(Note: this post was originally published on November 10, 2019. The date above reflects migration to the new platform.)
I'm so excited to introduce you to my new favorite cozy treat. These Chai-Spiced Pear Crumble Bars are packed with fall flavor and nostalgic vibes, yet made with nourishing ingredients. They've been on repeat in our house all season long. If you're looking for the most warming, comforting fall and winter dessert (that's also secretly good for the body and easy to make), this is it!
These flavor-packed bars are perfect in every way. Sweet juicy pears are sandwiched between two layers of crumbly crust, and it's all exploding with warming spices inspired by chai tea. They're wonderfully cozy for fall, yet a bit zippy from all the spices.
To make these bars, you'll start by making a spice blend featuring all the classic chai tea flavors: cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, a bit of turmeric, and the tiniest dash of black pepper. I know the turmeric and pepper may sound strange, but they help give these bars a very subtle, indescribable kick.
This spice blend is the flavor powerhouse! But to keep things simple, you'll divide the spice blend between the crust and the filling so that you only need to measure once. Hooray! This sneaky trick keeps these bars easy to make, despite the fact that the ingredient list may seem long at first glance.
The crust/crumble is also a two-for-one deal. It forms the crust on the bottom of the bars, as well as the crumble on the top of the bars. All of this is aimed at trying to get to dessert as fast as possible, because sometimes you just need a comforting fall dessert ASAP.
In addition to being packed with flavor, these bars are packed with good-for-you ingredients too. The crust is mostly nut butter and oats, is sweetened only with maple syrup, and has just a bit of coconut oil to bring it together. Plus some walnuts and flax, since we all need our omegas! The filling is just pears and a dash of maple syrup.
But despite the fact that the ingredients are all essentially a bowl of oatmeal, these bars feel indulgent. The crust crisps up beautifully, the flavors are really pronounced, and the pears are so juicy and succulent. They certainly don't seem like a "healthy" dessert, and I'd have no hesitation serving these to a crowd at a holiday meal. But they also have such simple, whole food ingredients that we've been bringing them for lunch. Win win!
Here's what you'll need for this recipe, as well as some thoughts, tips, and possible substitutions. If you make any substitutions, I'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.
I know pie is all the rage during the holidays, but I'd actually much rather have these. They're way more flavorful, and much lighter after a big meal. Plus they come together so quickly, which means a lot less prep time on a busy holiday. They're majorly delicious, and no one will care that you didn't make a classic pie crust. Serve them up with a scoop of ice cream and caramel sauce and you'll have yourself a killer fall dessert.
Can anything be better than juicy pears, a crisp and crumbly crust, and cozy chai spices? No way!
It makes me so happy to hear from you and see your creations! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this recipe. If you post a photo on Instagram, hashtag #TheRogueBrusselSprout and tag me (@TheRogueBrusselSprout) in the post text so that I'm sure to see it.
Bursting with cozy chai spices, these pear crumble bars are a delightful treat (or maybe even breakfast!) all fall and winter long. They're secretly good for the body but feel so indulgent.
For the Spice Blend
For the Crust:
For the Filling:
Did you make this recipe? Did you make substitutions? How did you serve it? Any helpful tips? Please share your thoughts, since these insights are really useful to both me and to other readers.
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