How to Make Easy Old-Fashioned Apple Pear Pie

I may earn a commission if you click on links in this post and make a purchase.

Highlight the best parts of fall with an easy old-fashioned apple pear pie recipe that is sure to please!

Similar to a classic apple pie, this simple twist uses a mixture of apples and pear slices for the perfect embodiment of fall seasonal produce.

There’s nothing fancy here and yet the results are incredibly delicious making this the perfect pie to serve at harvest festivals, weeknight dinner, holiday feasts, and more!

Simple Ingredients

Like all the best food in my opinion, this recipe is full of simple ingredients in the right balance for a truly delicious dessert. Use the best of everything you have on hand or can find for the best results.

Pie Crust

You’ll need pie dough for double crust for this recipe. You can feel free to buy a store-bought pie crust if you want to make something quickly or that’s your preference.

A flaky crust made from lard is my favorite but you can use any pie crust recipe you prefer to make this recipe. Something that is flavorful but still allows the apple pear filling to shine is ideal.

I generally go with a full top pie crust as that’s my preference, however feel free to make a lattice top if you like that better.

The Fruit

There are, of course, plenty of resources that will tell you that some apples are better for pie than others. My feeling is to use whatever you have on hand. If you something homegrown, go for it, don’t worry about the particular variety.

The same goes for the fresh pears. Use what you have and don’t worry if it’s bartlett pears or something else.

I’m always a big fan of choosing local and fresh types of produce first and foremost. Hit the farmer’s market or local orchard and use those bits of fall seasonal produce for something truly special.

I personally think that thin slices work best in this pie but you can feel free to make them as thick or thin as desired. Peeling is also optional and will depend on your personal preferences. I’ve done it both ways and generally peel if I’m going to serve the pie to guests but if it’s just for us at home the peels are fine as we don’t mind them at all.

The recipe uses an equal amount of tender pears and crisp apples, however; feel free to use more of one and less of another if that’s what you have on hand. 

Sugar

There is some additional sugar added to the filling. Use more or less based on the sweetness of the fruit and your personal preference. I personally, don’t add any additional sugar to my pie pastry but if you do, you might want less in the pie – again do what works for you.

Optional Butter

There’s a little bit of butter added to the top of the filling for an extra bit of richness. This is a favorite trick of my grandmother’s cookbooks and one I use almost every time I make a pie.

However, it is optional. If you prefer to keep the pie dairy-free, skip it and know that you’ll still have a very delicious pie to serve.

Optional Spice

If you’d like to add some warm spices to your pie, feel free. Add up to 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, apple pie spice, cardamom, or other spices as desired to the sugar mixture.

I’ve made the pie with and without spice – both versions are delicious and different. Again, go with what works for the fruit you have and your own personal preferences.

How to Serve

The great thing about fruit pie of any time is that it’s a perfectly simple and acceptable dessert all by itself. Serve slices wtih coffee, tea, or other favorite warm drinks and call it good.

Of course a scoop of vanilla ice cream is always delicious on pie.

A dollop of whipped cream on top is also amazing if you feel like it.

We quite like a plain slice with hot coffee as breakfast in our house.

Include the pie as part of dessert tables during the holiday season.

How to Store

Store any leftover pie by covering it with plastic wrap or a piece of aluminium foil and placing it in the refrigerator where it should stay fresh for up to 4 days.

Sharing is caring!