Easy Apple Pear Pie Recipe
Let me tell you, this Easy Apple Pear Pie Recipe is one of those go-to desserts that instantly feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. The mix of tart apples and sweet pears creates this beautiful balance that’s just irresistible. I first made it on a brisk fall afternoon, and since then, it’s become my favorite to bring to family gatherings or just bake when I crave something cozy.
What makes this Easy Apple Pear Pie Recipe really stand out is how simple it is to put together, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. Plus, that pear topping glazed with a hint of coconut oil and lemon juice? It adds such a lovely shine and flavor contrast that really takes the pie from good to unforgettable. You’re going to love how the flavors meld and how easy it is to impress with this dessert.
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect Fruit Combination: The tartness of apples paired with the sweetness of pears creates a harmonious flavor profile that’s both fresh and comforting.
- Simple Glaze Magic: The coconut oil and brown sugar glaze adds a glossy finish and subtle tropical hint that makes the pears shine beautifully.
- Easy Assembly: No complicated pastry work needed—just press the crust, stir filling, arrange pears on top, and bake.
- Great for Beginners and Pros: Whether it’s your first pie or you’ve baked loads, this recipe adapts well and always delivers satisfying results.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Let’s talk ingredients for a moment because picking the right ones can make or break your Easy Apple Pear Pie Recipe. I always choose crisp, tart apples since they hold up well during baking, and I look for ripe but firm pears that don’t turn mushy too quickly. These choices ensure your pie has the perfect texture and that lovely mix of flavors.
- Apples: Tart varieties like Granny Smith are best to balance sweetness and keep the filling firm.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the fruit beautifully.
- Cornstarch: Essential for thickening the filling so your pie won’t be runny.
- Cinnamon: A classic spice that pairs perfectly with apple and pear flavors.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors in the filling.
- Lemon Juice: Keeps fruit from browning and adds a little brightness to the overall flavor.
- Pears: Choose firm but ripe pears for the topping so they soften while baking but retain shape.
- Coconut Oil: Adds a subtle tropical note and helps create that glossy glaze on top.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love encouraging friends to make this Easy Apple Pear Pie Recipe their own. Sometimes I play with the balance of apples to pears, or throw in a few extra spices like nutmeg or ginger for a cozy twist. Don’t be shy—adjust the sweetness or try using different types of apples or pears to suit what you have on hand.
- Variation: For a more autumnal feel, I sometimes add a tablespoon of maple syrup instead of part of the brown sugar in the filling. It gives the pie a deeper sweetness that I adore.
- Dietary Modify: If you’re gluten-free, swap in your favorite gluten-free pie crust. The filling works beautifully with whatever base you use.
- Texture: Try cutting some fruit into slightly bigger chunks if you like a more rustic feel with varied textures.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Apple Pear Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Crust and Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your 9-inch pie plate and roll out or press in your pie dough, making sure it’s evenly spread and the edges are nicely crimped. I find pressing it in with my fingers creates a charming rustic look that’s perfectly intentional!
Step 2: Toss the Filling
In a large bowl, combine your peeled, cored, and thinly sliced tart apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Mix carefully to coat every slice. If you notice liquid pooling at the bottom, add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch—it’s a small but important trick to avoid a soggy crust.
Step 3: Assemble Filling and Pear Topping
Spoon the apple filling evenly into your prepared crust and smooth out the top. For the star of this pie, arrange thinly sliced pears in a concentric circular pattern on top of the filling, like petals on a flower—it makes the pie look as good as it tastes.
Step 4: Glaze and Bake
Heat your glaze ingredients—brown sugar, coconut oil, and lemon juice—in a small saucepan until melted and combined. Brush the glaze generously over the pear topping. Cover the pie loosely with foil to prevent the edges from browning too fast, then bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crust is golden and the pears have softened to a lovely golden hue.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Apple Pear Pie Recipe
- Even Fruit Slices: Make sure your apples and pears are sliced evenly so everything cooks at the same rate and your pie has consistent texture.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste your filling before assembling—some apples are naturally sweeter and you might want to tweak the brown sugar accordingly.
