As the aroma of fresh pears fills my kitchen, I can’t help but smile at the memories of family gatherings centered around homemade desserts. This Elegant Pear Pie with Almond Streusel Topping is my go-to way to celebrate those special moments. Imagine sinking your fork into a flaky, buttery crust that cradles juicy, perfectly ripe pears, all complemented by a crunchy topping of sliced almonds and a hint of candied ginger. It’s a delightful mashup of pie and crumble, making it an instant crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether you’re looking to impress at a potluck or simply treat yourself after a long week, this pear pie brings warmth and comfort to the table. Ready to elevate your dessert game? Let’s dive into this recipe that is as delicious as it is simple to make!
Why will you love this Pear Pie?
Irresistible Flavor: The sweet, juicy Bosc pears paired with the nutty almond streusel create an unforgettable taste explosion.
Effortlessly Elegant: This dessert looks stunning, perfect for impressing guests or celebrating special moments.
Simple Steps: With straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can easily achieve a bakery-quality pie at home.
Versatile Options: Feel free to swap nuts or spices, allowing you to personalize this recipe for any occasion.
Time-Saving Treat: Prepare ahead and bake just before serving to enjoy a fresh, warm pie with minimal effort.
This pear pie truly stands out as a favorite dessert that brings smiles and satisfaction to every table!
Pear Pie Ingredients
For the Crust
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the pie crust; make sure to use more for dusting.
• All-Butter Pie Crust – Delivers a rich flavor and flaky texture; homemade is preferable for the best taste.
For the Filling
• Bosc Pears – Serve as the primary fruit filling, offering a juicy texture; they hold their shape beautifully when baked.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness to the filling; adjust according to your preference for sweetness.
• Lemon Zest & Juice – Enhances the flavor of the pears and adds a bright contrast; fresh zest and juice are best.
• Kosher Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor; a small amount goes a long way.
For the Streusel Topping
• Packed Light Brown Sugar – Adds depth and a caramel flavor to the streusel; gives it that inviting sweetness.
• Sliced Almonds – Contributes a delightful crunch and nutty flavor; feel free to substitute with pecans or walnuts.
• Finely Chopped Crystallized Ginger – Offers a sweet-spicy kick that beautifully complements the pears; adjust to taste.
• Salted Butter – Provides richness to the streusel topping; for a sweeter topping, unsalted can be used.
For Serving
• Sweetened Whipped Cream or Ice Cream – Optional toppings that enhance the dessert experience; serve warm for maximum indulgence.
This Pear Pie brings warmth to your table and is sure to become a beloved addition to your dessert repertoire!
How to Make Pear Pie
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Prepare Pie Crust: Start by par-baking the all-butter pie crust. Line it with parchment paper, fill with pie weights or dried beans, and bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes until lightly golden. This helps prevent a soggy bottom.
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Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine peeled and diced Bosc pears with granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of kosher salt. Toss well until the pears are evenly coated and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
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Prepare Streusel Topping: In another bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, sliced almonds, and chopped crystallized ginger. Melt the salted butter and fold it into the mixture until you achieve a crumbly texture perfect for topping.
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Assemble Pie: Pour the pear filling into the pre-baked crust, ensuring it’s evenly spread. Then, sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the fruit, creating a beautiful, crunchy layer.
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Bake: Place the assembled pie in the oven and bake at 375°F for about 45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the pie to cool for about 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for that perfect finishing touch.
Optional: Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra sweetness and charm!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Pear Pie Variations
Get ready to make this delicious pear pie your own with these tempting twists and swaps!
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Nut-Free: Omit the sliced almonds and switch to a crunchy topping of oats mixed with brown sugar for a wholesome option.
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Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or ginger to the filling for a warm, aromatic flavor that takes your pie to the next level.
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Tart Fruit Addition: Mix in a cup of cranberries or cherries with the pears for a delightful contrast of tartness against the sweet filling.
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Ginger-Lemon Kick: Replace half of the granulated sugar with honey, and add a tablespoon of grated fresh ginger for an invigorating twist.
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Sweet and Savory: Drizzle balsamic reduction over the pears before adding the streusel for a sweet-savory flavor explosion that will impress your guests.
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Chocolate Surprise: Stir in chocolate chips into the pear filling for a decadent surprise in every bite—combining chocolate and pear is a delightful pairing.
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Coconut Love: Replace the almonds with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical flair that adds both flavor and texture to the streusel.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the crust and topping to make a creamy, delicious dessert for gluten-sensitive friends.
Explore these variations to truly make this pear pie your own – the possibilities are tantalizing!
How to Store and Freeze Pear Pie
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep the pie fresh and moist. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Reheating: To reheat, place the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the crust is crisp again. Enjoy a delicious slice of pear pie!
