If you’re craving something that balances tart and sweet with a cozy, comforting vibe, this Cranberry Pear Pie Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine juicy, tender Bosc pears mingling with bright cranberries, all wrapped in a flaky, homemade pie crust with warm spices and a hint of citrus. It’s a dessert that feels like a hug from the inside out, perfect for any season but especially magical in fall and winter. Once you make this pie, it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite for holiday gatherings or a lovely weekend treat for yourself and loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple yet each brings something special to the pie, from fresh fruit flavors to aromatic spices and that essential texture and sweetness.
- 2 pie dough crusts: Essential for creating the buttery, flaky base and lattice top that hold all the goodness together.
- 4 Bosc pears: Their firm flesh holds up wonderfully during baking and adds subtle sweetness and texture.
- 2 cups cranberries: Tart and vibrant, they provide beautiful color and a zesty kick that pairs amazingly with pears.
- 1 teaspoon orange zest: Adds a bright, fresh citrus note that lightens the flavor profile.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Deep, caramel notes from the brown sugar blend perfectly with the fruit and spices.
- 3 tablespoons corn starch: Helps thicken the juicy filling so the pie slices beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Warms the filling with classic spice that feels like a cozy blanket.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds subtle warmth and complexity without overpowering the fruits.
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice: This spice ties together the other flavors beautifully with its rich aroma.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the filling with mellow, sweet notes that bring everything together.
- Optional: 1 egg: Makes for a stunning golden crust when brushed on top as an egg wash.
How to Make Cranberry Pear Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF. This ensures the crust will begin baking immediately when the pie goes in, giving you that perfect balance of crisp crust and juicy filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Bottom Crust
Place one of the pie dough crusts gently into the pie plate, shaping it to fit the dish snugly. This crust acts like the sturdy foundation for the luscious fruit filling, so take a moment to smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles.
Step 3: Prepare the Fruit
Peel, core, and slice your Bosc pears—these pears hold their shape well and won’t turn mushy while baking. Toss them into a large mixing bowl where they’ll soon be joined by the cranberries and spices.
Step 4: Mix the Filling
Add the cranberries, orange zest, brown sugar, corn starch, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and vanilla extract to the bowl of pear slices. Mix everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring every piece is coated and ready to turn into pie gold. Pour this vibrant, fragrant filling into your prepared crust, letting it mound slightly—it’s going to bake down beautifully.
Step 5: Create the Lattice Top
Roll out your second pie dough crust and cut it into strips between ½ and 1 inch wide. Using 5 to 6 strips, start laying them parallel across the pie. Then, weave strips perpendicular to these in a traditional lattice pattern by folding back every other strip and placing a perpendicular one close to the pie’s edge. This technique not only looks stunning but lets steam escape, keeping the filling perfectly cooked. Once complete, pinch the edges together and trim any excess dough, adding any fanciful decorations you like.
Step 6: Apply Egg Wash (Optional)
For a gorgeous golden crust, whisk one egg with ¼ cup of water, and brush this over the lattice top. This simple step adds shine and an irresistible color to your pie, making it look just as amazing as it tastes.
Step 7: Initial Bake
Pop the pie into the hot oven on 400ºF and bake for 10 minutes. This high heat jumpstarts crust browning and helps set the filling.
Step 8: Lower Heat and Finish Baking
After those first 10 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350ºF. Bake the pie for another 50 to 60 minutes, until the crust is a warm golden brown and the filling is bubbling away inside. Let the pie cool completely before slicing—this pause lets everything set perfectly so each slice holds together beautifully.
How to Serve Cranberry Pear Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a small dollop of freshly whipped cream can be just the right touch to elevate your slice. A sprinkle of toasted pecans or chopped walnuts also adds a lovely crunch and extra nuttiness that pairs so well with the fruit filling.
