Pear Pie is a delightful twist on the classic apple pie, offering a sweet and juicy filling encased in a flaky, buttery crust. Bursting with the flavors of ripe pears, warm spices, and a hint of citrus, this pie is the perfect dessert for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving celebrations, or any occasion when you want to impress your guests with a delicious homemade treat. With its rustic charm and irresistible aroma, Pear Pie is sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pear Pie is a wonderful alternative to traditional apple pie, offering a unique flavor profile that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Pears lend a subtle sweetness and tender texture to the filling, while cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of lemon zest add depth and complexity. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to pie-making, this recipe is easy to follow and yields impressive results that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

• 6-7 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Pastry blender or food processor
• Plastic wrap
• Rolling pin
• 9-inch pie dish
• Pastry brush
• Aluminum foil

Directions

Making the Crust

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and granulated sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry blender or food processor to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork or your hands until the dough comes together and forms a rough ball. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
3. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.

Making the Filling

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Pears: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced pears, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Toss gently to coat the pears evenly.

Assembling and Baking

1. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of chilled dough into a circle slightly larger than your pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and sides.
2. Add the Filling: Spoon the pear filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
3. Roll Out the Remaining Dough: Roll out the second disk of chilled dough into a circle slightly larger than the pie dish. Place it over the filling.
4. Trim and Seal: Trim any excess dough from the edges of the pie dish and crimp the edges to seal. Use a sharp knife to make several small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
5. Bake: Place the pie on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil to catch any drips. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly and thickened.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the Pear Pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Notes and Tips

• Choosing Pears: Look for ripe but firm pears for the best results. Varieties such as Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc work well in this recipe.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the pie dough and filling in advance and refrigerate them separately until ready to assemble and bake the pie.
• Storage: Store any leftover Pear Pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven before serving, if desired.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of making it from scratch?

Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust if you’re short on time or prefer the convenience. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for blind baking or pre-baking the crust, if necessary.

Can I use frozen pears instead of fresh?

While fresh pears are preferred for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen pears if that’s all you have available. Thaw and drain them before using in the filling, and adjust the amount of sugar and flour as needed to compensate for any excess moisture.

Can I freeze unbaked pear pie?

Yes, you can assemble the pie and freeze it before baking for later use. Wrap the unbaked pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight before baking according to the recipe instructions.

Pairings

Pear Pie pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy fall dessert. For an extra special treat, serve it with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for added sweetness and flavor.

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