Pear Custard Pie
A luscious pear custard pie featuring ripe pears in a creamy, spiced filling, perfect for cozy gatherings and dessert lovers seeking a comforting fruit tart.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line the unpricked pastry shell with a double thickness of heavy-duty foil.
- Bake at 450°F for 8 minutes. Remove the foil; bake an additional 3 minutes.
- Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.
- Place the cubed, peeled pears in the prepared pastry shell.
- In a bowl, combine sugar, flour, and ground nutmeg.
- Whisk in eggs, 1/4 cup of cream, melted butter, grated lemon peel, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the custard mixture over the pears in the pastry shell.
- Cover the edges loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
- Bake for 50 minutes or until the filling is just set and jiggles slightly.
- Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack for 1 hour.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you prefer a spicier note, add a pinch of cinnamon along with the nutmeg. To ensure your pie crust stays crisp, you can brush it with a bit of beaten egg before filling it. This Pear Custard Pie pairs beautifully with fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Pear Custard Pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast to the custard. It pairs wonderfully with a light, fruity salad like Orange Dream Salad for a refreshing side. For a cozy gathering, consider serving it alongside a warm beverage, such as spiced cider.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it warm, slice a piece and microwave it for about 20-30 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this can change the texture of the custard.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pear Custard Pie contains roughly 678 calories, with 3g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. It also contributes 11g 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 other fruits instead of pears in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute other fruits such as peaches or apples. Just ensure they are ripe and sweet for the best flavor. Keep in mind that different fruits may require slight adjustments to the sugar amount, depending on their natural sweetness.
How do I know when the custard pie is done baking?
The pie is done when the filling is just set and jiggles slightly in the center. It should not be liquidy. A toothpick inserted into the filling should come out mostly clean, indicating that the custard has set properly.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pie can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just allow it to cool completely before covering and refrigerating. This will give the flavors time to meld, making it even more delicious when served.
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).