Caramelized Pear Pecan Upside-Down Pie
Indulge in the rich flavors of autumn with this Caramelized Pear Pecan Upside-Down Pie. This delightful dessert features a luscious caramel sauce and fresh pears nestled atop a crunchy layer of pecans, all enveloped in a perfectly flaky crust. The combination of spices enhances the sweetness of the pears and creates a warm, inviting aroma that's sure to impress family and friends. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, this pie is best served warm, drizzled with caramel and accompanied by a generous dollop of whipped cream.
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
2 cups (sifted)
Sugar
2 teaspoons ( )
Salt
1 pinch ( )
Crisco shortening
3/4 cup ( )
Ice water
3-4 tablespoons ( )
Butter or margarine
2 tablespoons (softened)
Pecan halves
1 cup (to cover bottom pie plate)
Brown sugar
1/2 cup ( )
Cooking spray
(for greasing)
Sugar (for pears)
3/4-1 cup (depending on pear sweetness)
All-purpose flour (for coating pears)
2 tablespoons ( )
Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ( )
Salt (for filling)
1/4 teaspoon ( )
Ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ( )
Allspice
1/8 teaspoon (optional)
Fresh pears
5 cups (peeled and sliced)
Butter (for topping)
1 tablespoon ( )
Caramel topping
1/2 cup ( )
Fresh whipped cream
(optional)
Instructions
1
Make the crust: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the sifted all-purpose flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, blend in the Crisco shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually sprinkle ice water over the mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2
Once chilled, divide the dough into two halves. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each half into an 11-inch circle. Set aside until the pie assembly.
3
Prepare the filling: Line a 9-inch pie plate with a 14-inch circle of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Spread the 2 tablespoons of softened butter evenly across the bottom of the lined pie plate. Arrange the pecan halves in a decorative pattern, pressing them into the butter, then sprinkle with brown sugar.
4
Spray the edges of the foil-lined pie plate with cooking spray, then set aside. In a large bowl, mix together sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and allspice (if using). Add the peeled and sliced fresh pears, gently tossing to coat them in the mixture.
5
Assemble the pie: Carefully transfer one prepared pie crust into the pie plate, placing it over the pecans and pressing down firmly. Spread the pear mixture over the crust and dot with the remaining butter. Place the second pie crust on top of the pears, rolling the edges under and crimping to seal. Cut several slits into the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
7
Allow the pie to cool for about 5 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. Drizzle the top with caramel topping and serve warm, with fresh whipped cream if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caramelized Pear Pecan Upside-Down Pie?
It is a rich autumn dessert featuring a caramel sauce, fresh pears, and pecans baked with a flaky crust and then inverted for serving.
What kind of pears are best for this pie?
Fresh pears that are peeled and sliced work best; varieties like Bosc or Anjou hold their shape well during baking.
Can I use butter instead of Crisco for the crust?
While the recipe calls for Crisco shortening for a specific flaky texture, you can substitute with cold butter, though the texture may vary.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 10 people.
What is the recommended baking temperature?
The pie should be baked in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).
How long should I refrigerate the pie dough?
The dough should be wrapped in plastic and refrigerated for at least 30 minutes before rolling.
Do I need to peel the pears?
Yes, the instructions specify that the pears should be peeled and sliced before being tossed in the sugar and spice mixture.
What is the purpose of the aluminum foil?
Heavy-duty foil is used to line the pie plate to help with the inverting process and to contain the caramel and pecan layer.
Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?
Yes, walnuts or even sliced almonds could be used as a substitute if you have a pecan allergy or preference.
How do I prevent the pie from sticking to the foil?
The recipe recommends spraying the edges of the foil-lined pie plate with cooking spray and using softened butter on the bottom.
What spices are used in the pear filling?
The filling is seasoned with cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and optional allspice.
How long does the pie need to bake?
The pie typically bakes for a total of 45 to 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
When should I invert the pie onto a serving plate?
Allow the pie to cool for about 5 minutes after taking it out of the oven before carefully inverting it.
Is allspice mandatory for this recipe?
No, allspice is listed as an optional ingredient to enhance the spice profile.
What should I serve with this pie?
It is best served warm, drizzled with caramel topping and accompanied by fresh whipped cream.
How do I prepare the pecan layer?
Arrange pecan halves in a decorative pattern over softened butter in the foil-lined plate, then sprinkle with brown sugar.
What size should I roll the pie crusts?
Each half of the dough should be rolled out into an 11-inch circle.
How do I allow steam to escape during baking?
You must cut several slits into the top crust before placing the pie in the oven.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either butter or margarine to be used for the pecan layer.
What is the total count of ingredients?
There are 19 ingredients used in this recipe, including optional items.
How much ice water is needed for the dough?
Use 3 to 4 tablespoons of ice water, adding it gradually until a dough forms.
Can I use store-bought caramel topping?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 1/2 cup of caramel topping for the final drizzle.
What type of flour is used?
All-purpose flour is used for both the crust and for coating the pears.
How do I seal the pie?
Roll the edges of the top crust under the bottom crust and crimp them together to seal the filling inside.
Can this pie be made ahead of time?
While best served warm, you can prepare the dough in advance. The assembled pie is best baked fresh.
What makes it an 'upside-down' pie?
The pecans and caramel are placed at the bottom of the dish and become the top of the pie once it is flipped after baking.
How many cups of pears are required?
You will need 5 cups of peeled and sliced fresh pears.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Yes, the fall flavors of pear, pecan, and cinnamon make it an excellent choice for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
What tools do I need for the dough?
A large mixing bowl and a pastry cutter or two forks are needed to blend the shortening into the flour.
How much sugar is added to the pears?
Use 3/4 to 1 cup of sugar, depending on the natural sweetness of the pears you are using.