base that makes the baked pears sing with warmth and sweetness.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pop the pears in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they become tender and slightly caramelized, turning golden around the edges. The result is delightfully soft fruit with just the right amount of natural sweetness intensified by baking.

Step 4: Add the Walnuts & Feta Crumble Topping

Once out of the oven, immediately pile fresh mixed berries onto each pear half, then scatter toasted walnuts and crumbled feta over the top. This fresh, crunchy, and creamy Walnuts & Feta Crumble topping adds layers of texture and flavor that transform the dish from simple baked fruit to a sensational treat.

Step 5: Drizzle and Serve

Finish by drizzling a little extra honey over everything to add just a touch of gloss and extra sweetness. Serve these warm to enjoy all the contrasting textures and harmonious flavors at their absolute best.

How to Serve Walnuts & Feta Crumble

Garnishes

Sprinkle some finely chopped fresh mint or a few edible flowers on top for an aromatic and colorful presentation that will wow your guests visually before they even taste it. A little lemon zest grated over the top can also brighten the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dessert shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy softness contrasts neatly with the crunchy Walnuts & Feta Crumble, taking the indulgence up a notch.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the pears in individual shallow bowls with the topping layered artistically, or place the pears on rustic wooden boards and let guests spoon on the Walnuts & Feta Crumble themselves. For an elegant twist, serve the crumble topping alongside the pears so everyone can customize their own perfect bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, cover the pears tightly and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pears will keep their softness, but the crumble topping is best added fresh to keep the texture fantastic.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh; freezing is not recommended as the pears might become too mushy when thawed and the walnuts lose their crunch. Instead, prep the components separately if you want to save time—toast walnuts in advance and keep berries fresh in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pears gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes until just heated through. Add the Walnuts & Feta Crumble topping fresh afterward to preserve its wonderful texture and flavor contrasts.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

Absolutely! Pecans or almonds can be great substitutes if you prefer or have allergies. Just toast them to bring out the best flavor for the crumble.

Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?

To make this vegan-friendly, swap butter with a plant-based alternative and omit or replace feta with a vegan cheese crumble or toasted seeds for that salty, crunchy finish.

Can I use canned or frozen berries?

Fresh berries are preferred for their vibrant texture and flavor, but if you only have frozen berries on hand, be sure to thaw and drain them well before using to avoid making the topping soggy.

How ripe should the pears be?

Choose pears that are ripe but still firm to the touch. Overripe pears may become too mushy during baking and lose their lovely shape and texture.

Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the pears and bake them in advance, then add the Walnuts & Feta Crumble topping just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Final Thoughts

This Walnuts & Feta Crumble with baked pears is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It offers such a charming balance of flavors and textures, combining the natural sweetness of pears and honey with the savory punch of feta and the satisfying crunch of walnuts. Give it a try next time you want to impress with minimal fuss—this dish will charm your family, friends, and most importantly, your taste buds!