Pear Crumble Pie

There’s something truly special about making a Pear Crumble Pie that transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. I remember standing on a stool, eagerly watching her peel the ripe Bartlett pears, their sweet scent filling the air. Each slice of pear was like a small treasure, waiting to be enveloped in a buttery crust and topped with a crunchy crumble. I can still hear her laughter as she taught me the delicate balance of spices that would turn this simple dish into something exquisite. This pie isn’t just dessert; it’s a celebration of family gatherings, warmth, and the joy of sharing something homemade. Whenever the leaves start to turn and the cool breeze of fall whispers through the windows, I find myself craving this comforting pie. It’s a dish that brings smiles and nostalgia, a reminder that the simplest ingredients can create the most profound memories.

Ingredients for Pear Crumble Pie

When it comes to the ingredients for the Pear Crumble Pie, each element plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The sweet Bartlett pears serve as the star of the show, complemented by the zing of lemon juice and the creaminess of butter. The crumble topping, made from flour, sugar, and chopped pecans, adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, juicy filling.

• 1 homemade or store-bought pie crust – This forms the base, providing a flaky texture that holds everything together.
• 7 ripe Bartlett pears – These juicy pears offer sweetness and a wonderful flavor when baked.
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice – This brightens the flavor of the pears and adds a nice zing.
• 2 eggs – These help bind the filling, creating a custard-like texture.
• 1 cup Sugar In The Raw® – This adds natural sweetness and a bit of crunch to the topping.
• 1/4 cup butter – Melted and added to the crumble, it helps create a rich flavor.
• 1/3 cup flour – This gives the crumble its structure, allowing it to hold together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – It adds depth to the overall flavor profile.
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – A warm spice that complements the pears beautifully.
• 1/8 teaspoon each of nutmeg, cloves, and salt – These spices enhance the flavor complexity of the pie.
• 1/2 cup pecans (optional) – These can add a delightful crunch to the topping.
• 1 cup flour – Another layer of flour for the topping, ensuring a crumbly texture.
• 1/2 cup Sugar In The Raw® – More sugar for additional sweetness in the topping.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar – For extra sweetness sprinkled on top.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – To reinforce the warm, cozy flavor.
• 1/8 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors within the pie.
• 8 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter – Cut into cubes, it helps achieve a crumbly texture for the topping.

The Method for Pear Crumble Pie

Making a Pear Crumble Pie is a delightful journey that fills your kitchen with wonderful aromas. Let’s break it down step by step so you can create this delicious dessert with ease.

1. Start by preparing the pie crust according to your chosen recipe or package instructions. Ensure it’s chilled and ready to go, as a cold crust will help maintain its shape.
2. For the topping, add the pecans to a food processor and pulse them three times until they’re coarsely chopped. This step adds a nutty flavor to your crumble.
3. Next, add all the remaining topping ingredients except for the butter to the food processor. Pulse a couple of times to combine, ensuring it’s mixed well.
4. Now, top the mixture with the butter and pulse until it resembles small pebbles. If you don’t have a food processor, you can mix everything in a large bowl using two forks or a pastry cutter.
5. Refrigerate the topping mixture until you’re ready to use it, allowing it to firm up slightly.
6. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This step is crucial to ensure even baking.
7. While the oven is heating, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, toss the sliced pears with lemon juice. Let them rest for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
8. In another medium bowl, crack the eggs and lightly beat them. Mix in the rest of the filling ingredients until well combined.
9. After the pears have rested, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the bowl, and arrange them in the unbaked pie shell. You can adjust the amount based on how full you want the pie.
10. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the pears, using a spatula to spread it out if necessary.
11. Place the pie in the oven and bake it for 15 minutes. After this, carefully remove the pie and sprinkle the prepared topping evenly over the filling.
12. Return the pie to the oven and bake for another 45 minutes, for a total of 60 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent the topping from burning, covering it with foil if necessary.
13. Once baked, let the Pear Crumble Pie cool at room temperature for two hours before serving. This cooling period helps the filling set up perfectly.
14. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Helpful Hints

Here are some valuable tips to ensure your Pear Crumble Pie turns out perfectly every time:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the baked pie, but for the best texture, it’s recommended to freeze only the filling and bake fresh topping when ready to serve.
• Serving Temperature: This pie is delicious warm or at room temperature, so serve it according to your preference.
• Pairing Suggestions: Serve with ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat!
• Ingredient Quality: Use high-quality ingredients, especially the butter and flour, to enhance the flavor of the pie.

