A fresh twist on classic comfort: Pear pie for winter baking

A pleasant, enveloping aroma fills the entire apartment as this pie bakes in the oven. To prepare this tart, you don't even need special molds. All you need is quality shortcrust pastry, a pot lid, and a bit of creativity. This pie offers a tasty twist on the classic apple pie, which might have begun to feel a bit predictable.

Winter is a time when fresh fruits are not as varied. Instead of longing for strawberries or baking another apple pie, try a shortcrust pastry pie with pears. They're paired with cinnamon and walnuts, making every bite a delightful blend of spicy aromas, crunchiness, and sweetness.

This pie is ideal for winter evenings or family gatherings and makes a fantastic addition to the Christmas table.

Ingredients:

Shortcrust Pastry

• 150 grams of flour,
• 4 tablespoons of sugar,
• 1 packet of vanilla sugar, 
• 100 grams of butter, 
• 2 egg yolks.

Filling

• 60 millilitres of water, 
• 4 pears, 
• 1 cup of sugar, 
• 1/2 tablespoon of cinnamon, 
• 1 cup of walnuts. 

Instructions:

Step 1. In a bowl, combine butter, white sugar, vanilla sugar, egg yolks, and flour to make a smooth dough. Wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator.

Step 2. Peel the pears, cut them into cubes, and transfer them to a pot. Add water, sugar, and cinnamon, and heat until the pears are soft and caramelized.

Step 3. Take 1/3 of the chilled dough and place it in the freezer. Roll out the remaining dough between two sheets of baking paper. Dust with flour and use a large lid to trace a round base.

Step 4. Score the edges of the dough and transfer it with the paper onto a baking sheet. Place the pear filling in the centre. Fold the scored edges inward and top them with walnuts. Grate the chilled dough on top. Bake in an oven preheated to 170°C for 15 minutes.

Step 5. Once cooled, decorate the pie with powdered sugar. Enjoy!