If you adore the cozy flavors of fall desserts, you’re in for a treat with this Dutch Pear Pie with Spiced Caramel Sauce Recipe. This pie combines ripe, juicy pears with a warmly spiced filling and a buttery crumble topping that’s simply irresistible. Then, there’s the show-stopping spiced caramel sauce drizzled over each slice, adding a deep sweetness with just the right hint of warmth from cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. It’s a dessert that feels homemade and comforting but impressive enough to serve for any special occasion or Sunday family dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of the Dutch Pear Pie with Spiced Caramel Sauce Recipe lies in its simple, carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from the tender pears that provide natural sweetness and texture to the aromatic spices that bring warmth and depth. The crumble topping adds a delightful crunch, and the luscious caramel sauce ties everything together with the perfect finishing touch.
- Basic Pie Dough (1/2 recipe): Whether homemade or store-bought, this flaky crust forms the sturdy, buttery base for the pie.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Essential for the crumble topping’s structure and crispness.
- Old-fashioned oats (1/4 cup): Adds a lovely chew and heartiness to the crumble.
- Light brown sugar (1/3 cup + 3/4 cup): Brings moisture and a deep molasses sweetness to both topping and caramel sauce.
- Kosher salt (1/4 teaspoon + 1/4 teaspoon): A small pinch enhances all the flavors throughout the pie and sauce.
- Cold unsalted butter (1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons): Provides richness to the crumble and smoothness to the caramel sauce.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Helps thicken and sweeten the pear filling.
- Cornstarch (3 tablespoons): Thickens the juicy pear filling so it’s perfectly luscious yet not runny.
- Spices (ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice): These warm spices are the soul of the pie, giving it that signature comforting spice blend.
- Firm-ripe pears (2 1/2 pounds): The star fruit, sliced thin for tender bites bursting with natural sweetness.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the filling and balances the sweetness.
- Pear brandy (3 tablespoons): Adds a subtle, sophisticated pear flavor to the filling and sauce.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Richens the spiced caramel sauce to a smooth, velvety texture.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and warmth to the caramel sauce.
How to Make Dutch Pear Pie with Spiced Caramel Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Start by rolling out your basic pie dough into a generous 13-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Gently fit it into a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate, trimming the edges to about an inch. Fold the edges under and crimp to create a lovely, classic border. Pop the crust into the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up — this helps keep the crust crisp during baking.
Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping
While the crust chills, combine the all-purpose flour, old-fashioned oats, light brown sugar, kosher salt, and cold butter bits in a bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture forms coarse clumps. This crumbly topping bakes into a golden, crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Pear Filling
In a separate bowl, toss the sliced pears with fresh lemon juice and pear brandy. This not only adds flavor but also prevents the pears from browning. Stir in granulated sugar, cornstarch, salt, and the blend of warm spices carefully measured to give the pie its distinctive spiced character.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Pour the spiced pear filling into the chilled pie crust and evenly scatter the crumble topping over the fruit, breaking it into clumps as you go. This layering ensures every slice gets that perfect balance of tart pears and crunchy topping.
Step 5: Bake the Pie to Perfection
Bake your Dutch Pear Pie at a moderate temperature until the filling bubbles and the crumble topping turns a deep golden brown. This usually takes just over an hour, giving time for the pears to soften and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Make the Spiced Caramel Sauce
While the pie cools slightly, prepare the decadent spiced caramel sauce by melting brown sugar with heavy cream and butter. After removing from heat, whisk in pear brandy, vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of allspice. The sauce should be luxuriously smooth with that unmistakable warm spice profile.
