Recipe: Pear Pie with Ginger Crumble Topping

Recipe: Pear Pie with Ginger Crumble Topping

Pear pie with ginger crumble topping is the ultimate dessert for any occasion, offering a perfect blend of sweet, ripe pears, warm spices, and a crispy, buttery crumble topping with a hint of ginger. The balance of flavors and textures in this pie makes it an irresistible treat that’s perfect for autumn and winter gatherings, but also delicious enough to be enjoyed year-round.

This recipe combines the natural sweetness of pears with the aromatic warmth of ginger, creating a pie that’s both comforting and indulgent. The ginger crumble topping adds a satisfying crunch to every bite, making it a delightful contrast to the soft, tender pear filling. Whether you're serving it after dinner with a dollop of whipped cream or enjoying a slice with your afternoon tea, this pie will surely be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Pie Filling:

• 6 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or more, depending on the sweetness of your pears)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the filling)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Ginger Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie crust, if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for greasing the pan)

Equipment:

• Mixing bowls
• 9-inch pie dish
• Fork or pastry cutter
• Knife and cutting board
• Rolling pin (if making homemade crust)
• Baking sheet (to catch any drips)
• Oven

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. Roll Out the Pie Crust
   If you are using refrigerated pie crusts, follow the package instructions to roll out the dough. If you're using homemade pie dough, roll it out to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Make sure the dough is evenly distributed and covers the edges of the dish.

2. Blind Bake the Crust (Optional)
   To prevent the bottom crust from becoming soggy, you may choose to blind-bake the crust. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the pie crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the paper and weights and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Pie Filling

1. Prepare the Pears
   Peel, core, and slice the pears into thin slices, about 1/4-inch thick. Place the sliced pears in a large mixing bowl.

2. Season the Pears
   To the pears, add granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Toss everything together gently to combine. Let the pears sit for 10-15 minutes to release some of their juices.

3. Thicken the Filling
   In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little water or additional lemon juice to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the pear mixture to thicken the filling as it cooks. This will help keep the pie from becoming too watery.

4. Fill the Pie Crust
   Pour the pear filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly. Set aside while you prepare the crumble topping.

Step 3: Make the Ginger Crumble Topping

1. Combine the Dry Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.

2. Add the Butter
   Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to blend the butter into the flour mixture. Continue until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with some larger pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.

3. Top the Pie
   Evenly sprinkle the ginger crumble topping over the pear filling, covering it completely. The crumble will bake into a crunchy, golden-brown topping.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

1. Bake the Pie
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any juices that might overflow during baking. Bake the pie for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil.

2. Cool the Pie
   Once the pie is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for at least 1 hour before slicing. This will allow the filling to set and make it easier to serve.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve
   Slice the pie and serve it warm or at room temperature. You can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the flavors.

Tips and Variations

1. Use Other Fruits
   While this recipe uses pears, you can experiment with other fruits like apples or peaches for a different twist. You could even combine pears with a bit of cranberries or raspberries for added tartness.

2. Make the Crust Homemade
   If you prefer, you can make the pie crust from scratch. Use your favorite pie dough recipe, or try a graham cracker crust for a more unique take on the dessert.

3. Make it Gluten-Free
   If you need a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free pie crust and substitute the all-purpose flour in the topping with a gluten-free flour blend.

4. Spice it Up
   You can add other spices like cloves, allspice, or even a pinch of ground cardamom to the filling for more complexity. Adjust the amount to your taste.

Health Benefits

1. Pears
   Pears are a great source of dietary fiber, which helps digestion and promotes gut health. They also contain antioxidants, which can help fight inflammation and boost the immune system.

2. Oats
   Oats are high in soluble fiber, which has been shown to help reduce cholesterol levels. They also provide slow-releasing energy, making this pie a great option for a satisfying dessert.

3. Cinnamon and Ginger
   Both cinnamon and ginger are packed with anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger is known for aiding digestion, while cinnamon is rich in antioxidants and helps to stabilize blood sugar levels.

Conclusion

Pear pie with ginger crumble topping is a heartwarming, flavorful dessert that combines the sweetness of pears with the spiciness of ginger. Its rich, buttery crumble topping provides the perfect contrast to the soft, tender filling. Whether you're enjoying it at a family gathering or indulging in a quiet moment with a warm drink, this pie is sure to satisfy your cravings for a delicious, comforting dessert.

With its balance of sweetness and spice, along with its easy preparation, this pear pie is the perfect treat for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the harmony of pears and ginger in every bite!