Easy Pear Pie Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, delicious dessert that’s both impressive and simple to pull together, you’re in the right place. This Easy Pear Pie Recipe is one of those treats that instantly feels like a warm hug on a plate. I absolutely love how the sweet, tender pears mingle with the hint of cinnamon and lemon zest, all wrapped up in that flaky, golden crust. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and incredibly rewarding.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things straightforward but flavorful, combining fresh Bosc pears with a few simple baking staples. When picking pears, I always go for firm but ripe ones to make sure they hold up in the pie filling without turning mushy.

• Double pie crust: Store-bought works great here for convenience, but homemade is a lovely touch if you have the time.
• White sugar: Sweetens the pear filling just right; feel free to adjust based on your pear’s sweetness.
• All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the juicy pear filling so your pie isn’t watery.
• Salt: A pinch balances and enhances all the flavors.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds that cozy warmth we all crave in fall desserts.
• Lemon zest: Brightens and lifts the whole pie, cutting through the sweetness.
• Bosc pears: Their firm texture and rich flavor are ideal for pies.
• Butter: Dotted on top to create pockets of richness in the filling.
• Lemon juice: Prevents browning of pears and adds just a hint of tartness.

Variations

I love playing around with this Easy Pear Pie Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the season. You can make it your own without any stress—here’s how I’ve tweaked it over time.

• Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger alongside the cinnamon gives it an extra cozy vibe for holiday baking.
• Fruit Mix: Mixing in a few sliced apples or even some cranberries creates interesting textures and a fresh twist.
• Vegan Option: Swap the butter for vegan margarine and use a dairy-free pie crust to keep things plant-based.
• Gluten-Free Crust: Use a gluten-free pie crust to accommodate dietary preferences without losing out on taste.

How to Make Easy Pear Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pie Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F. I like placing a baking sheet on the bottom rack—it catches any drips and helps the bottom crust crisp up nicely. Roll out half the dough and gently line your 9-inch pie pan. If you’re like me and sometimes struggle with dough sticking, lightly flour your surface and rolling pin to keep things smooth.

Step 2: Mix Your Filling

In a bowl, combine the sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, and lemon zest. This dry mixture is your secret weapon for a perfectly balanced filling that thickens as it bakes. Peel your pears and slice them about ¼-inch thick—try to keep the slices similar size so the pie cooks evenly.

Step 3: Assemble the Filling

Layer your pear slices in the crust-lined pan, sprinkling some of the sugar mixture atop each layer—that way, every bite gets a touch of sweetness and spice. Dot the butter evenly across, then lightly sprinkle the lemon juice to keep those pears bright and fresh during baking.

Step 4: Add the Top Crust

Roll out the remaining pie dough and carefully lay it over the filling. I dip my fingers in water and gently moisten the edges of the bottom crust before sealing to help the crusts stick together perfectly. Trim the excess dough, fold the top crust edge under the bottom, and flute to create a pretty, sealed border. Don’t forget to cut a few slits in the top crust—that’s how the steam escapes and prevents sogginess.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop your pie on the preheated baking sheet and into the oven for 10 minutes at 450°F—that first burst of heat gives the crust a nice lift. Then, lower the temperature to 350°F and continue baking for 35 to 40 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling bubbles enticingly. I usually peek halfway through to shield the edges with foil if they’re browning too fast.

How to Serve Easy Pear Pie Recipe

Garnishes

I love serving this pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce to complement the pear’s natural sweetness. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few toasted nuts on top adds a lovely finishing touch and a bit of crunch that guests always comment on.

Side Dishes

This pie shines as a comforting finale, but if you’re looking to balance your meal, try pairing it with a simple green salad or roasted turkey for holiday dinners—the light salad balances the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes brush the pie crust with egg wash and sprinkle a little coarse sugar before baking to give it a sparkling, bakery-style finish. Or try cutting the top crust into pretty leaf shapes for a festive look that always impresses friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftover slices loosely with foil or plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge, where they stay fresh for about 3 days. The flavors actually mellow and improve after resting overnight, which can make reheated slices taste even better.

Freezing

This pie freezes well either baked or unbaked. I wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, which helps preserve that fresh-baked taste later. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To revive leftover pie, I pop slices into a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, which crisps the crust back up and warms the filling just right. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust flaky and texture intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Pear Pie Recipe is one of those gems that’s stood the test of time in my kitchen. It’s approachable for beginners but delicious enough to impress company, and I love how it transforms simple, fresh ingredients into a heartwarming dessert. I truly hope you’ll give this pie a try and enjoy that wonderful moment when you cut into it and the aromas fill your home—it’s pure magic. Trust me, your friends and family will thank you!

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