Rustic Spiced Pear Pie with Flaky Butter Crust

Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users

Cuisine

American

Servings

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

55 minutes

Calories

340

Pear pie is a delightful twist on the classic fruit pie, offering a softer, more delicate sweetness than its apple counterpart.

With warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, this dessert captures the cozy essence of fall and winter while highlighting the natural juiciness of ripe pears. The filling bakes into a luscious, slightly spiced syrup that pairs perfectly with the buttery, flaky crust.

This pie is versatile — it works beautifully as a holiday centrepiece, a comforting Sunday bake, or a make-ahead dessert for gatherings. Pears bring a subtle floral note that makes the pie unique, and their tenderness means they meld into the crust without becoming mushy when baked properly.

Topped with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, pear pie is an elegant yet rustic dessert that deserves a spot alongside apple and pumpkin pies on your seasonal table.

Image of Rustic Spiced Pear Pie with Flaky Butter Crust

Ingredients

1 double pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
6 cups ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon ginger
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon butter, cut into small cubes
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for topping)

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Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Roll out bottom crust and fit into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim edges and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine sliced pears, sugar, flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, lemon juice, and vanilla. Toss until pears are well coated.
Pour pear mixture into pie crust. Dot with butter cubes.
Roll out top crust and place over filling. Seal edges by crimping. Cut small slits for steam to escape.
Brush crust with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F and bake for an additional 35–40 minutes, until crust is golden and filling is bubbly.
Cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow filling to set.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1
per serving: Calories; 340

Amount/Serving % Daily Value

Fat: 15 grams; 19%
Saturated Fat: 7 grams; 35%
Cholesterol: 45 milligrams; 15%
Sodium: 220 milligrams; 10%
Carbs: 50 grams; 18%
Protein: 4 grams; 8%
Sugar: 27 grams
Fiber: 3 grams; 11%

10 Tips for when cooking this dish

Use ripe but firm pears — too soft and they’ll turn mushy.
Combine varieties (like Bartlett + Bosc) for depth of flavour.
Don’t skip cornstarch — it helps thicken the filling.
Sprinkle a little flour or ground nuts under the bottom crust to prevent sogginess.
Chill dough before rolling for flakier crust.
Add a pinch of cardamom for extra warmth.
Brush crust with egg wash for a golden finish.
Bake on a baking sheet to catch drips.
Let pie cool completely before slicing for best texture.
Reheat slices in the oven, not microwave, to keep crust crisp.

Serve it with suggestions

Vanilla ice cream
Whipped cream with a hint of cinnamon
Caramel drizzle
A side of hot coffee or spiced tea
As part of a holiday dessert table with apple and pumpkin pie

FAQs

Q: What pears are best for pear pie?
A: Bartlett, Bosc, and Anjou pears are excellent choices because they hold shape when baked.

Q: Do I need to peel the pears?
A: Yes, peeling ensures a smoother filling texture.

Q: Can I make pear pie ahead of time?
A: Yes, bake it a day ahead and store covered at room temperature or refrigerate.

Q: How do I keep the bottom crust from getting soggy?
A: Sprinkle flour or finely ground nuts under the filling before baking.

Q: Can I freeze pear pie?
A: Yes, freeze unbaked pie (wrapped tightly) for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time.

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Rustic Spiced Pear Pie with Flaky Butter Crust