Orchard Duet Pie

The Ultimate Apple-Pear Pie Recipe: A Sweet and Tart Fall Favorite

If only there were a scratch and sniff app, so you could smell this deliciousness!

Have you ever heard of an apple-pear? For many, this delightful hybrid fruit remains a mystery, or at least it did for me until just last fall. These unique fruits offer a wonderful blend of textures and flavors, making them an incredible secret ingredient for a truly memorable pie. Imagine the crisp bite of a fresh apple combined with the tender juiciness and subtle sweetness of a pear – that’s the magic of an apple-pear. They are often rounder than traditional pears, with a skin that can range from yellowish-green to a russet blush, reminiscent of an apple.

A cute little apple-pear, ready for baking!

My journey to discover this fantastic fruit began, as many great culinary adventures do, during a routine bi-weekly trip to Costco. I was browsing the produce aisle, always with Thanksgiving on my mind. As the designated “pie maker” for our family’s annual feast, I typically stick to two beloved classics: apple pie and pumpkin pie. One year, I dared to stray from this sacred tradition, attempting to “switch things up” with a different dessert. The reaction was immediate and vocal – I was practically booed out of the kitchen! Our family, it turns out, is deeply traditional, especially when it comes to Thanksgiving dinner. The menu is perfect as it is, so why tamper with perfection?

Indeed, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?

However, last year, I felt a slight deviation might be forgiven. While pumpkin pie remained a non-negotiable staple, I decided to experiment with a new fruit pie. The star of this experiment? Those intriguing apple-pears I found at Costco. The result was nothing short of a spectacular success! It was an absolute HIT, praised by everyone around the table. The combination of the subtly sweet, juicy apple-pears with the tartness of Granny Smith apples created a flavor profile that was both familiar and excitingly new.

Could this be the start of a new Thanksgiving tradition? I certainly think so!

The Perfect Pie Keeper and a Sign to Bake

Just last week, my mom and I visited a wonderful fall open house at a local store here in Omaha. Amidst all the charming autumn decor and delightful aromas, I stumbled upon the COOLEST pie keeper I had ever seen! It was love at first sight. Naturally, I had to buy it immediately. My mom, ever the pragmatist, just rolled her eyes and remarked, “And yet, nobody ever knows what to get YOU for Christmas!”

But… but… MOM!! Fall is PIE SEASON! I simply had to have it NOW! (Insert the voice of Veruca Salt from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory demanding a golden goose here.)

The pie keeper… c’mon… you would have bought it, too, wouldn’t you?

It seemed that the universe was sending me a clear message. In the very same week, three distinct “pie things” converged, creating an undeniable mandate to bake:

  1. I found the perfect pie keeper, an elegant vessel for my next culinary creation.
  2. Costco conveniently restocked their highly sought-after apple-pears.
  3. And to top it all off, Lark’s Country Heart issued a creative challenge specifically for using nutmeg – an essential spice in my new favorite pie!

If that isn’t a powerful calling to bake a pie, I honestly don’t know what is! This confluence of events was the perfect excuse to recreate that sensational Apple-Pear Pie and share its deliciousness.

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Overhead view of a beautiful Apple-Pear Pie in a white pie dish, ready to be served.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe

Apple-Pear Pie

This delightful pie uses fresh apple-pears, combined with a touch of tart apple and warm spices, creating an unforgettable dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
50 mins
Total Time
55 mins

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Apple-Pear Pie, Fruit Pie, Fall Baking

Servings: 1 pie (yields approximately 8 slices)

Calories: 1136 kcal (for the entire pie, serving size dependent)

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Ingredients

  • 1 prepared pie crust (store-bought or homemade, for a 9-inch pie plate)
  • 5 medium apple pears (such as Asian pears or a similar crisp variety), peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (the tartness balances the sweetness beautifully)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (helps to thicken the filling)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference and fruit ripeness)
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (freshly grated is always best for aroma!)
  • 1/2 cup Craisins (dried cranberries), optional, but adds a lovely tart chewiness
  • For dusting: 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, mixed

Instructions

  1. Prepare Oven and Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Ensure your pie crust is thawed if frozen, or prepared if making from scratch. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk them together thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices.

  2. Prepare the Fruit: Peel, core, and slice the apple-pears and Granny Smith apples. Aim for slices that are about 1/4 inch thick to ensure they cook evenly. You should have approximately 7 cups of sliced fruit in total. Gently toss the sliced fruit with the dry ingredient mixture until all the fruit is well coated. If using, add the Craisins now and toss to combine.

  3. Assemble the Pie: Carefully place one prepared pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate. Pour the fruit filling into the bottom crust, mounding it slightly in the center. Top with the second pie crust. You can create a full top crust or a decorative lattice design. Crimp the edges of both crusts together to seal, trimming any excess dough. Cut several slits or a decorative pattern into the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking (venting is crucial for a non-soggy pie!).

  4. Final Touches: In a small bowl, mix together 1-2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Lightly dust this mixture over the top crust of the pie. This adds a beautiful golden-brown color and an extra layer of flavor and crunch to the crust.

  5. Bake the Pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet (this catches any drips and makes it easier to transfer). Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is a rich golden brown and the fruit filling is tender and bubbling. To check for doneness, you can insert a thin knife or skewer through a vent into the filling – it should go in with minimal resistance. If the crust starts browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the edges with aluminum foil.

  6. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 2-3 hours before slicing and serving. This cooling time is essential, as it allows the filling to set properly, preventing a runny pie. Patience is key for the perfect slice!

Tips for the Perfect Apple-Pear Pie

  • Choose Your Fruit Wisely: Select firm, blemish-free apple-pears and Granny Smith apples. The crisp texture of the apple-pear holds up well during baking, and the tartness of the Granny Smith cuts through the sweetness for a balanced flavor.
  • Prevent a Soggy Bottom: If you’re concerned about a soggy bottom crust, consider blind baking your bottom crust for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling. Ensure your fruit is not overly wet; pat slices dry if needed.
  • Spice Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to your taste. A pinch of ground ginger or cardamom can also add a delightful warmth.
  • Homemade vs. Store-Bought Crust: While a homemade crust always tastes best, a good quality store-bought crust can save time without sacrificing too much flavor. Just make sure it’s an all-butter or high-quality shortening crust.
  • Lattice Top: For an impressive presentation, try creating a lattice top crust. It not only looks beautiful but also provides ample venting for the steam.

Serving Suggestions

This Apple-Pear Pie is truly delicious on its own, but it becomes an even more decadent treat when served warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s the quintessential fall dessert, perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply a cozy evening at home.

Storage

Leftover pie can be stored at room temperature, covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap, for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4-5 days. You can gently reheat individual slices in the microwave or a warm oven for a fresh-baked experience.

Nutrition (Per entire pie, estimated)

Serving: 1 pie (calculated for whole pie before division)

Calories: 1136 kcal

Carbohydrates: 286 g

Protein: 7 g

Fat: 3 g

Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g

Sodium: 8 mg

Fiber: 34 g

Sugar: 222 g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

This Apple-Pear Pie has quickly become a cherished recipe in my home, offering a delightful twist on classic fruit pies. It perfectly captures the essence of autumn and the warmth of family traditions, whether old or new. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the unique flavor of apple-pears for yourself. Happy baking!