Name: Apple Pear Pie Pillsbury Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 4 medium pears (Bartlett or Anjou); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; ¾ cup sugar (adjust to taste); 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 tablespoon butter (cut into small cubes); 1 package Pillsbury pie crusts (includes 2 crusts); 1 egg (for egg wash, optional); 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)

When it comes to fall desserts, few things are as comforting and delicious as a freshly baked apple pear pie. The combination of tart apples and sweet pears creates a harmonious flavor profile that’s both familiar and new, perfect for cozy gatherings and holiday dinners. Using Pillsbury pie crust makes this recipe not only easy to prepare but also ensures a flaky, buttery crust that everyone will love.

In this article, we’ll walk you through a simple yet flavorful recipe for an Apple Pear Pie using Pillsbury’s classic pie crust. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, you’ll find that this dessert is foolproof and irresistible. Pillsbury’s tips for perfect pies and a delicious apple pie recipe from Pillsbury will help ensure your pie turns out beautifully.

What Makes the Apple Pear Pie Special?

An apple pear pie is a delightful fusion of two fruits that balance each other perfectly. The crispness of apples pairs wonderfully with the juiciness and sweetness of pears, making every bite a delicious contrast of textures and flavors. The subtle cinnamon and nutmeg spice mix adds warmth, while the buttery crust holds everything together.

This pie is an excellent alternative to the traditional apple pie and offers a fresh twist on a classic dessert. The unique combination of apples and pears makes it stand out on the holiday dessert table, but it’s just as perfect for an everyday treat. Its versatility allows you to serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel, or even a dollop of whipped cream.

If you’re looking for more apple pie inspiration, EatingWell offers a variety of healthy alternatives that you can try, from lower-sugar versions to gluten-free options.

How to Make the Apple Pear Pie: Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the baking process, let’s go over the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for the perfect apple pear pie:

4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)
4 medium pears (Bartlett or Anjou are ideal)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning)
¾ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to thicken the filling)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon butter (cut into small cubes)
1 package Pillsbury pie crusts (includes 2 crusts)
1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that the pie will bake evenly and result in a crisp, golden crust.

2. Prepare the Fruit

Peel and core the apples and pears. Make sure to slice them thinly, about ¼ inch thick, so they bake evenly.
In a large bowl, combine the apple and pear slices with the lemon juice to keep the fruits from turning brown.
Add sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss everything together until the fruit is evenly coated. The flour will help thicken the juices as the pie bakes, and the spices will infuse the filling with a warm, aromatic flavor.

3. Prepare the Pie Crust

Unroll one of the Pillsbury pie crusts and gently press it into a 9-inch pie dish. Pillsbury’s pre-made dough makes this step much easier and more convenient. If you want to learn more tips for perfect pie crusts, Pillsbury’s guide is a great resource.
Add the prepared apple and pear filling into the pie crust, making sure it’s evenly distributed.

4. Assemble and Seal the Pie

Unroll the second pie crust and place it over the top of the filling. Trim the excess dough around the edges, leaving about 1 inch.
Pinch the edges of the crusts together, creating a crimped design for a decorative look. You can also use a fork to press down the edges if you prefer a simpler finish.
Cut small slits in the top of the pie crust to allow steam to escape while baking. This helps prevent the pie from bubbling over.

5. Add the Finishing Touches

For a glossy, golden finish, you can brush the top of the pie with an egg wash. Simply whisk together the egg and milk, then lightly brush it over the top crust. This step adds a beautiful shine and helps the crust brown evenly.

6. Bake the Pie

Place your pie on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips. Bake the pie at 425°F for about 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the slits in the crust. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

7. Cool and Serve

Once the pie is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes for cleaner slices. Serve your apple pear pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.

Tips for Perfecting Your Apple Pear Pie

Making a perfect apple pear pie is all about getting the right balance of flavors and textures. Here are some expert tips to ensure your pie turns out just right:

Choose the right apples and pears: Opt for Granny Smith apples for their tartness and Bartlett pears for their sweetness. Mixing these two types gives the pie a great contrast of flavors.
Prevent a soggy bottom crust: To avoid a soggy crust, you can bake the crust for 5-10 minutes before adding the filling. This is called blind baking and helps set the crust before it absorbs the fruit juices.
Experiment with the filling: Add a streusel topping made from butter, sugar, and flour for extra texture and sweetness. You can also toss in raisins or chopped nuts for added flavor.
Use a pie shield: If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, use a pie shield or cover the edges with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

FAQs About Apple Pear Pie Pillsbury Recipe

Can I use fresh pears in the recipe?

Yes, fresh pears work beautifully in this recipe. Just be sure to use a variety that is sweet and ripe, such as Bartlett or Anjou, for the best flavor.

Can I substitute Pillsbury pie crust for homemade crust?

While homemade pie crust can add a personal touch, using Pillsbury pie crust makes this recipe quick and hassle-free. If you do want to make your own crust, be sure to adjust the measurements for your homemade dough.

What’s the best way to store leftover pie?

If you have leftovers, store your apple pear pie in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Can I make this pie in advance?

Yes, you can prepare your apple pear pie a day or two in advance. Simply assemble the pie (without baking it) and store it in the fridge. Bake it just before serving, allowing for a fresh, warm pie.

Can I freeze apple pear pie?

Yes, this pie freezes beautifully. You can freeze it either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then bake directly from frozen (you may need to add extra baking time).

Conclusion: Why You Should Try This Apple Pear Pie Recipe

This Apple Pear Pie Pillsbury Recipe is a delightful dessert that combines two of the most iconic fall fruits in a simple yet delicious way. With Pillsbury pie crust, you can easily create a beautifully flaky, buttery pie that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or just want to enjoy a comforting treat, this pie is a perfect choice.

So why not try this recipe the next time you’re in the mood for a comforting, fruity dessert? With its sweet and tart flavor, golden crust, and warm spices, your apple pear pie will become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

If you want more tips on perfect pies, check out Pillsbury’s pie guide for additional recipes and advice. And remember, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this versatile dessert—feel free to get creative with toppings or even the filling itself.