Recipe: Pear Pie with Pistachio Crumble

Recipe: Pear Pie with Pistachio Crumble

Pear pie with pistachio crumble is a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness and juiciness of pears with the rich, nutty flavor of pistachios. The pistachio crumble adds a delightful crunch to the soft, tender pears, making every bite an exciting mix of textures and flavors. This pie is perfect for a cozy evening with family or friends, and it's sure to become a staple in your dessert collection.

Let’s dive into how to make this delicious pear pie with a pistachio topping that will wow your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings!

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (chilled and cut into cubes)
• 1/4 cup ice water (more if needed)

For the Pear Filling:

• 4-5 ripe pears (preferably Bosc or Bartlett)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Pistachio Crumble Topping:

• 1/2 cup shelled pistachios (lightly chopped)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. Combine Dry Ingredients
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.

2. Add the Butter
   Add the chilled cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Add Ice Water
   Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork after each addition until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to add too much water; the dough should just hold together when pressed.

4. Form and Chill the Dough
   Gather the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps it maintain its shape during baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Pear Filling

1. Peel and Slice the Pears
   Peel the pears, core them, and cut them into thin slices. If you’re using larger pears, cut them into smaller pieces so they fit evenly in the pie crust.

2. Toss with Sugar and Spices
   In a bowl, combine the sliced pears with sugar, flour, cinnamon, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Toss gently until the pears are evenly coated with the mixture.

Step 3: Make the Pistachio Crumble Topping

1. Combine Dry Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, mix the chopped pistachios, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

2. Add the Butter
   Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with small pieces of butter still visible. This will create a crumbly topping when baked.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

1. Roll Out the Dough
   Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll it out into a circle that is about 1/8 inch thick and large enough to fit a 9-inch pie dish.

2. Place the Dough in the Pie Dish
   Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a 9-inch pie dish. Trim any excess dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge. Fold the edges under and crimp them to create a decorative border.

3. Add the Pear Filling
   Pour the prepared pear filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly. Make sure the pears are well distributed.

4. Top with Pistachio Crumble
   Evenly sprinkle the pistachio crumble topping over the pear filling. The crumble will bake into a delicious, golden topping that contrasts nicely with the tender fruit.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Bake the Pie
   Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. You may need to cover the edges of the pie with aluminum foil after 20-25 minutes to prevent over-browning.

3. Cool the Pie
   Once the pie is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes the pie easier to slice.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the Pie
   Serve the pear pie warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

2. Storage
   Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the pie in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.

Tips and Variations

1. Add Other Fruits
   You can add other fruits to the filling for a more complex flavor. Try mixing in apples, cranberries, or dried figs to complement the pears.

2. Make It Gluten-Free
   If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in both the crust and the crumble topping.

3. Use Pre-made Pie Crust
   If you're short on time, you can use store-bought pie crust instead of making your own. This will save you some preparation time without compromising on flavor.

4. Add a Spice Twist
   Experiment with different spices such as nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to add a warm, aromatic touch to the pear filling.

Health Benefits

1. Pears
   Pears are rich in dietary fiber, which promotes digestive health. They also contain antioxidants that help combat inflammation and protect the body from oxidative stress.

2. Pistachios
   Pistachios are a great source of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins. They’re rich in antioxidants and can help reduce cholesterol levels, making them a healthy addition to your pie topping.

3. Cinnamon
   Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to regulate blood sugar levels. It adds a warm, comforting flavor to the pie.

Conclusion

Pear pie with pistachio crumble is an elegant and delicious dessert that brings together the natural sweetness of pears and the rich, nutty flavor of pistachios. The buttery shortcrust, soft pears, and crunchy pistachio topping make this pie a truly irresistible treat. Whether you're baking it for a special occasion or as a weekend treat, this pie is sure to impress. Try this recipe today and savor the perfect combination of flavors in every bite!