Old Fashioned Pear Pie – A Cozy Slice of Nostalgia

Nothing says “comfort” quite like an old-fashioned pear pie. With its warm, cinnamon-kissed filling, buttery, flaky crust, and the sweet aroma filling the kitchen, this pie will have you reminiscing about the good old days. Whether it’s a special family gathering, a Sunday dinner, or just because you’ve got a few extra pears on hand, this easy dessert is always a crowd-pleaser.

If you’ve never tried a pear pie before, you’re in for a treat. Imagine a dessert that’s similar to apple pie but with a softer texture and a slightly more delicate flavor. Pears, with their natural sweetness, create the perfect base for a healthy comfort food dessert that’s just right for any time of year. This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients, making it the ideal option for a quick family meal or an after-dinner sweet to enjoy with loved ones.

And if you think this pie sounds like it might be complicated or require special skills, let me assure you—it’s incredibly easy. I’m all about budget-friendly recipes that bring comfort and warmth to the table without a lot of fuss, and this pear pie fits that description perfectly. I’ve even included some meal planning tips that will make this a go-to for busy weeks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Old-fashioned pear pie has a timeless quality about it. It’s the kind of dessert that transports you back to simpler times—maybe to your grandmother’s kitchen or to the warm days of family gatherings around a table. There’s something so special about it, and the best part is, it’s super easy to make.

The combination of tender pears, a sprinkle of warm cinnamon, and nutmeg, all wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust, makes this pie absolutely irresistible. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures, and it’s definitely not as common as apple pie, which makes it all the more unique and special. If you’re looking for high-protein meals or quick family meals that have a homestyle touch, this pear pie is the perfect dessert to wrap up your dinner.

What’s more, it’s super adaptable. Whether you’re using fresh pears from the farmer’s market or canned pears that you have on hand, this recipe works either way. It’s also an excellent option for meal prep—make it ahead of time, let it cool, and enjoy it throughout the week!

What Makes This Recipe Special?

One of the things that makes this pie stand out is its simplicity. The flavors of the pears are allowed to shine through with minimal interference from complicated ingredients. But the spices—oh, the spices! A touch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a squeeze of lemon juice bring out the best in the pears, making the filling taste warm, fragrant, and just the right amount of sweet.

Another fantastic thing about this recipe is the versatility. You can use different types of pears depending on what’s available. I love using Florida Sand Pears when I can get my hands on them, but Bartlett, Bosc, and Anjou pears all work wonderfully too. Firm, ripe pears are the key—don’t go for overly soft pears as they release too much liquid and can make the pie runny.

What really takes this recipe to the next level is the crust. Using a store-bought pie crust saves so much time, but it doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture. You still get that golden, flaky crust without the hassle of making dough from scratch. But if you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can definitely use your favorite homemade pie crust recipe!

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Ingredients

• Pears
• Sugar
• Flour
• Cinnamon
• Salt
• Nutmeg
• Lemon juice
• Pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)

How to Make It Step-by-Step

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Set your oven to 425°F. This high temperature will help the crust bake up nice and golden while the filling bubbles up.
2. Prepare the Pie Crust:
   Place one of your pie crusts into a 9-inch pie plate. Gently press the crust to line the bottom and sides of the plate, making sure there are no air pockets.
3. Make the Pear Filling:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine your sliced pears with the sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss everything together gently to coat the pears evenly. The flour will help thicken the juices from the pears as they cook, creating that perfect pie filling consistency.
4. Fill the Pie:
   Spoon the pear mixture into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly. You want to make sure all the pears are well distributed so that each slice gets a nice mix of filling.
5. Top the Pie:
   Place the second pie crust over the pear filling. Trim the edges, leaving a little extra to fold under the bottom crust. Seal the edges by pinching them together with your fingers to form a nice, tight seal. For that pretty, crimped edge, use your thumb and index finger to pinch the crust around the edges, or you can use a fork to press the edges down.
6. Vent the Pie:
   Cut several small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape as the pie bakes. This will help keep the crust from getting soggy and ensure the filling cooks evenly.
7. Bake the Pie:
   Bake the pie for 20 minutes at 425°F. After 20 minutes, cover the edges of the crust with aluminum foil or a pie shield to prevent them from burning. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
8. Cool the Pie:
   Once your pie is done, let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial because it allows the filling to set and prevents it from running when you slice into it. Trust me, the wait is worth it!

