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This Pear Pie is the perfect alternative to apple pie all fall long. Pears make a sweet pie filling – they’re perfectly cooked, not crunchy, and spiced with cinnamon. Make this a double crust pie and it’s the perfect recipe – it freezes well too.

pie in a glass pie plate.


Best Pear Pie Recipe

I first had a pear pie when I was in college having Christmas Eve dinner with my boyfriends family. Since then my love affair with pears has continued – my pear crumble bars are a favorite recipe loved by many.

The pear pie filling is similar to the crumble bars, but instead of making a shortbread crust I used made a double crust pie. Here is my secret tip that I think everyone should follow: pre-cook your pears so they are not crunchy when you eat the pie. No one wants to bite into crunchy pie, and this tip will fix that! Whether it is November or the middle of summer, this pie will suit all your needs!

Ingredients Needed

  • All Butter Pie Crust: Store-bought or make my recipe!
  • Pears: Get about 3 pounds of pears. This is approximately 6-7 pears, but it depends on size. Use any type of pear you like.
  • Brown Sugar: Always remember to pack your brown sugar!
  • Cinnamon: Adds extra flavor and spice to the pie!
  • Butter: A little butter helps thicken the pie along with the flour.

How to make Pear Pie

  • Prepare the filling by placing the diced pears in a medium saucepan. Add about 2 inches of water to the pan and cook over medium heat, bringing to a boil then simmering for about 5 minutes until the pears just start to turn semi-translucent. This is the same method I do for my apple pie.
  • Stir together brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, and cinnamon.
  • Toss with cooled pears.
  • Line a 9-inch pie plate with one pie crust. Add pears in an even layer. Top evenly with dabs of butter.
  • Top with top crust, crimping edges and removing any excess crust. Cut some venting holes in the top. Place pie on a cookie sheet. Cover with a pie shield.
  • Bake at 450°F for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F and bake until crust is golden brown, filling is bubbly and the bottom crust is baked through, approximately 40-50 additional minutes. Remove pie shield during last 15-20 minutes of baking.
sliced pie with pears stuffed inside.

Expert Tips

  • Baking pies can feel intimidating, but I promise all will be good if you follow the directions!
  • Avoid a soggy bottom pie by baking it for 15 minutes at a high temperature, then lowering the oven to 350°F.
  • Bake your pie in a glass pie plate so it will cook evenly and you can see when the crust is cooked through. Use a pie shield to protect the edges and if the pie starts to brown too fast on top tent it with foil.
  • Brush your pie crust with egg wash before baking to get that golden look.
  • Drain your pears well to avoid a soggy pie. 
  • Cool completely before slicing! It slices better once it’s been chilled.

FAQs

What are the best pears for pie?

When buying pears, there are a lot of options. You can use your favorite, but some of the best are Bartlett and Bosc.

Does pear pie need to be refrigerated?

I would recommend refrigerating it. This is because of the fruit; the fruit will stay better in the fridge!

sliced pie with pears stuffed inside.

Pear Pie

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This is a fresh pear pie that has really light flavors, but will keep you warm when making this for the holidays!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield 12 servings
Serving Size 1 serving

Ingredients
 

  • 2 recipes all butter pie crust (see note)
  • 3 pounds pears (about 6-7 depending on size)
  • ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons (20g) all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon (14g) butter
  • Egg wash
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Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 450°F.
  • Prepare the filling by placing the diced pears in a medium saucepan. Fill the pan with water so that half the pears are covered. Cook over medium heat, bringing to a boil then simmering for about 5 minutes until the pears just start to turn semi-translucent. Drain well.
  • Stir together brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Toss with cooled pears.
  • Line a 9-inch pie plate with one pie crust. Add pears in an even layer. Top evenly with dabs of butter.
  • Top with top crust, crimping edges and removing any excess crust. Cut some venting holes in the top. Brush with egg wash. Place pie on a cookie sheet. Cover with a pie shield.
  • Bake at 450°F for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F and bake until crust is golden brown, filling is bubbly and the bottom crust is baked through, approximately 40-50 additional minutes. Remove pie shield during last 15-20 minutes of baking.
  • Cool completely before slicing! It slices better once it’s been chilled.

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

  • You can use my all butter pie crust recipe or a box of 2 crusts from the store.
  • If you want, make a lattice top crust with the second crust.
  • Alternately, use one crust and make a crumble topping.
  • Baking pies can feel intimidating, but I promise all will be good if you follow the directions!
  • Avoid a soggy bottom pie by baking it for 15 minutes at a high temperature, then lowering the oven to 350°F.
  • Bake your pie in a glass pie plate so it will cook evenly and you can see when the crust is cooked through. Use a pie shield to protect the edges and if the pie starts to brown too fast on top tent it with foil.
  • Brush your pie crust with egg wash before baking to get that golden look.
  • Drain your pears well to avoid a soggy pie.
  • Cool completely before slicing! It slices better once it’s been chilled.

Recipe Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 2771kcal | Carbohydrates: 455g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 102g | Saturated Fat: 35g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g | Monounsaturated Fat: 45g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 1523mg | Potassium: 1766mg | Fiber: 43g | Sugar: 211g | Vitamin A: 627IU | Vitamin C: 52mg | Calcium: 280mg | Iron: 13mg
Nutritional information not guaranteed to be accurate
Course Dessert
Cuisine American

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Last Updated on October 30, 2023



Dorothy Kern

Welcome to Crazy for Crust, where I share recipes that are sometimes crazy, often with a crust, and always served with a slice of life.

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