Imagine a dessert that combines the delicate sweetness of ripe pears with the irresistible crunch of toasted almonds, all nestled in a perfectly golden pie crust. This Almond Topped Pear Pie is not just a dessert—it's a culinary masterpiece that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary dining experience. Whether you're looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a luxurious homemade treat, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and create memories that will last long after the last delicious bite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust
- 4 cups sliced pears
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup almond slices
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9-inch pie dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Roll out the pie crust and carefully transfer it to the prepared pie dish, crimping the edges decoratively and trimming any excess dough.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced pears, sugar, and lemon juice. Gently toss until the pears are evenly coated, ensuring they are well mixed.
- Pour the pear mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. Add almond slices and stir until they are completely coated with the butter mixture.
- Sprinkle the buttered almond slices evenly over the top of the pear filling, creating a beautiful and crunchy topping.
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the pears are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes to allow the filling to set.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips
- Choose ripe but firm pears for the best texture and flavor. Varieties like Bosc or Anjou work wonderfully in this recipe.
- To prevent a soggy bottom crust, consider pre-baking the pie crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
- For an extra flavor boost, toast the almond slices in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before mixing with butter and spices.
- Use a pie shield or aluminum foil to cover the edges of the crust if they start browning too quickly during baking.
- Let the pie cool completely to allow the filling to set, which will make slicing easier and prevent a runny consistency.
- For a more decadent version, add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
