If you’re looking for a dessert that’s perfect for cool autumn evenings, this Maple Vanilla Pear Crisp Pie is the answer. Combining tender, flavorful Bosc pears with the rich sweetness of maple syrup and vanilla, this dessert is topped with a buttery, cinnamon-scented crumble for the ultimate comfort food experience. Whether you’re serving it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or enjoying it on its own, this pear crisp pie delivers all the flavors of fall in one delicious bite. The combination of soft fruit, crunchy topping, and subtle maple and vanilla notes makes this dessert a must-try for the season.

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The Inspiration Behind Maple Vanilla Pear Crisp Pie

Fruit crisps have long been a staple of American baking, particularly during the fall when apples, pears, and other seasonal fruits are at their peak. This Maple Vanilla Pear Crisp Pie takes the classic fruit crisp up a notch by adding a crust to the mix, making it a cross between a pie and a crisp. By incorporating maple syrup and vanilla, the filling becomes more complex and deeply flavorful, while the cinnamon-spiced crumble adds a delightful contrast of textures. The result is a dessert that’s comforting, homey, and perfect for any occasion.

Why Maple Vanilla Pear Crisp Pie Will Become Your New Fall Favorite

This pie is a celebration of autumn flavors and textures. The pears offer a natural sweetness, enhanced by the maple syrup and the warmth of cinnamon. The crumble topping, made with cold butter and chopped walnuts, adds a satisfying crunch with every bite. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this pie is perfect for a cozy weekend treat or a holiday gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is foolproof and guaranteed to impress.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings):

Calories: 400 kcal
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 4g
Sugar: 35g
Sodium: 100mg

This dessert is rich and indulgent, offering a satisfying combination of fruit and sweet crumble with just the right amount of crunch.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Maple Vanilla Pear Crisp Pie is best served warm, straight from the oven. The filling will be perfectly tender, and the crumble will have just the right amount of crispness. For an extra indulgent treat, top each slice with a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream flavored with vanilla and a hint of maple syrup. Alternatively, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream would melt beautifully over the warm pie, creating a delicious contrast of hot and cold.

If you’re serving the pie as part of a fall gathering, consider pairing it with a hot beverage like spiced apple cider or cinnamon tea. A warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate also complements the flavors beautifully, making this dessert a perfect choice for cozy autumn evenings.

Storage Instructions

This Maple Vanilla Pear Crisp Pie can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you prefer to keep it longer, store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. Before serving, you can warm individual slices in the oven or microwave to bring back the pie’s fresh-out-of-the-oven goodness. While this dessert is best enjoyed warm, it’s just as delicious chilled or at room temperature.

If you want to prepare this pie in advance, you can assemble it and freeze it before baking. When ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Fun Fact: The Versatility of Pears in Desserts

While apples often take the spotlight in fall desserts, pears are just as versatile and flavorful. Bosc pears, in particular, are known for their firm texture and sweet, spiced flavor, which makes them ideal for baking. Their ability to hold their shape when cooked means they won’t turn mushy in pies or crisps, resulting in a dessert with perfectly tender pieces of fruit. Plus, the natural sweetness of pears pairs beautifully with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, as well as with maple syrup and vanilla.

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Cooking Tips:

• Use Ripe but Firm Pears: Make sure your pears are ripe but still firm. Overripe pears will become too soft during baking, while underripe pears won’t develop their full flavor.
• Grate the Butter for the Crumble: For an easier crumble topping, grate cold butter instead of cutting it into cubes. This ensures that the butter is evenly distributed throughout the topping, resulting in a perfectly crumbly texture.
• Extra Maple Syrup Drizzle: For an added layer of sweetness and flavor, drizzle a bit of extra maple syrup over the pie just before serving. It adds a beautiful glaze and enhances the pie’s rich, autumnal flavors.

Optional Variations:

• Apple-Pear Crisp: Combine pears with apples for a mixed fruit version of this crisp. The combination of flavors creates a delightful balance of sweet and tart.
• Oat Crumble Topping: Add ½ cup of rolled oats to the crumble topping for extra texture and a nutty flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour in both the filling and topping with gluten-free flour to make the pie suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Drink Pairings:

• Alcoholic: A glass of warm mulled wine or a spiced cider will pair wonderfully with the rich flavors of this pie, bringing out the warmth of the cinnamon and the sweetness of the pears.
• Non-Alcoholic: Try serving the pie with a steaming mug of hot apple cider or cinnamon-spiced herbal tea. Both beverages complement the dessert’s flavors while keeping the autumn theme intact.

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Maple Vanilla Pear Crisp Pie Recipe

Pear Pie Mixture:

• 7 small Bosc pears, peeled and sliced
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sugar
• ¼ cup maple syrup

Crust:

• 1 frozen pie crust, thawed

Crumble Topping:

• ¾ cup flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 6 tablespoons cold butter, grated
• ⅓ cup sugar (brown or white, or a mix of both)
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts

Whipped Cream:

• 1 small carton heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges for a decorative finish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced pears, cinnamon, flour, vanilla extract, sugar, and maple syrup. Toss until the pears are evenly coated and the mixture is well combined.
3. Pour the pear mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
4. To make the crumble topping, mix the flour, cinnamon, sugar, and chopped walnuts in a separate bowl. Grate the cold butter directly into the bowl and use your fingers to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the pear filling.
6. Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the pear filling is bubbling.
7. While the pie is baking, prepare the whipped cream. In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and maple syrup together until soft peaks form.
8. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and enjoy!

Final Thoughts

This Maple Vanilla Pear Crisp Pie is the perfect way to celebrate fall’s bounty. With its tender, cinnamon-spiced pears, buttery crumble topping, and sweet maple vanilla notes, it’s a dessert that will warm you from the inside out. Serve it at your next family gathering, or simply enjoy it as a cozy treat on a chilly evening. Whichever way you slice it, this pear crisp pie is sure to become a new favorite in your fall baking repertoire!