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the fully assembled pie a day in advance; cover it well and refrigerate before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve!
Expert Tips for Perfect Pear Pie
• Choosing Pears: Select Bosc or Bartlett pears for their firmness; avoid overly ripe or Comice pears that can turn mushy when baked.
• Avoid Soggy Crust: Don’t skip par-baking the crust; it ensures a flaky texture and prevents sogginess from the juicy filling.
• Streusel Consistency: Aim for a crumbly streusel topping; if too dry, add a bit more melted butter until you achieve the desired texture.
• Serving Warm: Serve your pear pie warm for the best flavor; the combination of warm fruit and cold whipped cream is simply irresistible.
• Storage Tips: If there are leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness for up to three days.
This Pear Pie is sure to become a staple, bringing joy to your desserts!
What to Serve with Pear Pie with Streusel Topping?
This warm, comforting dessert pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments that enhance its delightful flavors and textures.
- Sweetened Whipped Cream: A dollop of fluffy, sweetened cream adds a light touch that complements the pie’s richness.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing, the creaminess of vanilla ice cream contrasts perfectly with the warm, spiced pears.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling a bit of salted caramel sauce over the pie elevates every bite with its rich, buttery sweetness.
- Cinnamon Sugar Biscotti: A crunchy cookie with a hint of cinnamon amplifies the pie’s sweet-spicy notes, perfect for dipping.
- Spiced Tea or Chai: Sipping on a warm spiced tea enhances the flavors of the pie, bringing warmth and comfort to your dessert experience.
- Pear Compote: For a fresh twist, a spoonful of pear compote adds brightness and a beautiful pop of flavor to each bite.
- Almond Milkshake: Creamy almond milkshakes bring a nutty element that pairs harmoniously with the streusel topping.
- Cheese Plate: A selection of sharp cheddar or creamy brie can balance the sweetness of the pie, creating an interesting flavor contrast.
- Chocolate Drizzle: A light drizzle of dark chocolate offers a rich, sweet kick that beautifully complements the pear’s natural flavors.
- Hazelnut Coffee: Enjoying a warm cup of hazelnut coffee alongside the pie enhances the nutty streusel while invigorating your senses.
Make Ahead Options
These Elegant Pear Pies with Almond Streusel Topping are perfect for meal prep, offering a delicious treat with less stress. You can prepare the fully assembled pie up to 24 hours in advance by covering it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerating it. For the best quality, I recommend par-baking the crust and preparing the filling and streusel topping a day ahead as well. Just keep the filling chilled and the topping stored separately in an airtight container to maintain crunchiness. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the pie from the refrigerator, sprinkle the streusel topping on, and bake as directed. This way, you’ll enjoy the same cozy, warm flavors with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights!
Pear Pie with Streusel Topping Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best pears for a pear pie?
Absolutely! Look for firm pears like Bosc or Bartlett—they hold their shape beautifully during baking and provide the perfect texture. Avoid overly ripe varieties, such as Comice, which can become mushy. Trust me, the quality of your pears will make all the difference in your pie!
How should I store leftover pear pie?
Very simply! Store any remaining pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the filling moist and the crust from becoming too soggy. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, reheating it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes will revive its flaky texture!
Can I freeze pear pie?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes for the best results!
What should I do if my streusel topping is too crumbly?
Not a problem! If your streusel topping seems too dry and crumbly, just add a bit more melted butter—one tablespoon at a time—until you reach a perfect crumbly texture. This will give your topping that delightful crunch!
Can pets eat pear pie?
It’s best to keep pear pie away from pets, especially as it contains sugar and potentially harmful ingredients like butter and nuts. While plain pears are safe for dogs, the pie’s added sugars and spices aren’t suitable for them. Always prioritize your furry friends’ health!
What if I can’t find Bosc pears?
No worries! If Bosc pears are not available, any firm pear variety like Bartlett or Anjou will work well in this recipe. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try combination of different pears for an exciting flavor twist!
Delicious Pear Pie with Almond Streusel Your New Favorite Dessert
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Pie Crust: Start by par-baking the all-butter pie crust. Line it with parchment paper, fill with pie weights or dried beans, and bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine peeled and diced Bosc pears with granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of kosher salt. Toss well until the pears are evenly coated.
- Prepare Streusel Topping: In another bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, sliced almonds, and chopped crystallized ginger. Melt the salted butter and fold it into the mixture until you achieve a crumbly texture.
- Assemble Pie: Pour the pear filling into the pre-baked crust, ensuring it’s evenly spread. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the fruit.
- Bake: Place the assembled pie in the oven and bake at 375°F for about 45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool for about 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.