Partridge In A Pear Tree Pie
A festive and flavorful pie combining tart cranberries, sweet pineapple, and tender pear halves, all nestled in flaky pastry. Perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions, this dessert offers a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors with decorative pear and leaf shapes adding visual charm.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook cranberries, 1 1/2 cups sugar, the pineapple, and 1/4 cup of the reserved syrup, stirring constantly, until cranberries are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Cool the mixture; prepare the pastry for a 9-inch pie.
- Mix flour, salt, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Stir the flour mixture into the cooled cranberry mixture.
- Pour the filling into the prepared pastry-lined pie plate.
- Gently press the pear halves onto the cranberry mixture in spoke fashion.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Roll out the top crust pastry and cut out shapes of a partridge leaf and pears.
- Place the cut-out shapes on top of the filled pie.
- Sprinkle with sugar if desired.
- Place the assembled pie on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake until the pastry cut-outs and crust are golden brown, about 7 to 10 minutes for the shapes and approximately 40 minutes for the entire pie.
- Arrange the cut-outs on the pie before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker filling, add an additional tablespoon of flour to the cranberry mixture. You can substitute fresh cranberries with frozen ones, just be sure to thaw and drain them first. If you prefer a sweeter pie, consider increasing the sugar to 2 cups. Additionally, for a unique flavor twist, incorporate a splash of orange juice or zest into the filling.
Serving Suggestions
This pie is best served warm, and it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an impressive presentation, serve alongside a fresh, vibrant Seashell Salad to balance the sweetness. A warm cup of spiced cider or a glass of Wicked Punch complements the flavors wonderfully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for 30-45 seconds, but the crust may lose some crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Partridge In A Pear Tree Pie contains roughly 287 calories, with 3g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 frozen cranberries for this pie?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries instead of fresh. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pie filling.
What can I use if I don't have a 9-inch pie dish?
If you don't have a 9-inch pie dish, you can use an 8-inch dish, but keep an eye on the baking time, as smaller pies may cook faster. Alternatively, consider using a tart pan for a different presentation.
How can I make this pie more festive?
For a more festive touch, sprinkle the top crust with coarse sugar before baking for added sparkle. You can also use cookie cutters to create holiday-themed shapes for the pastry cut-outs, enhancing the visual appeal of your pie.
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).