Pear Pie with Almond Crust Layer: A Deliciously Elegant Dessert

Fruit pies have always been a beloved dessert, but when you add a layer of rich, nutty almond crust beneath the fruit, you take it to a whole new level. This pear pie with an almond crust layer combines the sweet, juicy flavor of pears with the crunchy, rich texture of the almond layer. It’s the perfect balance of soft and crisp textures, making it an irresistible dessert for any occasion.

Pears, with their smooth texture and sweet, slightly floral flavor, pair beautifully with the rich taste of almonds. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this pear pie will certainly be a hit. The almond crust not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful crunch to each bite.

Ingredients

For the pie crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• 1 egg yolk
• 2-3 tablespoons cold water

For the almond filling:

• 1 cup ground almonds (almond meal or finely chopped almonds)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional for an extra almond flavor)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt

For the pear filling:

• 4 ripe pears (peeled, cored, and sliced)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, to dot on the pears)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pie Crust

Begin by preparing the pie crust. In a food processor, combine the flour and powdered sugar. Add the cold cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolk and pulse again. Gradually add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times to form a disc. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Once the dough has chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Fit the dough into a pie dish, trimming the edges to leave a small overhang. Refrigerate the pie shell while you prepare the filling.

2. Make the Almond Filling

In a medium bowl, mix the ground almonds, sugar, softened butter, egg, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and well-combined. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of milk or cream to loosen it up. Set the almond filling aside.

3. Prepare the Pear Filling

Peel, core, and slice the pears into thin slices. Toss the pear slices with lemon juice and sugar to prevent browning. Optionally, sprinkle with cinnamon for added flavor. You can also melt a tablespoon of butter in a skillet and cook the pears for a few minutes until they’re just softened, but this step is optional.

4. Assemble the Pie

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take the chilled pie crust out of the fridge and spread the almond filling evenly over the bottom of the crust. Next, layer the prepared pear slices on top of the almond filling, arranging them in a neat pattern or spiraling around the edges of the pie.

If desired, dot the pears with small pieces of butter to help them caramelize as they bake. You can also sprinkle a little sugar over the top of the pears for a golden, sweet finish.

5. Bake the Pie

Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the pie crust is golden brown and the pear filling is bubbly. If the edges of the crust begin to brown too quickly, cover them with foil or a pie shield to prevent burning.

Once the pie is baked, allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will give the filling time to set and make slicing easier.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Slice the pie into wedges and serve it warm or at room temperature. This pie is delicious on its own, or you can top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Variations and Tips

1. Different Fruit Options:
While pears are the star of this pie, you can experiment with other fruits. Apples, quinces, or a combination of apples and pears would work beautifully in this recipe. The almond filling pairs wonderfully with many fruits, adding a nutty richness to the overall flavor.

2. Add a Streusel Topping:
For a more textured top, consider adding a streusel topping made of flour, butter, and sugar. This would create a delightful, crumbly contrast with the smooth almond filling and tender pears.

3. Make it Gluten-Free:
If you need a gluten-free version of this pie, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that all your ingredients are gluten-free, especially the baking powder if you use it.

4. For a Lighter Option:
To lighten up the pie, you can reduce the sugar in the almond filling and use a low-fat version of butter. You can also try a crust made with whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier take on the traditional buttery pie crust.

5. Make it Dairy-Free:
To make this pie dairy-free, you can substitute the butter in both the crust and almond filling with vegan butter or coconut oil. Additionally, swap the egg with a flax egg or chia seed egg substitute for a fully plant-based version.

Conclusion

This pear pie with an almond crust layer is a delightful and sophisticated dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just enjoying a quiet afternoon at home, this pie is sure to impress. The combination of sweet pears, a rich almond layer, and a flaky, buttery crust creates a well-balanced dessert that’s both comforting and elegant.

It’s easy to make, highly customizable, and absolutely delicious. Try it out and treat yourself to this indulgent yet wholesome dessert.