Description
This Old-Fashioned Pear Pie is a timeless dessert filled with sweet, juicy pears, warm spices, and a flaky golden crust. Perfect for holidays or cozy nights, it’s a comforting pie that tastes just like grandma used to make!
Ingredients
- 6 medium ripe pears (Bartlett or Bosc), peeled, cored, and sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1 double pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional, for topping)
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ tsp ground ginger for extra spice
- A splash of bourbon for depth of flavor
- Crumb topping instead of top crust for a streusel-style pie
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
If using homemade crust, make it in advance and chill for at least 30 minutes. Roll out one disk and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. - Make the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine sliced pears, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Toss gently until well mixed. Let the pears rest for 10 minutes to release their juices. - Assemble the Pie:
Spoon the pear filling into the prepared crust. Dot the top with butter cubes. Roll out the second crust and place it over the filling. Trim excess dough, crimp the edges, and cut slits in the top to vent steam. Brush the crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar. - Bake the Pie:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 20 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 35–40 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. - Cool and Serve:
Let the pie cool for 2 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set. Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or ice cream.
Notes
- Best Pears to Use: Bartlett and Bosc pears hold their shape and deliver rich flavor.
- Prevent a Soggy Bottom: Brush the bottom crust with beaten egg or cornstarch slurry before filling.
- Add Depth: Mix in brown sugar or a splash of rum for a caramel-like flavor.
- Perfect Crust: Chill your pie dough before rolling out for a flakier texture.
- Storage Tip: Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes