Maple Vanilla Walnut Pear Pie

As the leaves begin to turn and the air gets crisp, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of a freshly baked pie wafting through your kitchen. If you’re looking to capture the essence of autumn in a dessert, look no further than the Maple Vanilla Walnut Pear Pie. This delightful treat marries the sweet, juicy flavors of ripe pears with the rich, nutty notes of walnuts and the warm, comforting sweetness of maple syrup. Each slice is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight, showcasing the golden hues of the pie against its rich, caramelized filling.

Experience the essence of autumn with a delicious Maple Vanilla Walnut Pear Pie. This recipe combines the sweetness of ripe pears, the nutty crunch of walnuts, and the warm flavor of maple syrup, creating a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. Whether you're an experienced baker or just starting out, this easy-to-follow guide covers everything from selecting the best pear varieties to crafting a flaky crust. Enjoy this seasonal treat that promises to impress friends and family alike.

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Ingredients

For the Pie Filling:

4 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced thin

1/2 cup maple syrup

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup walnuts, chopped

For the Pie Crust:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon sugar

1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced

6-8 tablespoons ice water

For Topping:

1/4 cup walnuts, chopped

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon butter, melted

Instructions

Prepare the Pie Crust:

- In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and sugar together.

- Add the diced butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

- Stir in the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.

- Shape the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Preheat the Oven:

- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Make the Filling:

- In a large bowl, combine the sliced pears, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to coat the pears evenly.

- Gently fold in the chopped walnuts into the pear mixture.

Assemble the Pie:

- On a floured surface, roll out half of the dough to fit your pie pan (about 1/8-inch thick).

- Place the rolled dough into the pie pan, letting the excess hang over the edges.

- Fill the crust with the pear mixture.

- Roll out the second half of the dough and place it over the pie. Trim and crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.

Prepare the Topping:

- In a small bowl, mix the chopped walnuts, brown sugar, and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the pie.

Bake the Pie:

- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Cool and Serve:

- Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This will help the filling set and make for easier slices.

- Serve warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 8