Okay, let’s get started on this Caramelized Pear Pie adventure! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – it’s been a family favorite for years, and I know you’re going to love it.
I can still remember the first time I made this Caramelized Pear Pie. It was a crisp autumn evening, the leaves were turning, and the air smelled like cinnamon and woodsmoke. I wanted to bake something comforting, something that would warm us from the inside out. This Caramelized Pear Pie was exactly what we needed.
The aroma of caramelized pears and buttery crust filled the kitchen, and my kids couldn’t wait to get their hands on a slice. It’s funny, because the first time I tried making it, I slightly burned the caramel! But hey, even kitchen pros like me have their moments, right? Now, making Caramelized Pear Pie is a breeze.
This Caramelized Pear Pie recipe is a testament to simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. It’s perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner, a holiday gathering, or just because you deserve a little slice of happiness. And trust me, it’s way easier than it looks! I’ve tweaked it over the years to make it totally doable, even on busy weeknights (well, maybe weekend baking is better!). It makes this homemade pear pie even better.
So, grab your apron, preheat that oven, and let’s get baking! I promise, this Caramelized Pear Pie is worth every single bite. You can even try adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Okay, let’s make this easy pear pie together!
Ingredients
Here is a list of everything you will need:
- For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup ice water
- For the Caramelized Pears:
- 6 medium pears, peeled, cored, and sliced (I love using Bosc or Anjou pears – but for more ideas, here’s a Pear Varieties Guide – USA Pears!)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- For the Filling:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
I always use good quality butter for my Caramelized Pear Pie crust because it makes all the difference in flakiness and flavor. My mom always said, “Never skimp on the butter!” I think she was right. This easy pear pie relies on quality ingredients!
When I’m short on time, I sometimes buy pre-made pie crust, but honestly, homemade is so much better for this Caramelized Pear Pie recipe. Plus, the kids love helping me roll out the dough!
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of pears in this homemade pear pie. I’ve even used a mix of apples and pears before, and it turned out amazing. It just adds another level of depth to this Caramelized Pear Pie.
For the lemon juice, I always use fresh if I have it, but bottled works in a pinch when making Caramelized Pear Pie. Just make sure it’s real lemon juice and not that fake stuff. Okay, we have all the ingredients to make this easy pear pie!
How to Make – Step by Step
Make the Crust
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. Make sure you do not overwork the dough, that is a key step in making a delicious pie crust for this easy pear pie!
This resting time is crucial; it allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a tender, flaky crust. While the dough is chilling, I usually prep the pears for my Caramelized Pear Pie.
Caramelize the Pears
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the pear slices, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pears are tender and caramelized, about 10-15 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice. Let cool slightly.
The key to perfectly caramelized pears is patience! Don’t rush the process. You want them to be golden brown and slightly softened for the Caramelized Pear Pie. You also don’t want them to be too mushy, so here’s a great recipe for easy caramelized grilled peaches if you happen to end up with pears that are too ripe.
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
While the oven is heating, I usually tidy up the kitchen a bit. It’s always nice to start baking with a clean workspace when making this easy pear pie.
Assemble the Pie
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pie dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges.
If the dough is sticking, sprinkle a little more flour underneath. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect – a rustic pie has its own charm! And remember, practice makes perfect! Soon you’ll be a pro at assembling your own Caramelized Pear Pie.
Make the Filling
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and nutmeg. Sprinkle the mixture over the bottom of the pie crust. Arrange the caramelized pears over the flour mixture. Drizzle with heavy cream.
Sprinkling the flour mixture on the bottom helps absorb any excess moisture from the pears, preventing a soggy crust. It’s a trick my grandma taught me when making Caramelized Pear Pie.
Bake
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
Keep an eye on the pie during the last 15 minutes of baking. Ovens can vary, so you want to make sure the crust doesn’t burn. A golden brown crust is the perfect finish for this Caramelized Pear Pie!
Cool
Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This allows the filling to set properly, so you don’t end up with a soupy mess. This part is the hardest! But patience is a virtue when baking a Caramelized Pear Pie. And be sure to follow all of the Food Safety Tips from FoodSafety.gov!
While the Caramelized Pear Pie is cooling, I usually make a simple caramel sauce to drizzle over the top. It adds an extra layer of sweetness and makes it even more decadent.
Serving & Enjoying
My family loves this Caramelized Pear Pie served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of the warm pie and cold ice cream is just heavenly. It is a perfect fall pear dessert!
Sometimes, I’ll add a dollop of whipped cream instead of ice cream. It’s a lighter option, but still incredibly delicious with the Caramelized Pear Pie. The kids especially love it this way.
This Caramelized Pear Pie is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion. It’s always a crowd-pleaser. I love seeing everyone’s faces light up when I bring it to the table.
For a more elegant presentation, I like to dust the pie with powdered sugar before serving. It adds a touch of sweetness and makes it look extra fancy when making Caramelized Pear Pie. This classic apple pie recipe is another one to try!
If you have any leftover Caramelized Pear Pie (which is rare in my house!), it’s delicious cold straight from the fridge. I sometimes sneak a piece for breakfast. I love that this dish is a fall pear dessert.
One time, I brought this Caramelized Pear Pie to a potluck, and everyone raved about it. I even had someone ask me for the recipe! That’s when I knew I had a real winner on my hands. So many people said this was their new favorite easy pear pie recipe!
FAQs
Can I use frozen pie crust for this Caramelized Pear Pie recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen pie crust to save time. Just make sure to thaw it according to the package instructions before using. But honestly, nothing beats the flavor of homemade crust for this Caramelized Pear Pie.
What if my pears aren’t ripe enough?
If your pears are too firm, you can poach them in a simple syrup for a few minutes before caramelizing them. This will help soften them up and bring out their sweetness for the Caramelized Pear Pie.
Can I add nuts to this Caramelized Pear Pie?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition. Sprinkle them over the pears before baking for added crunch and flavor in this Caramelized Pear Pie.
How do I prevent the crust from burning?
If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil. You can also use a pie shield. This will protect the crust while the filling continues to bake in this Caramelized Pear Pie.
Can I make this Caramelized Pear Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the pie a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before serving, or warm it up slightly in the oven.
What other spices can I use?
Besides cinnamon and nutmeg, you can also add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for a different flavor profile when making Caramelized Pear Pie. I usually stick with cinnamon, but I’ve been known to add a bit of ginger to the mix.
My filling is too runny, what did I do wrong with my Caramelized Pear Pie?
Make sure you are using the correct amount of flour in the filling mixture. This helps to absorb excess moisture and prevent the pie from being too runny. Also, be sure to let the pie cool completely before slicing.
Closing
This Caramelized Pear Pie recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a memory, a tradition, a little piece of home. It’s the taste of autumn, the warmth of family, the joy of sharing. It’s one of the fall pear desserts that makes my family happy!
My Personal Caramelized Pear Pie Tips:
- Always use cold butter when making the crust. This ensures a flaky, tender crust that practically melts in your mouth.
- Don’t over-caramelize the pears. You want them to be golden brown and tender, but not mushy. Keep a close eye on them while they’re cooking.
- Let the pie cool completely before slicing. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, it’s worth the wait.
I’ve tried a few variations of this Caramelized Pear Pie over the years. One time, I added a layer of almond paste under the pears, which gave it a lovely marzipan flavor. Another time, I drizzled it with salted caramel sauce, which was a huge hit with my husband.
My son loves it with a scoop of chocolate ice cream, while my daughter prefers it with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. No matter how you serve it, I hope this Caramelized Pear Pie brings as much joy to your family as it has to mine.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. Add your favorite spices, try different types of pears, or get creative with the crust. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process of making this homemade pear pie! Give this dish a try, it’s an easy pear pie that will warm you up during the autumn!
I hope you enjoy this Caramelized Pear Pie as much as we do. Happy baking! I know you’ll make an amazing fall pear dessert. This Caramelized Pear Pie is sure to impress!
Caramelized Pear Pie
This Caramelized Pear Pie features tender, caramelized pears nestled in a flaky, buttery crust. The caramelization process enhances the natural sweetness of the pears, creating a truly irresistible dessert.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 roll (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts
- 6 medium pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, toss pear slices with granulated sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice.
- Spread pears in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until pears are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Line a 9-inch pie plate with one pie crust.
- Pour caramelized pear mixture into the pie crust.
- Top with the second pie crust. Crimp the edges to seal. Cut vents in the top crust.
- Brush the top crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly.
- Let cool completely before serving.
Notes
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra decadent treat.