- Cover with Foil: Placing foil over the pie after glazing prevents over-browning and keeps the pears beautifully tender.
- Avoid Soggy Bottom: Add extra cornstarch if you see pooling liquid after mixing the filling—it stops your crust from getting soggy.
How to Serve Easy Apple Pear Pie Recipe
Garnishes
I usually serve this pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top, just for that extra hint of spice and cozy aroma. The combination really highlights the warm flavors and richness of the pie.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a spiced chai tea. For something a bit more indulgent, try it alongside a rich caramel sauce or a side of sharp cheddar cheese — I know it sounds unusual, but the salty tang cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve arranged individual slices on plates with pear slices fanned out, drizzled lightly with warm maple syrup. Another time, I made mini versions in ramekins for a charming personal dessert presentation that everyone loved—so fun and festive!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually cover leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, and you can enjoy it cold or warmed, depending on how you like it.
Freezing
This pie freezes beautifully! I’ve wrapped it well in foil and plastic wrap, then slipped it into a freezer bag. When I’m ready to enjoy, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it gently in the oven the next day.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop slices into a 325°F oven for about 10-15 minutes—just enough to warm through without drying it out. This keeps the crust crisp and the filling delectably gooey, just like fresh out of the oven.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen fruit for this pie?
While fresh fruit is best for the texture and flavor in the Easy Apple Pear Pie Recipe, you can use frozen apples or pears if necessary. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess liquid in the filling.
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What type of pie crust works best?
A classic buttery shortcrust pastry works beautifully here. You can use store-bought or homemade dough, whichever you prefer. Gluten-free or vegan options can also be substituted with great results.
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How do I prevent the pie crust from getting soggy?
Make sure to add enough cornstarch to absorb the fruit juices, and consider pre-baking (blind baking) the crust for 5-7 minutes if you want an extra crisp base. Also, the lemon juice helps reduce excess moisture while adding flavor.
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Can I use different spices in this pie?
Absolutely! Feel free to add nutmeg, ginger, or even cardamom to the filling. I like to keep it simple with cinnamon, but these spices add a lovely warm complexity.
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Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes! It’s designed to be approachable with straightforward steps and minimal fuss. Even if you’ve never made pie before, you’ll find success with this Easy Apple Pear Pie Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Apple Pear Pie Recipe holds a special place in my heart for how simple it is to make and how everyone lights up when they taste it. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and tart, with a gorgeous pear-topped finish that makes it feel a bit fancy but really requires very little effort. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be your new favorite go-to dessert to share with friends and family. So grab some apples and pears, and let’s bake a little happiness together!
Print
Easy Apple Pear Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Easy Apple Pear Pie combining tart apples and sweet pears with a cinnamon-spiced filling and a golden glazed pear topping, perfect for a comforting dessert.
Ingredients
Filling
- 4 medium tart apples, peeled, cored and sliced thinly
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Topping
- 2 pears, peeled, cored and sliced thinly
Glaze
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and crust. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate. Roll out or press the dough evenly into the pie plate and crimp the edges with your fingers to form the crust.
- Mix the filling. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, salt, and lemon juice. Toss well to coat all the fruit evenly. If there is liquid pooling at the bottom, stir in an additional tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken.
- Assemble the pie. Spoon the filling mixture into the prepared crust, smoothing the top evenly.
- Make the glaze. In a small saucepan, heat the brown sugar, coconut oil, and lemon juice over low heat until melted and combined. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Add the pear topping. Arrange the sliced pears over the filling in a decorative circular pattern. Brush the pear topping liberally with the prepared glaze to create a shiny finish.
- Bake the pie. Cover the pie loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the pears are soft and slightly caramelized.
Notes
- Slice the fruit evenly to ensure the pie bakes uniformly.
- Adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of your apples for balanced flavor.
- Feel free to mix apples and pears equally in the filling for a different texture and taste.
- Make sure no liquid pools in the filling mixture by adding extra cornstarch if necessary to prevent soggy crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
