If you are searching for a dessert that perfectly balances tart and sweet with a stunning presentation, this Cranberry Pear Pie Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining the juicy softness of ripe pears with the bright zing of fresh cranberries, this pie bursts with delightful flavors that sing holiday cheer or a cozy afternoon treat any time of year. The warm spices and a hint of orange zest elevate this pie beyond ordinary, making it a showstopper at any gathering. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a curious beginner, this Cranberry Pear Pie Recipe promises an enjoyable baking experience and a truly memorable slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cranberry Pear Pie Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that are easy to find yet essential in creating its harmonious flavors. Each component plays a crucial role, from the crisp pears adding tenderness and sweetness to the tart cranberries that brighten every bite, complemented by warm spices and smooth vanilla.
- 2 pie dough crusts: Use store-bought or homemade for a flaky, buttery base and top.
- 4 Bosc pears: Their firm, sweet flesh holds up well during baking.
- 2 cups cranberries: Bring a vibrant tartness and beautiful color contrast.
- 1 teaspoon orange zest: Adds a fresh citrus aroma that pairs perfectly with the fruits.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Provides deep caramel notes and balances the tart cranberries.
- 3 tablespoons corn starch: Helps thicken the juicy fruit filling.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Offers a warm, familiar spice touch.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds subtle earthiness and complexity.
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice: Enhances the pie with a mix of clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg flavors.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances sweetness and balances the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Gives the filling a smooth, sweet finish.
- Optional: 1 egg: For an egg wash to achieve a glossy, golden crust.
How to Make Cranberry Pear Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF. Getting the oven hot early ensures that the crust will bake beautifully and the fruit filling will start bubbling as soon as it goes in.
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Bottom
Gently place one of your pie dough crusts into a pie plate. This forms the sturdy base of your pie and will cradle the delicious filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Pears
Peel, core, and slice the Bosc pears into uniform pieces for even cooking. Transfer these tender slices into a large mixing bowl—you’ll be tossing them with the rest of the filling ingredients shortly.
Step 4: Mix the Filling
Add the cranberries, orange zest, brown sugar, corn starch, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, kosher salt, and vanilla extract to the bowl with the pears. Stir everything together until the fruit is evenly coated and the spices are well distributed. Don’t worry if the fruit mixture mounds over the pie plate; this just means you have plenty of filling to enjoy!
Step 5: Create the Lattice Top
Cut the second pie dough into strips about half to one inch wide to make a classic lattice top. Lay down 5-6 strips horizontally over the pie, then carefully lift every other strip and place a perpendicular strip close to the edge. Alternate pulling back opposite strips and weaving in new ones until the whole pie is covered. Press and pinch the edges of the lattice crust to the bottom crust and trim off any excess dough. Feel free to add decorative touches like a braided edge or cut-out shapes—they make your pie extra special!
Step 6: Brush with Egg Wash (Optional)
For a pie crust that shines with a beautiful golden brown, whisk one egg with ¼ cup water to create an egg wash. Brush this gently over the lattice crust with a pastry brush.
Step 7: Bake the Pie
Bake the pie at 400ºF for 10 minutes to set the crust, then reduce the temperature to 350ºF and continue baking for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crust turns golden brown and the filling bubbles enticingly through the lattice.
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack. This resting time helps the filling thicken so each slice holds its shape perfectly and every bite stays deliciously satisfying.
How to Serve Cranberry Pear Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty snow-like effect that’s perfect for winter gatherings. For extra flair, top slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which complements the warm spices and tangy fruit notes.
Side Dishes
This Cranberry Pear Pie Recipe pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea, a cozy mug of coffee, or a glass of dessert wine like Riesling or Moscato. For a party, offer fresh fruit plates or lightly salted nuts to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in mini tart pans to impress guests with personalized pies. Alternatively, cut the pie into squares and serve on decorative plates with a side of mascarpone cheese mixed with a touch of honey for a decadent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve after a day or two as the spices and fruit meld together nicely. Enjoy within 3-4 days for best texture and taste.