How to Serve Dutch Pear Pie with Spiced Caramel Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant touch, serve each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. A sprinkle of toasted pecans or a few fresh pear slices on top can elevate both the look and texture of your dessert.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides like a crisp arugula salad or even a cup of spiced chai tea, which echoes the warm flavors of the pie. For a heartier option, try serving alongside roasted autumn vegetables for a full-themed meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving mini versions in individual ramekins topped with crumble and caramel sauce for an intimate gathering. You can drizzle extra spiced caramel sauce artistically over the plate or serve in a clear glass trifle dish layering pie chunks, whipped cream, and sauce for a stunning presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Dutch Pear Pie with Spiced Caramel Sauce Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, allowing the flavors to mingle even more.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked pie by wrapping it well and placing it in the freezer for up to one month. Bake from frozen by adding extra time to the baking process. Once baked, slices can also be frozen individually in airtight containers for up to two months.
Reheating
To enjoy leftover pie warm, reheat slices in a low oven at 300°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, which can make the crumb topping soggy.
FAQs
Can I use canned pears instead of fresh pears?
Fresh pears are definitely the best choice for this Dutch Pear Pie with Spiced Caramel Sauce Recipe because they hold their texture and natural flavor better. Canned pears tend to be too soft and watery, which can make the filling too runny.
Is pear brandy necessary in this recipe?
Pear brandy adds a lovely depth of pear flavor and a touch of sophistication, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with another fruit brandy or even a teaspoon of pear extract for a similar effect.
Can I make the crumble topping gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free oats. The texture might be slightly different but still wonderfully crumbly and delicious.
How do I know when the pie is fully baked?
Look for bubbly filling visible through the crumble topping and a golden brown crust and topping. The pie should feel set but still slightly jiggly in the center. This signals perfectly cooked pears that won’t be mushy.
What is the best type of pear for this pie?
Firm, ripe pears like Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett are ideal. They hold their shape during baking and offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness that complements the spices and caramel perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Dutch Pear Pie with Spiced Caramel Sauce Recipe is truly a cozy celebration of fall’s best flavors wrapped elegantly in a buttery crust and crowned with a crunchy crumble topping. I can’t recommend enough trying this dessert to brighten up your next family dinner or holiday gathering — it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with its warm spices, tender pears, and lush caramel finish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Print
Dutch Pear Pie with Spiced Caramel Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Dutch Pear Pie features a flaky pie crust filled with spiced pear slices, topped with a crunchy oat and brown sugar crumble. It is baked to golden perfection and served with a rich spiced caramel sauce made from brown sugar, cream, butter, and warming spices. Perfect for a cozy fall dessert that balances sweet, tart, and spice flavors.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1/2 recipe Basic Pie Dough (store-bought or homemade)
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
Pie 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
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
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Roll the pie dough into a 13-inch circle on a floured surface. Fit the dough into a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate, trim the excess dough to a 1-inch border, fold the edges under, and crimp decoratively. Place the pie shell in the freezer and chill for 20 minutes to firm up before filling.
- Make the Crumble Topping: In a bowl, combine the flour, oats, light brown sugar, and kosher salt. Cut in the cold unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, toss the sliced pears with fresh lemon juice and pear brandy to prevent browning and add flavor. Stir in granulated sugar, cornstarch, kosher salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice until the pears are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Pie: Transfer the pear filling to the chilled pie crust, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the pears, breaking it into clumps to cover the filling thoroughly.
- Bake the Pie: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pie on the middle rack for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Remove from the oven and let cool.
- Make the Spiced Caramel Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream and light brown sugar. Stir frequently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in pear brandy, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, kosher salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice until smooth and glossy.
- Serve: Pour the warm spiced caramel sauce over individual slices of the cooled pear pie. Enjoy this decadent dessert perfect for fall celebrations or special occasions.
Notes
- Use firm-ripe pears for the best texture in the pie filling; Bartlett or Bosc pears are good choices.
- Chilling the pie crust before baking helps prevent shrinkage and sogginess.
- The crumble topping can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- If pear brandy is unavailable, substitute with a pear or apple liqueur or omit for a non-alcoholic version.
- Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving to let the filling set, ensuring clean slices.
