Pear Pie

Posted in Recipe Collections / Grammie’s Recipes: From the Kitchen of Elsie Damren
Pear Pie
As the leaves begin to turn and the air fills with the crispness of autumn, there's no dessert that captures the essence of the season quite like a homemade Pear Pie. This recipe combines the gentle sweetness of pears with a hint of nutmeg and lemon juice, all encased in a flaky, golden crust. It's a simple yet delightful treat that brings the warmth and abundance of fall to your table.

Ingredients

  • Your favorite pie crust recipe (enough for a bottom and top crust)
  • 6 cups sliced pears
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, mix the sliced pears with lemon juice, sugar, nutmeg, and flour until well combined. This will ensure your pears are evenly coated with the sweet and spiced mixture.

  2. Assemble the Pie: Pour the pear mixture into your prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly. Dot the top of the filling with small pieces of butter to enrich the flavor.

  3. Bake to Perfection: Cover the pie with your top crust. You can make a lattice design or simply cover it fully, making sure to cut slits for steam to escape. Bake at 350°F until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

A Slice of Autumn Comfort

This Pear Pie is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of seasonal flavors, perfect for enjoying with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s a comforting, sweet finish to any autumn meal.

The Heart of the Pie: Choosing Your Pears

The secret to a perfect Pear Pie lies in the fruit itself. Opt for ripe but firm pears such as Bartlett or Anjou, which provide a beautiful balance of sweetness and texture. Pears should be just soft enough to leave a slight indent when gently pressed. If using a variety with more juice, consider adding an extra tablespoon of flour to the filling to ensure it thickens properly.

A Crust That Complements

A flaky, buttery crust is the foundation of any great pie. For this Pear Pie, consider pre-baking your crust for a few minutes to prevent sogginess from the juicy filling. Brushing the bottom crust with a thin layer of beaten egg white before adding the filling can also help create a barrier against moisture.

Spicing It Up

While nutmeg adds a classic warmth to the pie, don’t hesitate to experiment with spices. A pinch of cardamom or a dash of vanilla extract can add an unexpected depth of flavor. The goal is to enhance, not overpower, the delicate taste of the pears.

Serving Your Masterpiece

Pear Pie shines when served slightly warm, with the spices more pronounced and the filling perfectly soft. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic finish. For a more decadent treat, a drizzle of caramel sauce will complement the pears’ natural sweetness.

A Pie for All Seasons

While autumn may be the pear’s time to shine, this Pear Pie recipe is a delightful choice year-round. Its simplicity and elegance make it a versatile dessert for any occasion, from a summer picnic to a festive winter gathering.

Embracing the seasonal bounty of pears, this pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and the joys of baking. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the craft, this Pear Pie promises to bring a touch of sweetness and warmth to your culinary adventures.

Pear Pie: A Story of Simplicity and Elegance

This Pear Pie, with its harmonious blend of sweetness, spice, and everything nice, is more than just a recipe—it’s a canvas for your culinary creativity. Whether you stick to the classic or add your twist, each slice of this pie is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly magical. Let’s bake a pie that tells a story, one of autumn’s abundance and the warmth of home-cooked meals shared with loved ones.

Nutrition Facts

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Servings Per Recipe: 8
  • Calories: 393

% Daily Value

  • Total Fat: 18.4g (24% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 10.6g (53% DV)
  • Cholesterol: 27mg (9% DV)
  • Sodium: 152mg (7% DV)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 54.7g (20% DV)
  • Dietary Fiber: 5.9g (21% DV)
  • Total Sugars: 25.7g
  • Protein: 4.4g
  • Vitamin D: 7mcg (35% DV)
  • Calcium: 41mg (3% DV)
  • iron: 2mg (11% DV)
  • Potassium: 203mg (4% DV)

Note: The “% Daily Value” (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Recipe analyzed by verywell.