Description
Irresistible Dutch pear pie dances with warm spices and silky caramel, creating a dessert that whispers comfort and elegance. Generous slices promise pure indulgence, inviting you to savor each perfect bite of this classic Netherlands-inspired sweet treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 medium pears, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 recipe basic pie dough
Filling Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Sauce and Topping Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Craft the pie crust by rolling dough into a 13-inch circle on a flour-dusted surface, carefully nestling it into a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. Trim excess dough, elegantly fold edges, and create a decorative crimp. Chill in the freezer for 20 minutes at 400F.
- Create the crumble topping by combining flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Incorporate cold butter using fingertips until the mixture transforms into rustic crumbs. Refrigerate until needed.
- Prepare the filling by whisking together granulated sugar, cornstarch, salt, and warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice in a large bowl. Gently fold in sliced pears, splash of lemon juice, and pear brandy, ensuring each pear piece is evenly coated.
- Transfer the spiced pear mixture into the chilled pie crust, generously sprinkle the crumble topping, breaking into appealing clusters for maximum texture.
- Position the pie on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 400F for 30 minutes. Reduce temperature to 375F and continue baking for 30-35 minutes until the topping turns golden and fruit juices bubble tantalizingly.
- While pie cools on a wire rack, craft the spiced caramel sauce by combining cream and brown sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Remove caramel from heat and enrich with pear brandy, butter, vanilla, salt, and a harmonious blend of warming spices. Stir until smooth and fragrant.
- Serve pie slices adorned with warm, aromatic caramel sauce, celebrating autumn’s comforting flavors.
Notes
- Prevent soggy crust by thoroughly drying pears and patting them with paper towels before mixing with other ingredients.
- Swap pear brandy with apple juice or additional lemon juice for a non-alcoholic version that maintains flavor complexity.
- Enhance texture by using a mix of firm and ripe pears, ensuring a balance between softness and slight crunch in the filling.
- Elevate serving experience by pairing with vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream to complement the warm spices and caramel sauce.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Dutch
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg