Name: Pear Pie
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6–7 ripe pears (such as Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 2 tbsp cornstarch or all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces; 1 double pie crust (store-bought or homemade); 1 egg + 1 tbsp water or milk (for egg wash)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pear pie is incredibly fragrant and flavorful, with a perfectly balanced filling that’s sweet, slightly spiced, and wonderfully juicy without being runny. It’s an elegant alternative to apple pie and showcases pears in a beautifully rustic way. The pie is easy to prepare and pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Fresh ripe pears (such as Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou)
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Cornstarch or all-purpose flour (for thickening)
Lemon juice
Vanilla extract
Unsalted butter
Pie dough (store-bought or homemade, for top and bottom crust)
Egg wash (egg + water or milk, for brushing the crust)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Peel, core, and slice the pears thinly. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla to the pears. Toss until evenly coated. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to draw out the juices.
Roll out the bottom pie crust and place it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim and tuck the edges.
Pour the pear filling into the crust and dot the top with small pieces of butter.
Roll out the top crust and place it over the filling. You can use a full crust with slits for steam or create a lattice design.
Seal and crimp the edges of the pie. Brush the top with egg wash.
Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 30–35 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set before slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8 slices.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 55–60 minutes
Cooling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: About 3 hours

Variations

Add ginger or cloves: A pinch of ground ginger or cloves can enhance the spice profile.
Use maple syrup: Substitute some of the sugar with maple syrup for a rich, autumnal flavor.
Pear and apple combo: Mix in a few apples with the pears for a blend of textures.
Nutty topping: Add chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking or mix them into the filling.
Crumb topping: Swap the top crust for a buttery streusel for a crispier finish.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover pear pie loosely covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat, place a slice in the oven at 300°F for about 10–15 minutes or microwave for 20–30 seconds.
The pie can be frozen after baking. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before serving.

FAQs

What are the best pears to use for pie?

Firm varieties like Bosc, Bartlett, or Anjou work best—they hold their shape well and don’t turn mushy during baking.

Do I need to peel the pears?

Yes, peeling the pears helps achieve a smoother texture in the filling.

Can I use canned pears?

Fresh pears are preferred, but if using canned, drain them thoroughly and reduce the sugar slightly.

How do I keep the pie from being runny?

Toss the pears with cornstarch or flour and allow them to rest before baking to release excess juice.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, the pie can be made a day in advance. Store it at room temperature or in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Can I freeze the unbaked pie?

Yes, assemble the pie and freeze it unbaked. When ready to bake, add about 10–15 extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Use a metal or glass pie pan, and preheat a baking sheet in the oven to place the pie on. This helps cook the bottom evenly.

Can I use store-bought pie crust?

Absolutely. Store-bought pie dough works well and saves time.

What’s a good topping for pear pie?

Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce pairs beautifully with pear pie.

Why is my crust browning too fast?

If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges with foil or a pie shield during the second half of baking.

Conclusion

Pear Pie is a delicious and cozy dessert that highlights the natural sweetness and delicate texture of ripe pears. With its spiced filling and buttery crust, it’s a refreshing change from more common fruit pies. Whether served warm or cold, it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite for holidays or everyday indulgence.