Introduction
When I first made this Dutch Pear Pie with Spiced Caramel Sauce, I was immediately taken aback by how well the warm spices and caramel enhanced the sweetness of the pears. The combination of the flaky, buttery crust, the crumbly topping, and the spiced filling made it a dessert that my family couldn’t get enough of. Each slice was deliciously comforting, perfect for a fall afternoon or any special gathering. The addition of pear brandy in both the filling and the spiced caramel sauce gave it an extra depth of flavor, elevating it beyond the traditional pear pie. My family, especially my kids, adored the way the caramel sauce melted over the warm pie, creating an irresistible treat. It’s a pie that makes you feel cozy, and I couldn’t wait to share it with everyone!
Why You’ll Love Dutch Pear Pie with Spiced Caramel Sauce
This Dutch Pear Pie with Spiced Caramel Sauce will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection for a few reasons. First, the tender and sweet pears, spiced perfectly with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, create an irresistible filling that pairs beautifully with the buttery, flaky pie crust. The crumble topping adds a nice crunch and sweetness to every bite. To take this pie to the next level, the warm spiced caramel sauce is drizzled over the top, bringing a rich and decadent layer of flavor. The combination of spices, caramel, and pears is a match made in heaven, making it perfect for fall holidays or any special occasion. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make and will leave your house smelling incredible!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1/2 recipe Basic Pie Dough
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 1/2 pounds firm-ripe pears (about 5 medium), cored and sliced 1/4-inch thick (7 cups)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon pear brandy
For the Spiced Caramel Sauce:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons pear brandy
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch ground allspice
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust
Preheat the oven to 400°F with the rack in the lowest position. Roll the dough into a 13-inch circle on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. Trim the excess dough to 1 inch, fold the edges under, and crimp the edges. Freeze the prepared pie crust for 20 minutes to ensure it holds its shape while baking. - Make the Crumble Topping
In a bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Work the cold butter into the mixture using your fingertips until it resembles crumbs. Cover the crumble topping and chill it until ready to use. - Prepare the Filling
Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil to catch any spills during baking. In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. Add the sliced pears, lemon juice, and pear brandy to the sugar mixture, tossing to coat. Transfer the prepared pear filling into the chilled pie crust, then sprinkle the crumble topping on top, breaking it into clumps as needed. - Bake the Pie
Place the pie on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375°F and continue baking for an additional 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the juices are bubbling and thickened. Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. - Make the Spiced Caramel Sauce
In a medium saucepan, bring the heavy cream and light brown sugar to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring often. Allow the mixture to gently boil for 5 minutes, keeping an eye on it to prevent it from boiling over. Remove from the heat and stir in the pear brandy, butter, vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. Stir until the sauce is smooth and well combined. - Serve
Slice the cooled pie and drizzle with the warm spiced caramel sauce before serving. Enjoy every bite of this comforting and decadent pear pie!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 slice (assuming 8 slices per pie)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Note: The nutritional facts are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredient brands and serving sizes.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
How to Serve
- Warm Slices with Spiced Caramel Sauce
Drizzle the warm spiced caramel sauce over each slice of pie right before serving to add a decadent and aromatic touch. - With Whipped Cream or Ice Cream
For an even more indulgent treat, serve your slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. - As a Holiday Dessert
This Dutch Pear Pie is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special fall gathering. The warmth of the spices and the luscious caramel sauce will make it a standout dessert. - Pair with a Hot Beverage
Enjoy the pie with a hot cup of coffee, spiced chai tea, or even a glass of pear brandy to complement the flavors.
Additional Tips
- Use Firm-Ripe Pears
Choose pears that are firm-ripe, such as Bosc or Bartlett, for the best texture in the filling. Overripe pears can break down too much during baking and become mushy. - Chill the Dough
After shaping the pie dough in the pan, make sure to chill it for at least 20 minutes before filling. This helps the dough hold its shape and prevents shrinkage during baking. - Customize the Caramel Sauce
If you prefer a thicker or thinner sauce, adjust the boiling time. For a thicker sauce, boil it a bit longer. For a thinner sauce, reduce the sugar slightly. - Make Ahead
The pie can be assembled a day in advance and baked just before serving. The caramel sauce can also be made ahead of time and warmed up when ready to serve. - Add a Crunch
If you like a bit of crunch in your pie, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping. They add a delicious texture contrast.
FAQ Section
1. Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of pear brandy?
Yes! If you don’t have pear brandy, you can use regular brandy, bourbon, or even apple cider.
2. How do I prevent the bottom crust from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, be sure to freeze the crust before adding the filling, and bake the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
3. Can I make this pie without the crumble topping?
Yes, you can omit the crumble topping if you prefer a more traditional pie, but the topping does add a lovely texture and flavor.
4. Can I use canned pears instead of fresh ones?
Fresh pears will give the best texture, but if you must use canned pears, be sure to drain them well and reduce the amount of sugar in the filling to account for their sweetness.
5. How long will leftovers last?
Leftover pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or in the oven before serving.
6. Can I freeze this pie?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked pie. Cover it well with plastic wrap and foil, and bake it from frozen, adding extra time to the baking process.
7. Can I substitute the heavy cream in the caramel sauce?
You can use half-and-half or milk, but the sauce may not be as rich and creamy as with heavy cream.
8. Can I use other fruits for the filling?
Yes, you can substitute apples, peaches, or a mix of fruit for the pears if desired, but the cooking time may vary depending on the fruit used.
9. How can I make this pie gluten-free?
To make this pie gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust and crumble
topping with a gluten-free flour blend.
10. Is this pie very sweet?
This pie has a nice balance of sweetness from the pears and caramel sauce, but if you prefer a less sweet pie, you can reduce the sugar in the filling by about 1/4 cup.
This Dutch Pear Pie with Spiced Caramel Sauce is a comforting and indulgent dessert, perfect for any fall gathering or holiday celebration. Its combination of spiced pears, buttery crust, and rich caramel sauce is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests!