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5 from 1 vote

Pear Pie

If you decide to use alphabet cutters or other shapes to decorate your pie, cut the shapes before adding the top crust to the pie. Bake the centers of the letters separately on a baking sheet. Watch them carefully as they burn quickly -- timing will vary depending on their size and thickness. Add them to the pie after it cools.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time1 hour 50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Keyword: fruit dessert, fruit pie, Pi Day
Servings: 8 to 10
Author: Suzanne Cowden

Ingredients

  • Pastry
  • 2½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2½ sticks cold butter cut in ¼-inch slices (1¼ cups)
  • 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon ice water strained
  • Pear Filling
  • 5 to 6 large pears (about 5 cups) sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ½ to ¾ cups maple syrup depending on the pears’ sweetness
  • ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • pinch freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3 tablespoons corn starch
  • 1 tablespoon unbleached all purpose flour
  • Egg Wash
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons cold water
  • pinch kosher salt

Instructions

  • To prepare the pastry dough, whirl flour, confectioners' sugar, and salt in food processor with the blade attachment. Add about half of the butter and whirl until no chunks remain. Add remaining butter slices and whirl briefly to chop them up slightly. Turn food processor on again and quickly begin drizzling ice water through the feed tube, stopping before the dough comes together. Pinch some crumbs together between your fingers; if they don’t stick together, add a bit more water and whirl briefly.
  • Turn the mixture out onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Use the plastic wrap to help you bring the dough together; fold the edges of the dough toward the center and press down until it holds together, taking care not to overwork the dough. Divide it in half and shape into two flat disks wrapped tightly in plastic. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  • While the dough chills, preheat oven to 425° F.
  • Peel, core, and slice pears to 1/4-inch thickness. Toss the slices gently with lemon juice, maple syrup, cardamom, nutmeg, salt, corn starch, and flour. Let the mixture stand for about 20 minutes to soften the fruit.
  • Whisk egg, water, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl and set aside.
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough rounds into a 13 to 14-inch circle. Transfer it carefully to a 10-inch pie dish. Brush some of the egg wash over the bottom and up the sides of the pastry dough. Roll out remaining round into a 13 to 14-inch circle.
  • Fill bottom crust with the pear mixture. Brush the overhanging edge with cold water, cover with the top crust, and seal gently by pressing down on the edge with the bottom of a fork. Trim overhanging dough with a knife and flute the edge with your fingers, if desired. Cut steam vents in the top.
  • Place pie on a baking sheet to catch any overflowing juices. Bake for 30 minutes. Reduce heat to 350° F and continue baking until the juices bubble thickly through the vents and the fruit feels just tender when poked with a sharp knife, about 40-50 minutes. Allow the pie to cool for several hours before serving.