Pear Pie with Almond Crumble: A Heavenly Dessert for Any Occasion

There’s something magical about the combination of warm, sweet fruit nestled inside a flaky pie crust, topped with a golden, crunchy crumble. Pear pie with almond crumble is the ultimate comfort dessert, blending the delicate sweetness of pears with the nutty crunch of almond topping. This easy-to-make pie has all the right elements—a tender filling, a flaky crust, and a crispy almond crumble—that make it a hit at any gathering or as a special treat for yourself.

The beauty of this pear pie lies not just in its taste, but in its simplicity. The pears offer a soft, juicy texture, while the almond crumble topping provides a delightful contrast. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed as is, this pear pie with almond crumble is a dessert that is sure to please.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make this delicious pie from scratch, share tips for making the perfect almond crumble topping, and offer a few creative variations. Let’s dive in!

Health Benefits of Pears and Almonds

Before we get into the recipe, let’s take a moment to appreciate the health benefits of the two key ingredients in this pie—pears and almonds. While this dessert is indulgent, it also provides some nutritional benefits that make it a little more wholesome.

Pears:

Pears are rich in dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight. They are also a good source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that boosts the immune system and supports skin health. Additionally, pears are high in potassium, which supports heart health by helping regulate blood pressure.

Almonds:

Almonds are an excellent source of healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fat, which can help lower bad cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. They are also high in protein, fiber, and vitamin E, all of which contribute to better skin, hair, and overall health. The addition of almonds in the crumble topping not only provides a delightful crunch but also adds nutritional value to the pie.

By combining pears and almonds, you’re creating a dessert that not only tastes amazing but also provides some health benefits in every bite.

Ingredients for Pear Pie with Almond Crumble

To make this delicious pear pie with almond crumble topping, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Pie:

• 5-6 ripe pears (peeled, cored, and sliced)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or adjust to the sweetness of the pears)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening the filling)
• 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

For the Almond Crumble Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds (or chopped)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

These ingredients will create a perfectly balanced pie with a sweet, spiced pear filling and a crunchy almond topping. The cornstarch helps thicken the fruit filling, while the almond crumble adds texture and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Pear Pie with Almond Crumble

Step 1: Prepare the Pear Filling

Start by preparing the pears. Peel, core, and slice the pears into thin slices. Place the sliced pears in a large mixing bowl. Add the granulated sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and cornstarch. Toss the ingredients together to ensure that the pears are evenly coated in the sugar and spices. The lemon juice will help balance the sweetness of the pears while the cornstarch will help thicken the filling as it bakes.

Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust

If you’re using store-bought pie crust, place it into a 9-inch pie dish and set it aside. If you’re using homemade pie crust, roll out the dough and fit it into the pie dish. Trim any excess dough around the edges and crimp the edges to create a decorative border. Once the crust is prepared, fill it with the pear mixture, spreading it evenly across the crust.

Step 3: Make the Almond Crumble Topping

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, sliced almonds, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Add the cold cubed butter to the mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be evenly distributed, but the mixture should still have some texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Sprinkle the almond crumble topping evenly over the pear filling in the pie crust. Be sure to cover the entire surface with the crumble to ensure that every bite has some of that delicious almond crunch.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake it in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Keep an eye on the pie towards the end of baking—if the crumble topping is getting too brown, you can cover the edges of the crust with aluminum foil to prevent over-baking.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once the pie is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to slice. Serve the pie warm on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Tips for Perfect Pear Pie with Almond Crumble

• Choosing Pears: Use ripe but firm pears for the best texture. Bartlett or Bosc pears are great options as they hold their shape well during baking.
• Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar in the filling depending on the sweetness of the pears. If they are naturally sweet, you may need less sugar.
• Crumble Texture: For a more buttery, crisp crumble topping, you can increase the amount of butter in the mixture. If you like it a bit drier, reduce the butter slightly.
• Chill the Pie Crust: If you’re using homemade pie crust, be sure to chill it for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the crust hold its shape during baking and results in a flakier texture.

Creative Variations of Pear Pie with Almond Crumble

While the classic version of this pear pie with almond crumble is delicious on its own, there are several creative variations you can try to customize the flavor:

• Spiced Pear Pie: Add other spices like ginger, cloves, or allspice to the filling for a more complex, spiced flavor.
• Nutty Crumble: Mix in other nuts like walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts to the crumble topping for added crunch and depth of flavor.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the pie before serving for a decadent, sweet finish.
• Berries: Mix in a handful of fresh berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, to the pear filling for a burst of color and flavor.

When to Serve Pear Pie with Almond Crumble

This pear pie with almond crumble is perfect for a variety of occasions:

• Family Gatherings: Serve it at a family dinner or holiday gathering for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert.
• Fall and Winter: This pie is perfect for the cooler months, when pears are in season and you’re craving something warm and cozy.
• Special Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or another celebration, this pie makes a special dessert that’s sure to impress.
• Afternoon Tea: Serve it as an afternoon treat with tea or coffee for a refined dessert.

Conclusion: A Perfectly Sweet and Crunchy Dessert

Pear pie with almond crumble is a simple yet elegant dessert that brings together the sweetness of pears and the rich, nutty flavor of almonds. The combination of the tender fruit filling, buttery pie crust, and crunchy almond topping creates a dessert that is both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or treating yourself to a delicious homemade pie, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Try making this pear pie with almond crumble today and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, fruity filling and nutty, crunchy topping in every bite!