Recipe: Pear Pie with Nut Crumble and Cinnamon

Pear pie with nut crumble and cinnamon is a delicious and comforting dessert that combines the natural sweetness of pears with a crunchy, flavorful topping. The tender, juicy pears are perfectly complemented by the nutty crumble, and the warm cinnamon spices create an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen. Whether served at a holiday dinner or as a special treat for a casual gathering, this pie is sure to become a new favorite.

This recipe for pear pie with nut crumble is easy to make and incredibly satisfying. The combination of sweet pears and a crunchy, buttery topping creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s the ideal dessert for autumn, with its warm, comforting spices and fresh, fruity filling.

Ingredients

For the Pie Filling:

4 large ripe pears (peeled, cored, and sliced)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

For the Nut Crumble Topping:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into small pieces)
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (or a mix of both)

For the Pie Crust:

1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

Equipment:

Pie dish
Mixing bowls
Rolling pin (if making a homemade crust)
Knife and cutting board

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Filling

Peel, Core, and Slice the Pears
Start by peeling and coring the pears. Cut them into thin slices, aiming for uniform pieces so they cook evenly. This ensures the pie filling will have a consistent texture.
Toss the Pears with Sugar, Spices, and Lemon Juice
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced pears with the granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These spices will enhance the natural sweetness of the pears and give the filling a warm, aromatic flavor. If you prefer a thicker filling, add the cornstarch to help thicken the juices as the pie bakes.
Let the Pears Rest
Allow the pears to rest for 10-15 minutes so the sugar can draw out their juices, which will help create a flavorful filling.

Step 2: Make the Nut Crumble Topping

Prepare the Nut Crumble
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until the dry ingredients are well mixed. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the Nuts
Once the crumble mixture is ready, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans. The nuts will add a delicious crunch and extra flavor to the topping.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Prepare the Pie Crust
Roll out your pie crust and fit it into a pie dish. If you’re using a store-bought crust, simply unroll it and place it into the dish, trimming any excess dough along the edges. Crimp the edges of the crust to create a decorative finish.
Fill the Pie Crust
Once the pear mixture has rested, spoon the pears and any accumulated juices into the prepared pie crust. Spread them out evenly to fill the crust.
Add the Nut Crumble Topping
Generously sprinkle the nut crumble topping over the pears. Be sure to cover the filling completely with the crumble for a nice even texture.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the Pie
Place the assembled pie on the center rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the crust begins to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil to prevent burning.
Cool Before Serving
Allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing to let the filling set. This will help the pie hold its shape when you serve it.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Slice and Serve
Slice the pie into wedges and serve warm. This pie pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Store Leftovers
Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven before serving.

Tips and Variations

Use Different Fruits
If you love pear pie, you can also experiment by adding other fruits to the filling, such as apples, quinces, or a mix of berries. A combination of pears and apples creates a wonderfully balanced pie with the best of both fruits.
Try Different Nuts
If you don’t have walnuts or pecans, feel free to use other nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, or even pistachios. Each nut brings its own unique flavor and texture to the crumble topping.
Add a Streusel Topping
For a different texture, you can turn the nut crumble topping into a streusel topping by adding a bit more butter and a pinch of salt to create a crunchier texture. Streusel provides a delightful contrast to the soft pear filling.
Make the Pie Gluten-Free
To make the pie gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust and crumble topping with a gluten-free flour blend.

Health Benefits

Pears
Pears are an excellent source of dietary fiber and antioxidants, which help improve digestion and support overall health. They’re also low in calories, making them a great option for a healthy dessert.
Nuts
Nuts like walnuts and pecans are rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, which help support heart health and keep you feeling full longer.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels, making it a great addition to any dessert.

Conclusion

Pear pie with nut crumble and cinnamon is the perfect dessert for fall and beyond. The combination of sweet pears, warm cinnamon, and crunchy nuts makes for a mouthwatering treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you're enjoying a quiet evening at home or sharing it with friends and family, this pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try this recipe today and enjoy the delightful flavors of fall in every bite!

Recipe: Pear Pie with Nut Crumble and Cinnamon