What to Pair With Pear Crumble Pie

When serving your Pear Crumble Pie, consider these delightful pairings that complement its flavors:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the warm spices.
• Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it enhances the pie’s sweetness and adds a lovely texture.
• Fresh Berries: Serve with raspberries or strawberries for a refreshing contrast.
• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea makes for a perfect accompaniment, especially during cozy fall evenings.
• Cheese Plate: For a unique twist, serve alongside a cheese plate featuring sharp cheddar or creamy brie.
• Seasonal Salads: A light salad with nuts and fruit offers a fresh balance to the richness of the pie.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Pear Crumble Pie is a heartwarming dessert that embodies the spirit of fall and family gatherings. Its combination of juicy pears and crunchy topping creates a delightful treat that is hard to resist. I encourage you to try making this pie yourself; it’s not just about the flavors, but also the memories you’ll create in the kitchen. So gather your ingredients, and let’s make this comforting dessert your new family favorite!

Pear Crumble Pie

The ultimate comfort food, this Pear Crumble Pie combines juicy, tender pears with a crunchy topping, creating a symphony of flavors. Perfect for any gathering, it's an easy weeknight dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Make it tonight for a warm, cozy treat!

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 10 slices

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 homemade or store-bought pie crust
• 7 ripe Bartlett pears
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup Sugar In The Raw®
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup pecans (optional)
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup Sugar In The Raw®
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 8 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter

Equipment

• Food Processor
• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Peeler
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Prepare pie crust according to directions.
2. Add pecans to food processor and pulse 3 times. Add all remaining ingredients except butter and pulse a couple times to combine. Top with butter and pulse until it resembles small pebbles.
3. Alternatively, add all of the topping ingredients to a large bowl (using chopped pecans) and mix with two forks or a pastry cutter. Refrigerate until ready to use.
4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
5. Add pears to a large bowl. Toss with lemon juice and let rest while you make the rest of the filling.
6. Add eggs to a medium bowl and lightly beat. Mix in all remaining filling ingredients. Set aside.
7. Remove pears with a slotted spoon and arrange in the unbaked pie shell (you don’t have to use all of them if the shell becomes too full). Vigorously beat the egg mixture by hand until frothy then evenly pour over pears. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
8. Bake pie at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, carefully remove pie from the oven and sprinkle evenly with topping. Return pie to the oven and bake an additional 45 minutes (for a total of 60 minutes).
9. Cover the top of the pie with foil if needed during baking to prevent excessive browning or broil the pie at the end of baking (without moving oven position) for a more golden top (watch closely!).
10. Let Pear Crumble Pie cool for 2 hours before serving. Store in refrigerator.

Notes

• Tip 1: The pie shell can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 5 days.
• Tip 2: The custard can be whisked together, tightly covered, and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to beat it again before using.
• Tip 3: The streusel can be made three days ahead of time, transferred to an airtight container, and refrigerated until ready to use.
• Tip 4: This Pear Crumble Pie tastes fantastic the next day; the topping just won't be quite as crunchy. Bake the pie according to directions, let cool completely, then cover and refrigerate.
• Tip 5: Once cool, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Refrigerated Pear Crumble Pie is good for 3-4 days.

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Meet Margot Vance

Founding Savor Feasts was my way of celebrating the art of generous cooking. I believe that food should be abundant, flavorful, and memorable. I personally cook, test, and photograph our recipes to ensure they bring a sense of occasion to your table, whether it is a simple dinner or a grand holiday celebration.