Description
This caramelized pear pie filling recipe features ripe pears cooked gently in a buttery caramel sauce infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. The filling is thickened with a cornstarch slurry and finished with a hint of vanilla, creating a rich and flavorful component perfect for pies, tarts, or other desserts.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits
- 4 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
Sugars
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
Fats & Liquids
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Spices & Thickeners
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare Pears: Begin by peeling, coring, and slicing the pears into even pieces to ensure uniform cooking. Place the slices in a bowl, sprinkle with lemon juice, and toss gently to prevent browning.
- Make Caramel Base: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add both granulated and light brown sugars, stirring continuously until the sugars dissolve completely and the mixture begins to bubble gently.
- Add Pears: Carefully add the sliced pears to the skillet and stir to coat them evenly with the caramel mixture.
- Season: Sprinkle ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger over the pears, mixing well to distribute the spices evenly.
- Cook Pears: Let the pears cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden, caramelize, and become tender but not mushy.
- Thicken Filling: Whisk the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl to make a slurry. Slowly pour this into the skillet while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Finish Cooking: Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the filling thickens to your desired consistency. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the caramelized pear pie filling to cool slightly before using it in your preferred pie crust or dessert.
Notes
- Ensure pears are firm yet ripe for best texture during cooking.
- Adjust spices to your taste preference; add more cinnamon or a pinch of cloves for a different flavor profile.
- If the filling is too thick after cooling, stir in a teaspoon of water to loosen before using.
- Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- This filling can also be used as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.
