Description

A budget-friendly, 3-ingredient style dessert that combines tart pears with warm ginger and a buttery oat crumble topping. These bars are easy to make, pantry-friendly, and perfect for weeknight treats or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup brown sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
3 medium ripe pears (Bosc or Anjou), peeled, cored, and diced
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon ginger paste or fresh grated ginger
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
In a medium bowl, whisk together oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and work it into the dry ingredients using a fork or fingers until a coarse, crumbly mixture with pea-sized chunks forms. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, toss diced pears with granulated sugar, lemon juice, ginger, and vanilla. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out juices.
Press half of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the base.
Pour the pear mixture over the base and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture loosely over the top.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and pears are tender. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil after 25 minutes.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan for at least 30 minutes (preferably an hour) to set. Lift out using parchment paper and slice into squares.

Notes

Use cold butter for the best crumble texture. Pears should be firm but ripe (Bosc or Anjou work best). These bars freeze well for up to 3 months. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified GF oats. For vegan, use vegan butter.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 180
Sugar: 14
Sodium: 90
Fat: 7
Saturated Fat: 4
Carbohydrates: 28
Fiber: 2
Protein: 3

Keywords: fall dessert, pear crumble, ginger bars, budget dessert, family friendly, easy baking, oat bars, autumn recipes