Freezing
You can freeze this pie either before or after baking. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen pies can be kept for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed at a slightly lower temperature to ensure even cooking.
Reheating
Warm leftover pie slices in a preheated oven at 325ºF for 10-15 minutes, covering loosely with foil to keep the crust from getting too dark. Microwaving works too in a pinch, but may soften the crust. A warm slice tastes just as heavenly as fresh!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pear in this Cranberry Pear Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! While Bosc pears are ideal for their firm texture and sweetness, Bartlett or Anjou pears can also work well. Just be mindful that softer pears might cook down more quickly.
Do I need to pre-cook the filling before baking?
There is no need to pre-cook the filling. The baking process allows the pears and cranberries to soften and the filling to thicken perfectly inside the crust.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free pie crust blend instead of traditional dough, and ensure any packaged ingredients like cornstarch are certified gluten-free.
What if I don’t have orange zest?
If fresh orange zest isn’t available, a splash of orange juice or a pinch of orange extract can provide a similar bright citrus flavor.
How can I tell when the pie filling is done?
The filling is ready when it is bubbling visibly around the edges and the crust is golden brown. This bubbling means the cornstarch has thickened the juices nicely.
Final Thoughts
Nothing compares to the joy of baking and sharing a pie that feels both elegant and homey. This Cranberry Pear Pie Recipe captures that magic perfectly, offering a burst of flavor with comforting spices wrapped up in a flaky, beautiful crust. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own treasure for special moments. Happy baking and even happier eating!
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Cranberry Pear Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 9-inch pie (8 servings)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delicious Cranberry Pear Pie combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweet, juicy flavor of bosc pears, all encased in a flaky homemade pie crust. A lattice top crust beautifully showcases the vibrant filling, accented by warm spices and a hint of orange zest. Perfect for festive occasions or cozy autumn gatherings.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 2 pie dough crusts
Filling
- 4 bosc pears
- 2 cups cranberries
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons corn starch
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground all spice
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- ¼ cup water (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 400ºF to ensure it’s hot enough for the initial baking phase of your pie.
- Prepare the pie crust. Place one pie dough crust into your pie plate, pressing it gently into the edges. Set aside while preparing the filling.
- Prepare the pears. Peel, core, and slice the bosc pears, then add them to a large mixing bowl as the base of your filling.
- Mix the filling. To the pears, add cranberries, orange zest, brown sugar, corn starch, cinnamon, nutmeg, all spice, kosher salt, and vanilla extract. Stir everything thoroughly to combine, ensuring the fruit is coated well.
- Fill the pie plate. Pour and mound the mixed fruit filling into the prepared bottom crust, even if it extends slightly above the edges.
- Create the lattice top. Cut the second pie dough crust into strips about ½ to 1 inch wide. Lay 5-6 strips vertically over the pie. Then carefully peel back alternate strips and place a new strip perpendicular near the edge. Alternate peeling back strips and placing perpendicular strips until the entire pie surface is covered. Pinch and seal the lattice edges with the bottom crust and trim off the excess dough. Decorate as desired.
- Apply egg wash (optional). For a golden, shiny crust, whisk together the egg and water in a small bowl. Brush this mixture evenly over the entire lattice using a pastry brush.
- Initial bake at high temperature. Place the pie in the preheated 400ºF oven and bake for 10 minutes to set the crust and start bubble activation.
- Reduce heat and continue baking. Lower the oven temperature to 350ºF and bake for an additional 50 to 60 minutes. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Remove the pie and allow it to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm bosc pears for the best texture and flavor in your pie.
- The lattice top not only looks elegant but also helps steam escape during baking, preventing sogginess.
- If you don’t have pie dough, store-bought crusts work perfectly well.
- Letting the pie cool completely ensures the filling sets properly for clean slices.
- For a sweeter top crust, sprinkle a little sugar over the egg wash before baking.