Side Dishes
Serve your Cranberry Pear Pie Recipe alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for an indulgent experience. A cup of hot coffee or spiced tea also complements the pie’s warm spices wonderfully for a perfect cozy treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the pie in rustic individual ramekins topped with lattice crust strips for charming single servings. Or, cut the pie into smaller squares and serve as bite-sized treats at your next gathering. Wrap leftovers with a festive ribbon to share this deliciousness as a homemade gift that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your pie has cooled completely, store any leftovers covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to four days. This keeps the crust from getting soggy and the filling tasting fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze your Cranberry Pear Pie Recipe either baked or unbaked. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, place individual slices or the whole pie in a warm oven at 325ºF for about 15–20 minutes until warmed through. This gently revives the crust’s flakiness without drying out the filling, making every bite delightful.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pears in this Cranberry Pear Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! While Bosc pears are recommended for their firmer texture, you can use Bartlett or Anjou pears as well; just keep a close eye on baking times to avoid a mushy filling.
Is it necessary to make a lattice top?
Not at all! A full top crust or even a crumb topping will work wonderfully. The lattice just offers a classic look and allows steam to escape beautifully during baking.
Can I substitute fresh cranberries with frozen ones?
Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly. Just do not thaw them before mixing to prevent excess juice that might make the filling runny.
What if I don’t have orange zest? What can I use instead?
If you don’t have fresh orange zest, try using a teaspoon of orange extract or a bit of lemon zest for a slightly different but still delightful citrus note.
How do I prevent the pie crust edges from burning?
To avoid burnt edges, you can cover the crust with a pie shield or wrap foil around the edges halfway through baking. This shields them while the filling finishes cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Pear Pie Recipe combines the best of crisp, juicy fruit, warm spices, and buttery crust into one unforgettable dessert. Whether you’re baking for guests or treating yourself, it’s a joy to make and even more of a pleasure to eat. Give this recipe a whirl—you’ll find it quickly becomes a delicious tradition you’ll want to return to season after season.
Print
Cranberry Pear Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 9-inch pie (8 servings)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delightful Cranberry Pear Pie combining the natural sweetness of juicy Bosc pears with the tartness of fresh cranberries, all enveloped in a flaky lattice crust. The pie is spiced with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, enhanced by orange zest and vanilla for a perfect balance of flavors. This classic baked dessert is ideal for festive occasions or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 2 pie dough crusts
Filling
- 4 Bosc pears
- 2 cups cranberries
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons corn starch
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- ¼ cup water (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Prepare Bottom Crust: Place one of the pie dough crusts into your pie plate, pressing it gently to fit snugly, and set it aside.
- Prepare Pears: Peel, core, and slice the Bosc pears into even slices and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
- Mix Filling: Add the cranberries, orange zest, brown sugar, corn starch, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, kosher salt, and vanilla extract into the bowl with the pear slices. Combine all ingredients thoroughly to evenly coat the fruit.
- Fill Pie: Pour the mixed filling into the prepared pie crust, allowing the mixture to mound slightly over the edges of the crust as this will settle during baking.
- Create Lattice Top: Using the second pie crust, cut strips approximately ½ to 1 inch wide. Lay 5 to 6 strips parallel across the pie. Carefully peel back every other strip, place a new strip perpendicular close to the edge, then lay the peeled back strips over it. Repeat this weaving process alternating the strips until the pie is covered with a lattice pattern. Pinch and seal the edges where the lattice meets the bottom crust, then trim any excess dough with a butter knife. Optionally, add decorative touches like braids or cutouts.
- Optional Egg Wash: If desired, whisk one egg with ¼ cup water in a small bowl. Use a pastry brush to gently apply the egg wash over the lattice crust to achieve a golden brown finish after baking.
- Bake Initial High Heat: Place the pie in the oven and bake at 400ºF for 10 minutes to begin cooking.
- Reduce Heat and Continue Baking: Lower the oven temperature to 350ºF and bake for an additional 50 to 60 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool Before Serving: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. This helps the filling set properly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- The lattice crust can be customized with braids or cut-out shapes for a decorative appearance.
- Egg wash is optional but recommended for a shiny, golden crust.
- Allow the pie to cool fully to prevent the filling from being too runny when sliced.
- If fresh cranberries are not available, frozen cranberries can be used; just thaw and drain excess liquid before mixing.
- Adjust spices according to your preference for warmth and sweetness.
