Dutch Pear Pie with Spiced Caramel Sauce

Introduction

When I made this Dutch Pear Pie with Spiced Caramel Sauce for the first time, it became an instant hit in my household. The combination of the soft, juicy pears, the sweet and spiced crumble topping, and the rich, aromatic caramel sauce made for a dessert that was both comforting and indulgent. My family couldn’t stop talking about how the pear flavor paired perfectly with the warm spices, and the caramel sauce added the finishing touch that elevated the pie to another level. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a cozy weekend treat, this pie is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love Dutch Pear Pie with Spiced Caramel Sauce

This Dutch Pear Pie with Spiced Caramel Sauce is the ultimate dessert for pear lovers and anyone who enjoys a warm, spiced pie. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The natural sweetness of the pears is complemented by the warm spices—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice—giving this pie a rich, cozy flavor.
• Crispy, Sweet Crumble Topping: The oat-based crumble topping adds a wonderful texture, providing a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft pear filling.
• Luscious Caramel Sauce: The spiced caramel sauce, made with pear brandy, adds a luxurious and flavorful drizzle that makes each bite irresistible.
• Ideal for Fall and Winter: With its warm spices and decadent flavors, this pie is the perfect dessert for fall or winter gatherings.
• Impressive Presentation: The golden crumble topping and the luscious caramel sauce make this pie as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1/2 recipe Basic Pie Dough (store-bought or homemade)

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 2 1/2 pounds firm-ripe pears (about 5 medium), cored and sliced 1/4-inch thick (7 cups)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon pear brandy

For the Spiced Caramel Sauce:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons pear brandy
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
• Pinch ground allspice

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pie Crust:
   • Preheat oven to 400°F with the rack in the lowest position.
   • Roll dough into a 13-inch circle on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. Trim excess dough to 1 inch, fold edges under, and crimp. Freeze for 20 minutes.
2. Make the Crumble Topping:
   • In a bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Work in the cold butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles crumbs. Cover and chill until ready to use.
3. Prepare the Filling:
   • Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, cornstarch, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice.
   • Add pears, lemon juice, and brandy, tossing to coat.
   • Transfer filling to the prepared pie crust and sprinkle with crumble topping, breaking it into clumps as needed.
4. Bake the Pie:
   • Place the pie on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes. Reduce heat to 375°F and bake an additional 30–35 minutes, until the topping is golden and the juices are bubbling and thickened. Cool completely on a wire rack.
5. Make the Spiced Caramel Sauce:
   • In a medium saucepan, bring cream and sugar to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring often. Gently boil for 5 minutes.
   • Remove from heat and stir in brandy, butter, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice.
6. Serve:
   • Serve slices of pie with warm spiced caramel sauce drizzled on top.
   • Enjoy this decadent pear pie with its warm spices and luscious caramel, perfect for any fall celebration!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 8
• Calories per serving: 450
• Sugar: 47g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 62g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours (including cooling time)

How to Serve

• Serve with Whipped Cream: A dollop of sweetened whipped cream on top of each slice adds a creamy contrast to the warm, spiced pie.
• Top with Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for extra indulgence.
• Pair with a Warm Drink: This pie pairs beautifully with a cup of spiced chai or hot apple cider for a cozy fall treat.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the pie the day before and reheat it in the oven for 10-15 minutes to bring back its fresh-baked flavor.
• As a Dessert for Gatherings: This pie makes a great addition to any Thanksgiving or holiday feast, impressing guests with its stunning look and delicious flavors.

Additional Tips

1. Use Firm Pears: Use firm-ripe pears for the best texture. Soft or overripe pears can become mushy during baking.
2. Chill the Pie Crust: Make sure to chill the pie crust before baking to prevent it from shrinking in the oven.
3. Adjust Spices to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg in the filling to suit your flavor preferences.
4. Caramel Sauce Consistency: If the caramel sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a couple more minutes until it thickens. If it’s too thick, add a little more cream to adjust the texture.
5. Store Leftovers Properly: Store leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this pie gluten-free? Yes, you can use a gluten-free pie crust and ensure the crumble topping uses gluten-free oats and flour.
2. Can I substitute the pears? You can substitute the pears with apples or a mix of apples and pears, though the flavor will be slightly different.
3. Can I make this pie ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare and bake the pie ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
4. How do I know when the pie is done? The pie is done when the crumble topping is golden, and the juices from the pears are bubbling around the edges.
5. Can I make the spiced caramel sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can make the caramel sauce a few days ahead and reheat it when ready to serve.
6. Can I freeze this pie? Yes, you can freeze the pie before baking. Bake it directly from frozen, adding extra baking time.
7. What can I use instead of pear brandy? If you don’t have pear brandy, you can substitute it with regular brandy, bourbon, or even apple juice for a non-alcoholic version.
8. Can I use a different topping for the pie? If you prefer, you can make a traditional pie crust topping instead of the crumble topping.
9. How long should I let the pie cool before serving? Let the pie cool for at least an hour to allow the filling to set before serving.
10. Can I add nuts to the crumble topping? Yes, you can add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra texture and flavor.

Conclusion

This Dutch Pear Pie with Spiced Caramel Sauce is a delightful, indulgent dessert perfect for any occasion. With its combination of warm, spiced pears, a buttery crumble topping, and a rich caramel sauce, this pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday celebration or a cozy family gathering, it will be the star of the dessert table. Try it today and enjoy the comfort and joy this pie brings to your table!

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