Name: Pear Pie with Crumb Topping Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 store-bought or homemade pie crust; 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar; 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar; 1/4 cup (35 grams) all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 6 firm pears, peeled and sliced 1/4-inch thick (peeling optional); 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 3 Tablespoons salted butter, melted; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; Pinch of salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 32 reviews

If you have a soft spot for cozy, comforting desserts, this Pear Pie with Crumb Topping Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine tender, perfectly spiced pear slices nestled in a flaky crust, topped with a buttery crumb topping that adds just the right amount of crunch. It’s a classic made special with simple ingredients that burst with warmth and sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special family dinner, or just because, this pear pie absolutely shines and fills your home with delicious aromas that invite everyone to the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients laid out on a white marbled surface. There are six pears in the center, with four red pears and two green pears mixed together, all with smooth, shiny skin and short brown stems. Around the pears are several small clear glass bowls: one with light yellow cubes of butter, one with light brown sugar, and one with white flour with a slightly rough texture. Two small clear glass jars with gold lids hold cinnamon powder and salt, each labeled clearly. On the left side, there is a wrapped white pie crust with visible bits of white fat inside. The scene is bright and evenly lit, making colors and textures stand out clearly photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Pear Pie with Crumb Topping Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Each one plays an important role: from the tender pears that bring juicy sweetness to the buttery crust holding everything together, to the crumb topping that adds texture and that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth finish.

Pie crust: A store-bought or homemade crust works perfectly as the flaky foundation for the pie.
Granulated sugar: Adds pure sweetness to both the filling and topping, balancing the fruit’s natural tartness.
Brown sugar: Provides a rich, caramel-like flavor that enhances the pears and crumb.
All-purpose flour: Acts as a thickener in the filling and mixes with butter in the crumb topping for that perfect texture.
Ground cinnamon: Brings a warm, fragrant spice that complements the pears beautifully.
Pears: Firm and sliced about 1/4-inch thick, the star ingredient of this recipe—naturally sweet with a slight crispness.
Salted butter: Melted and mixed into the crumb topping to create that irresistible buttery crunch.
Pinch of salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and brighten all the flavors.

How to Make Pear Pie with Crumb Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pie Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and placing a baking sheet on the middle rack—this will make it easier to slide in your pie later and catch any drips. Next, roll out your pie crust on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch round. Folding it carefully helps transfer it into your pie dish without tearing. Once in place, flute the edges if you want to give your pie a decorative touch, then pop it into the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Pear Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon to create the seasoning mixture that’s essential for that deep, rich flavor. Add your sliced pears and gently toss them so every slice is coated with the spiced sugar blend. Letting the pears sit in this mixture for about five minutes allows their flavors to meld and juices to develop, which will help your filling get that perfect texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, stir together flour, melted butter, sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt using your fingers or a fork. The goal is a crumbly texture—not too compact! The crumb topping is what transforms this pie from everyday to spectacular, so be sure not to overmix it; you want those buttery bits scattered evenly on top of the pears to crisp beautifully in the oven.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Pie

Layer all the pear slices evenly in the chilled pie crust, including some of the juices that have accumulated—that liquid keeps the filling luscious while baking. Press the pears gently to flatten and create an even surface for the crumb topping. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the fruit. Place the pie on the preheated baking sheet in your oven and bake for about 50 minutes. Keep an eye on the crust; if it starts browning too quickly, cover the edges with foil or a pie shield to prevent burning while the pears cook through.

Step 5: Cool Before Serving

Once baked to golden perfection, remove your pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This step is crucial because it allows the filling to thicken and the flavors to settle. Cooling for 2 to 3 hours might test your patience, but trust me—it’s worth the wait! When ready, serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is just heavenly.

How to Serve Pear Pie with Crumb Topping Recipe

A round pie with a thick, golden-brown crust forming a wavy edge around the top, filled with thin layers of cooked fruit slices in light yellow and red tones, covered by a crumbly topping with small, uneven clumps in light tan color spread over the fruit layer. The pie sits on a white marbled surface surrounded by red and yellow pears, green leaves, a white cloth, and a white bowl with a slightly raised, curved edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your slice of Pear Pie with Crumb Topping Recipe with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream. A sprinkle of toasted chopped pecans or a dusting of cinnamon on top adds an extra touch of elegance and crunch that your guests will love.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with warm beverages like spiced chai tea or a cup of rich coffee, making it perfect for fall or winter gatherings. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside a simple green salad with tangy vinaigrette to lighten up the meal portion.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress at your next gathering, serve individual mini pear pies using tart pans or mason jars layered with crumb topping for a rustic yet charming presentation. Another fun idea is to drizzle warmed caramel sauce or honey over the top to add shine and extra sweetness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pear pie tightly covered with plastic wrap or foil at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate to keep it fresh for about four days. Refrigeration helps preserve the crumb topping’s texture longer, but be sure to bring the pie back to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze this pear pie either before or after baking. Wrap the unbaked pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to two months. If baking first, let the pie cool completely, then wrap and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or eating cold for a delicious treat.

Reheating

Reheat leftover pear pie in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through and the crumb topping regains its crispiness. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that amazing texture—oven reheating is truly the secret to reviving this dessert’s charm.

FAQs

Can I use canned pears instead of fresh?

Fresh pears are best to get that perfect texture and flavor in this Pear Pie with Crumb Topping Recipe. Canned pears tend to be softer and more watery, which can make the filling soggy. If necessary, drain canned pears well and adjust the amount of flour to compensate for extra moisture.

What type of pears should I use?

Firm pears like Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou work wonderfully because they hold their shape during baking and have a balanced sweetness. Avoid overripe pears to prevent a mushy filling.

Can I make the crumb topping dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the salted butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be slightly different. The crumb will still be deliciously crumbly and buttery in its own way.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Using flour or cornstarch to thicken the filling, as in this recipe, helps absorb excess juices from the pears. Also, chilling the crust before filling keeps it firm and reduces sogginess. Baking on a preheated baking sheet helps cook the bottom crust evenly and crisply.

Can I double the recipe for a larger gathering?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make two pies. Just be sure to bake them in separate pie dishes and adjust the baking time slightly if your oven is crowded. Freshly baked pear pie is always worth the effort for a crowd!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Pear Pie with Crumb Topping Recipe that feels like comfort wrapped in buttery, crumbly layers of deliciousness. It’s a wonderful choice for anyone wanting to celebrate the flavors of fresh pears while indulging in a dessert that’s simple to make yet impressive to serve. So grab those pears and get baking—your kitchen (and your loved ones) will thank you!