The Ultimate Guide to Baking a Classic Pear Pie with Almond Streusel

Comforting dessert balancing tender fruit with a crunchy topping for memorable taste.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 17, 2025

Comforting dessert balancing tender fruit with a crunchy topping for memorable taste.

Pear Pie Recipe: Classic Comfort with an Almond Streusel Twist

Pear pie is a beloved dessert that elegantly pairs ripe pears with a tender, flaky pie crust and a topping packed with texture and flavor. This guide will take you through every step required to make a delicious pear pie with a buttery almond streusel, inspired by the comforting flavors of classic home baking. Whether enjoyed as a holiday centerpiece or a special family treat, this recipe guarantees a dessert that will have everyone returning for a second slice.

Why Make a Pear Pie?

While apple pies tend to steal the spotlight during the autumn and winter months, pear pie offers a uniquely juicy, slightly floral flavor and a soft, lush filling. The natural sweetness of ripe pears shines against buttery crust and is perfectly complemented by the crisp almond and ginger streusel on top. This recipe is an ideal way to celebrate pear season and introduce a new favorite to your dessert routine.

Essential Ingredients

Below are the components that create a balanced, flavorful pear pie. Fresh, high-quality ingredients are key:

For the Pie Filling:

Pears: 6 Bosc pears (use ripe but firm fruit for the best structure and flavor)
All-purpose flour: To thicken the filling and prevent sogginess
Granulated sugar: Highlights the natural sweetness of pears
Lemon zest and juice: Adds freshness and balances the sweetness
Kosher salt: Sharpens flavors and counteracts sweetness
Pie crust: Use a classic single 9-inch pie dough recipe (homemade or store-bought)

For the Almond Streusel Topping:

All-purpose flour: The foundation for the crumbly texture
Light brown sugar: Provides a deeper, caramel-like note
Sliced almonds: Coarsely chopped for crunch and nutty flavor
Crystallized ginger: Finely chopped for a sweet, spicy kick
Salted butter (melted): Binds the topping and adds rich flavor

Optional: Sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving

Choosing and Preparing Pears

Select firm, ripe Bosc pears or other sturdy varieties such as Anjou or Bartlett. These hold their shape during baking and deliver a juicy, flavorful filling. To prepare,:

Peel the pears with a vegetable peeler
Core and remove seeds
Chop into 1/2-inch cubes for even baking

Step-by-Step Directions

Follow these instructions for a flawless pear pie every time:

1. Prepare the Crust

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie dough into a 12-inch circle.
Transfer the crust to a 9-inch pie plate (not deep-dish).
Tuck and crimp the edges as desired. Refrigerate the crust for 30 minutes (or freeze for 15 minutes) to help prevent shrinking during baking.

2. Blind Bake the Pie Crust

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
Line the chilled crust with parchment paper or foil and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
Bake until edges are very lightly golden, 18–22 minutes.
Remove weights and parchment. Prick bottom and sides with a fork to prevent puffing.
Return crust to oven and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes until set and lightly golden.
Let cool to room temperature. Reduce oven to 375°F (190°C).

3. Mix the Streusel Topping

In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, almonds, and crystallized ginger.
Gradually drizzle in melted butter, stirring with a fork until the mixture becomes crumbly and evenly coated.

4. Prepare the Pear Filling

In a large bowl, toss together pears, granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and flour.
Ensure pears are well-coated for even sweetness and thickness during baking.

5. Assemble the Pie

Spoon the pear filling into the pre-baked pie crust, spreading evenly.
Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the pears, covering completely.

6. Bake the Pie

Place pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) until the streusel topping is golden and the crust is deeply golden brown, about 50 to 60 minutes.
If the topping or crust browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.

7. Cool and Serve

Allow the pie to cool for at least 3 hours so the filling sets properly.
For best flavor, serve at room temperature with sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Pear Pie

Don’t overfill the crust: Pears shrink slightly as they bake; mound the filling just above the edge, not piled too high.
Chill the crust: Cold pastry yields a flakier, crisper crust.
Get creative: Experiment with different types of pears or combine pears with apples. Add spices like cinnamon or cardamom to the filling or the streusel for a warming twist.
Check doneness: Insert a paring knife into the center—the pears should be fork-tender but not mushy, and the juices should have thickened.

What Makes This Pear Pie Stand Out?

Element	Classic Apple Pie	Pear Pie with Almond Streusel
Main Fruit	Apples (often tart)	Pears (Bosc or Anjou, naturally juicy and sweet)
Topping	Pastry or lattice crust	Almond and ginger crumbly streusel
Flavor profile	Tart, spiced	Floral, mellow, nutty, hint of spice
Texture	Firm, pie-like	Soft fruit filling, crisp streusel

Alternative Fillings and Variations

Mixing Pears: Combine Bosc, Bartlett, and Anjou for subtle flavor differences and varied texture.
Adding Apples: Substitute 2–3 of the pears for tart Granny Smith apples for added complexity.
Spices: A pinch of ground ginger or cinnamon in the filling provides extra depth.
Nut Variations: Swap almonds in the streusel for pecans or walnuts as desired.

Serving Suggestions

Classic: Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for contrast in temperature and flavor.
Breakfast twist: Enjoy with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a decadent brunch treat.
Presentation: Garnish plates with a sprinkle of extra chopped crystallized ginger or slivered almonds for added flair.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What kind of pears work best for baking pie?: Bosc pears are ideal because they are firm, hold their shape, and have great flavor after baking. Anjou pears are also a good choice. Avoid using overripe pears as they can become mushy and watery.
Q: Can I make the pear pie ahead of time?: Yes. The pie can be baked up to one day in advance. Store at room temperature, lightly covered. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 3 days, and gently reheat before serving for best texture.
Q: Is it possible to freeze pear pie?: Yes, both the baked and unbaked pie can be frozen. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, cover with foil and extend baking time by 15-20 minutes. For best results, freeze before adding the streusel and bake fresh on the day of serving.
Q: Can I use premade pie dough?: Absolutely. A high-quality store-bought pie crust saves time and still produces excellent results.
Q: How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?: Blind baking (pre-baking) the crust is essential. Make sure the crust cools before filling and that the filling is thickened with enough flour so the juices set as they cook.
Q: Can I substitute the almonds if I have a nut allergy?: Yes. Simply omit the almonds, or substitute with sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch without nuts.

Pear Pie Troubleshooting and Pro Tips

Pears release too much juice: Increase the amount of flour in the filling or let pears drain for 10 minutes after cutting, discarding extra liquid before mixing with other ingredients.
Streusel topping is too dry: Stir in an extra tablespoon of melted butter until you reach the desired crumbly consistency.
Pie crust shrinks or cracks: Ensure ample chilling time and avoid stretching the dough as you line the pan.
Uneven browning: Rotate the pie halfway through baking and tent with foil if browning too rapidly.

Conclusion: Celebrate Pear Season with Homemade Pie

A homemade pear pie with almond streusel topping offers a delightful twist on tradition. With its aromatic pears, crisp topping, and melt-in-your-mouth crust, it’s perfect for cozy gatherings, special celebrations, or simply savoring the harvest of the season. By following the steps and tips outlined above, everyone—from beginner bakers to seasoned pie pros—can enjoy success with this recipe.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete