The Best Dutch Pear Pie with Spiced Caramel Sauce Recipe

Crafting a delightful Dutch pear pie with spiced caramel sauce promises a symphony of autumnal flavors that dance across your palate.

Sweet orchard pears nestle between buttery, flaky pastry layers, creating a dessert that whispers comfort.

Warm cinnamon and nutmeg weave through each bite, offering subtle complexity.

caramel sauce drizzled generously adds a rich, golden embrace to the pie delicate profile.

Seasonal ingredients transform this classic dessert into something magical and unexpected.

Fragrant and inviting, the pie beckons you to slice through its golden crust and savor each remarkable moment.

Let this recipe become your new signature autumn indulgence.

How to Bake Dutch Pear Pie with Spiced Caramel

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Roll out pie dough into a 13-inch circle on a flour-dusted surface. Gently nestle the dough into a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate.

Trim excess dough, fold edges under, and create a beautiful crimped border. Pop the prepared crust into the freezer for 20 minutes to help it maintain its shape.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Topping

• Flour
• Oats
• Brown sugar
• Salt

Use your fingertips to work cold butter into the mixture until it transforms into delightful crumbly bits. Refrigerate the topping until you’re ready to use it.

Step 3: Craft the Pear Filling

• Granulated sugar
• Cornstarch
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Ginger
• Nutmeg
• Allspice

Toss in sliced pears, a splash of lemon juice, and a hint of pear brandy.

Mix until the pears are beautifully coated.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Pie

Transfer the pear mixture into the chilled pie crust.

Sprinkle the crumbly topping over the filling, breaking it into enticing clusters. Place the pie on the foil-lined baking sheet.

Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes, then reduce temperature to 375°F and continue baking for 30-35 minutes until the topping turns golden and the filling bubbles invitingly.

Step 5: Whip Up the Spiced Caramel Sauce

In a medium saucepan, bring heavy cream and light brown sugar to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

• Pear brandy
• Butter
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Ginger
• Allspice

Whisk until the sauce becomes silky smooth.

Step 6: Serve and Indulge

Allow the pie to cool completely. Slice and drizzle with the warm, aromatic caramel sauce.

Savor every mouthwatering bite of this luxurious Dutch pear pie!

Tips for Perfect Dutch Pear Pie

• Freeze the pie crust before baking to maintain its crisp structure and prevent a mushy bottom during cooking.
• Select slightly firm pears like Bosc or Anjou that hold their shape and won't turn to mush during baking.
• Toss pears with cornstarch to absorb excess liquid and create a thick, glossy filling without becoming watery.
• Adjust the spice blend to personal taste, but keep proportions consistent to maintain the authentic Dutch pie flavor profile.
• Let the pie cool completely before slicing to allow the filling to set and make cutting cleaner and more precise.

Flavor Variations for Dutch Pear Pie

• Gluten-Free Pear Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour in the crust and crumble topping. Use gluten-free oats to maintain the recipe's texture and flavor profile.
• Vegan Autumn Pie: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use plant-based cream alternatives like cashew cream for the caramel sauce. Replace eggs with flax seeds or applesauce as a binding agent.
• Low-Sugar Wellness Version: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of granulated sugar. Reduce brown sugar quantity in crumble topping. Add extra warming spices like cardamom to enhance natural sweetness without additional sugar.

Pairing Ideas for Dutch Pear Pie

• Scoop creamy, rich vanilla bean ice cream alongside the warm Dutch pear pie, creating a delightful temperature contrast that enhances the spiced caramel sauce's deep flavors.
• Pour a small glass of smooth, oak-aged Calvados apple brandy, which complements the pear brandy in the recipe and elevates the pie's complex spice profile.
• Whip heavy cream with a touch of ground cinnamon and powdered sugar, creating a light, aromatic topping that harmonizes with the pie's warm spices and caramel sauce.

Storage Tips for Dutch Pear Pie

• Store leftover pie covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the caramel sauce in a separate sealed container.
• Wrap the completely cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore the crispy crumble topping. Alternatively, microwave for 30-45 seconds, but the crust might become slightly soft.

FAQs

• What makes pear brandy special in this recipe?

Pear brandy adds a rich, deep fruity flavor that enhances the natural sweetness of the pears and complements the warm spices in both the pie filling and caramel sauce.

• Can I substitute fresh pears with canned or frozen pears?

Fresh pears are recommended for the best texture and flavor, but if unavailable, you can use firm canned or frozen pears. Just ensure they are well-drained and not overly soft to maintain the pie’s structure.

• Why do I need to freeze the pie crust before baking?

Freezing the pie crust helps prevent shrinkage and maintains its shape during baking, ensuring a crisp, well-defined crust that holds the filling perfectly.

Dutch Pear Pie with Spiced Caramel Sauce Overview

• Craft Gourmet Dessert: Transform ordinary baking into a sophisticated culinary experience with this Dutch pear pie that elevates home cooking to restaurant-quality standards.
• Spice up Your Baking: Infuse warmth and depth with a complex blend of spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice that create a rich, aromatic flavor profile.
• Master Impressive Techniques: Learn professional pastry skills like creating a perfect crumble topping, making homemade caramel sauce, and achieving a beautifully crimped pie crust.
• Celebrate Seasonal Comfort: Enjoy a dessert that captures the essence of autumn with fresh pears, warm spices, and a luxurious caramel sauce that feels like a hug on a plate.

Ingredients for Dutch Pear Pie with Caramel Sauce

• All-Purpose Flour: The base ingredient that provides structure and texture to the pie crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, flaky texture in the pie crust.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pie crust.

• Pears: The star ingredient that brings natural sweetness and soft texture to the pie.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to caramelize the pear filling.
• Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the pie filling and prevent a runny consistency.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps prevent the pears from browning.
• Pear Brandy: Provides a depth of flavor and enhances the pear essence.

• Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, Allspice: Warm spices that create a complex and aromatic flavor profile.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness to the crumble topping.
• Rolled Oats: Provides a hearty texture and nutty flavor to the crumble topping.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth and creamy base for the caramel sauce.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the caramel sauce.
• Butter: Contributes richness and smoothness to the caramel sauce.