Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Delicate Pear & Sour Cream Pie?
It is a seasonal dessert that features fresh pears in a creamy, tangy filling topped with a crunchy crumb topping.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How many pears do I need for this pie?
You will need 2 cups of peeled and diced fresh pears, which is approximately 3 medium-sized pears.
Should the pears be peeled for this recipe?
Yes, the pears should be peeled and diced before being added to the filling.
What are the ingredients for the pie filling?
The filling consists of diced pears, sugar, a beaten egg, all-purpose flour, sour cream, vanilla extract, and a dash of salt.
What type of sour cream should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of room temperature sour cream.
Do I need to bake the pie crust before adding the filling?
No, you should use an unbaked 9-inch pie shell.
How long does the pie bake before adding the crumb topping?
The pie should bake for an initial 25 minutes before the topping is added.
What is the total baking time for the pie?
The total baking time is 55 minutes: 25 minutes for the filling alone and an additional 30 minutes once the crumb topping is added.
How do I make the crumb topping?
Mix 1/2 cup sugar, 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, and 1/4 cup softened butter until the mixture is crumbly.
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Yes, you can use either a store-bought or a homemade 9-inch unbaked pie shell.
What kind of vanilla extract is best?
The recipe recommends using one teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
How should I prepare the egg for the filling?
The egg should be beaten before being whisked into the sugar and flour mixture.
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The pie is finished when the crumb topping is golden brown and the filling is set.
Should the pie be served warm or cold?
The pie can be served either warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
How should leftovers be stored?
Any leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator.
What texture does the crumb topping provide?
The crumb topping adds a touch of crunch to the creamy pie.
Can I use frozen pears?
The recipe specifies fresh pears to allow their natural sweetness and delicate essence to shine.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Yes, a dash of salt is included in the filling to taste.
How do I incorporate the pears into the filling?
Gently fold the diced pears into the sour cream mixture until they are evenly coated.
Does the recipe require softened butter?
Yes, 1/4 cup of softened, room temperature butter is used for the crumb topping.
What is the purpose of the flour in the filling?
One tablespoon of flour is added to the filling to help thicken it as it bakes.
Should I cool the pie before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to allow the pie to cool completely to let the flavors meld.
Is this a good dessert for gatherings?
Yes, its exquisite flavors and seasonal appeal make it perfect for gatherings or special occasions.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a Dessert.
Can I substitute the sour cream?
While the recipe specifies sour cream for its tangy flavor and creaminess, you could experiment with Greek yogurt, though the original recipe is designed for sour cream.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 total ingredients including the components for the filling and the topping.
What size pie shell is needed?
You need a 9-inch unbaked pie shell.
Is the filling supposed to be tangy?
Yes, the sour cream provides a creamy and tangy balance to the sweetness of the pears.