Perfect Apple Pear Pie Recipe to Impress Your Guests

Jump to Recipe

A close-up of a delicious slice of apple pie with a flaky, golden crust, revealing perfectly layered spiced apple filling.

As fall approaches, nothing beats the comfort of a warm, homemade pie. The mix of sweet apples and ripe pears creates a delicious blend that not only tastes good but also looks fantastic on your table. This apple pear pie recipe is simple yet rewarding, inviting home bakers of all skill levels to dive in. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dessert that leaves people asking for seconds!

Let’s explore how you can make this amazing dessert that will wow your friends and family.

Ingredients

To create a mouthwatering apple pear pie, gather the following ingredients:

• For the Pie Crust:

- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 tablespoon sugar

- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced

- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water

• For the Filling:

- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (a mix of tart and sweet varieties such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp is ideal)

- 3 medium pears, peeled, cored, and sliced

- ¾ cup sugar

- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

- 1 tablespoon butter, to dot

Preparing the Pie Crust

The key to a delicious pie starts with the crust.

1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and sugar.

2. Add the diced butter, mixing until it looks like coarse crumbs, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

   
   

3. Gradually incorporate the ice water, adding one tablespoon at a time until the dough holds together.

   
   

4. Shape the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour. This step is crucial because it helps keep the crust flaky.

   
   

By following these steps, you'll create a crust that is both buttery and flaky, setting the foundation for your pie.

Making the Filling

While the dough chills, prepare the pie filling.

1. In a large bowl, toss together the sliced apples and pears.

   
   

2. Mix in the sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until the fruit is well-coated.

   
   

The blend of apples and pears adds not only stunning color but also depth to the pie’s flavor. Did you know that using a mix of textures can enhance the bite? For instance, Granny Smith apples are crisp and tart, while Bosc pears are soft and sweet.

Assembling the Pie

Now it’s time to put everything together.

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

   
   

2. Roll out one disc of dough on a floured surface until it fits your pie pan.

   
   

3. Place the rolled dough into the pie pan, pressing gently along the edges.

   
   

4. Pour the fruit filling into the crust, dotting it with small pieces of butter for extra flavor.

   
   

5. Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the filling, sealing the edges by crimping with fingers or a fork.

   
   

6. Cut several slits in the top crust to let steam escape.

   
   

This process ensures an evenly baked pie and prevents overflow.

Baking the Pie

Your pie is now ready for the oven.

1. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake it for 15 minutes.

   
   

2. Then, lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 30 to 35 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

   
   

3. If the edges brown too quickly, protect them with aluminum foil.

   
   

The delightful smell of baking pie will create an inviting environment that will captivate your guests before they even take a bite.

Cooling and Serving

After baking, let your pie cool completely before serving.

1. Allow it to sit on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This will help set the filling, making it easier to slice.

   
   

2. Serve your apple pear pie warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

   
   

Your guests will be drawn to its warm, spiced aroma and beautiful appearance.

Tips for Success

To ensure your apple pear pie is a hit, here are some helpful tips:

• Select Ideal Fruits: Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples and ripe pears for a more balanced flavor. For example, combining Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples with Bosc pears enhances sweetness and texture.

  
  

• Mind the Dough: Avoid overmixing the pie crust. This keeps it tender and flaky.

  
  

• Customize the Spices: Feel free to tweak the spices to your liking. A hint of ginger or clove can elevate the flavor profile.

  
  

• Use Fresh Produce: When possible, opt for in-season apples and pears for the best flavor and texture.

  
  

A Hearty Farewell

This apple pear pie recipe is a joyous celebration of fall flavors. With its golden, flaky crust and spiced filling, it’s bound to impress at any gathering. Whether you have years of baking experience or are just getting started, this recipe is rewarding and approachable.

So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to create a dessert that will leave everyone wanting more.

Enjoy the journey and the delightful result!