Crunch-Top Pear Pie
A delightful pear pie with a crunchy topping, combining sweet pears, zesty orange, and warm spices for a comforting dessert suitable for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Gently mix sliced and cored pears with sugar, orange rind, and orange juice.
- Arrange the pear mixture in the unbaked pie shell.
- Combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, ginger, and mace to make the topping.
- Cut in the butter until the mixture is crumbly.
- Sprinkle the crumbly topping over the pears.
- Bake the pie for 45 minutes.
- Partially cool before serving with whipped cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider using a mix of different pear varieties for depth. If you're out of mace, nutmeg works as a good substitute. To enhance sweetness, you can also add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the pear mixture. Remember, the key to a great pie is to ensure your butter is cold when making the topping for a perfectly crumbly texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. This pie pairs beautifully with a spiced chai tea or a glass of dessert wine. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad or a cheese platter featuring strong cheeses to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap to maintain its texture. It will keep well for up to three days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds or warm the whole pie in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crunch-Top Pear Pie contains roughly 477 calories, with 9g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 498mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned pears instead of fresh for this pie?
While fresh pears provide the best flavor and texture, you can use canned pears in a pinch. Be sure to drain them thoroughly and reduce the sugar in the recipe since canned pears are often packed in syrup.
What type of pears works best for this pie?
Bosc and Bartlett pears are ideal for pies due to their sweetness and firm texture. They hold up well during baking and provide a lovely flavor. Mixing varieties can also enhance the complexity of your pie.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance. Simply bake it, let it cool completely, and store it in the refrigerator. You can reheat it in the oven before serving for the best taste and texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).