Tips for Best Results

• Choose the Right Pears: Use firm, ripe pears for the best results. Softer pears may release too much liquid, which can make your pie runny. If you’re using canned pears, make sure to drain them thoroughly and pat them dry.
• Chill the Crust: If you’re using a homemade crust, be sure to chill it for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help prevent shrinkage and make it extra flaky.
• Add Some Spice: If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for an extra layer of fall flavor. These spices work wonderfully with pears and will make your pie even more aromatic.
• Use a Pie Shield: If you don’t have a pie shield, covering the edges of the crust with aluminum foil halfway through baking will keep them from getting too dark.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

• Sweeteners: If you want a more natural sweetener, you can substitute the white sugar with honey or maple syrup. Adjust the quantity to your preference, as these alternatives are sweeter than granulated sugar.
• Spices: You can mix and match spices based on your personal taste. Adding a dash of ground ginger or cloves will give the pie a deeper, spicier flavor. Alternatively, if you want to keep it simpler, just stick with the cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Crust: While store-bought pie crust makes this recipe incredibly easy, feel free to use your favorite homemade pie crust if you’re up for it. You can also make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free pie crust.
• Topping: For an extra indulgent touch, you can add a streusel topping or a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. The warm pie paired with cold creaminess is a match made in dessert heaven.

Serving Suggestions

• Warm with Ice Cream: Serve your pear pie warm, topped with a scoop of bourbon ice cream or praline pecan ice cream. The rich flavors complement the sweet, spiced pears beautifully.
• Caramel Drizzle: For an extra decadent twist, drizzle a little caramel sauce over the pie before serving. It adds a rich, buttery sweetness that takes the flavor to the next level.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream is always a classic pairing. It adds a light, airy contrast to the dense, rich filling.

Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)

• Drinks: This pear pie pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or a glass of apple cider. For an adult beverage, a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a slightly sweet Moscato would complement the pie’s sweetness without overpowering it.
• Sides: For a balanced meal, serve your pear pie after a hearty roast chicken or a simple green salad. The sweetness of the pie provides the perfect contrast to savory dishes.
• Breakfast: Why not enjoy it for breakfast? Pair a slice of pear pie with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy, comforting start to your day.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Leftover pear pie can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, store it in the fridge for up to 5 days to keep it fresh. Make sure it’s loosely covered to prevent it from drying out.

If you want to reheat a slice, simply pop it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. For an extra touch, reheat it with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

You can make the pie ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just be sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating. For even longer storage, you can freeze the pie once it’s completely cooled. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it as needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Overripe Pears: Overripe pears tend to release too much liquid and make the pie soggy. Stick with firm, ripe pears for the best texture.
• Not Letting It Cool: Don’t skip the cooling time! Let the pie sit for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set. Cutting into it too soon can lead to a messy, runny pie.
• Skipping the Lemon Juice: The lemon juice isn’t just for flavor—it helps prevent the pears from browning and balances out the sweetness. Don’t leave it out!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use canned pears for this recipe?
Yes! Canned pears work in a pinch, but be sure to drain them thoroughly and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture. You might also need to reduce the sugar since the pears in syrup are already sweetened.

Can I make this pie a day ahead?
Absolutely! This pie actually tastes better after sitting for a day, as the flavors have time to meld. Just make sure to let it cool completely before storing.

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

• 9-inch Pie Plate
• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Aluminum Foil or Pie Shield
• Wire Rack

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!