Indulge in the sweet and tangy flavors of this classic French pear pie. Made with ripe pears, a buttery crust, and a hint of cinnamon, this pie is the perfect balance of flavors. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly satisfying dessert. This recipe is easy to make and will impress your friends and family with its homemade goodness.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 6 tablespoons ice water
- 5-6 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar (for sprinkling)
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough into a circle large enough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the pie dish and press it gently into the bottom and sides.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sliced pears, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and melted butter. Mix well to coat the pears with the sugar and spices.
- Arrange the pear mixture evenly in the prepared pie crust.
- Roll out the second portion of dough into a circle and place it over the pear filling. Seal the edges by crimping them together using your fingers or a fork.
- Cut a few slits on the top of the pie crust to allow steam to escape during baking. Brush the crust with beaten egg and sprinkle turbinado sugar over the top.
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the filling to set.
- Slice and serve the French pear pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat.
Interesting Facts
Pears are a symbol of immortality and were favored by French royalty.
The French take pride in their pastry-making techniques, resulting in beautifully crafted pies and pastries.
Pear pies are a popular dessert in France, especially during the fall season when pears are abundant.
Using turbinado sugar on top of the pie adds a delightful crunch and sweetness.