Step 1

Line a 9x9” pan with foil and spray with cooking spray (for easy removal and cutting of bars). Preheat oven to 350°F.

Step 2

Prepare the crust by slowly mixing all the crust ingredients in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or in a large bowl using hand mixer. The mixture will be crumbly and if you are using a hand mixer you may need to use your hands to break up any large chunks of butter. Press the crust in the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes.

Step 3

Prepare the filling by placing the diced pears in a medium saucepan. Fill the pan with water so that half the pears are covered. Cook over medium heat, bringing to a boil then simmering for about 5 minutes until the pears just start to turn semi-translucent. Drain well.

Step 4

Make the topping while the pears are cooking: you can use the same bowl you used for the crust. Use a stand or a hand mixer to cream the butter and sugar. Add the flour, almonds, and salt and mix slowly. The mixture will be somewhat crumbly.

Step 5

Right before the crust comes out of the oven, drain the pears again, then sprinkle the pears with the cinnamon and sugar called for in the filling.

Step 6

Remove the hot crust from the oven. Sprinkle the pears carefully on top (make sure they are well drained first - do not add any of the extra liquid!), then sprinkle with the topping. Bake for an additional 22-27 minutes until the crumble topping starts to brown. (Mine took 24 minutes.)

Step 7

Cool completely in pan before slicing into bars and serving. Serve with caramel sauce and/or ice cream or whipped cream.

Step 8

Store bars in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to one month.