Home
Recipes
Pies & Tarts
Fruit Pies
Pear Custard Pie Recipe

Pear Custard Pie Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade Pear Custard Pie with this easy baking recipe. Tender slices of pear baked in a silky vanilla custard, all nestled in a buttery crust. Perfect for showcasing seasonal fruit with minimal effort and maximum flavor - no blind baking required!
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
25 mins
Cook Time:
45 mins
Serves:
1 pie (8 slices)
Overhead shot of a golden-brown Pear Custard Pie with sliced pears arranged in a beautiful pattern, their caramelized edges peeking through the custard's perfectly set surface. Captured in soft natural light streaming through a kitchen window, the pie rests on a weathered wooden board dusted with cinnamon. A cross-section slice reveals the luscious vanilla-flecked custard gently embracing tender pear slices, with the flaky, buttery crust providing a perfect contrast. A small pitcher of cream and a scattered arrangement of fresh pears with green leaves frame the composition, emphasizing the rustic elegance of this seasonal dessert.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 unbaked 23cm pie crust (homemade or store-bought)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 ripe pears (Bosc or Anjou recommended)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 large eggs</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200ml heavy cream</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g unsalted butter, melted</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">35g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">¼ tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">¼ tsp ground cinnamon</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp demerara sugar (optional, for sprinkling)</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">23cm (9-inch) pie dish</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Mixing bowls</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Whisk</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). If using a homemade pie crust, roll it out and arrange it in your 23cm pie dish. Crimp the edges decoratively and place in the refrigerator while preparing the filling. Chilling the crust helps prevent shrinkage during baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Peel, core, and slice the pears into 5-7mm thick slices. If your pears are very ripe and juicy, place them on paper towels for a few minutes to absorb excess moisture, which would prevent your custard from setting properly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and melted butter until well combined. The melted butter adds richness and helps create a velvety texture in the custard.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Add the flour, salt, and cinnamon to the wet ingredients and whisk until completely smooth with no lumps. The flour helps stabilize the custard, ensuring it sets properly without separating during baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Arrange the pear slices in the chilled pie crust. You can create a spiral pattern starting from the outside and working your way in, or simply arrange them in an even layer. Leave a small gap between slices to allow the custard to flow between them.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Slowly pour the custard mixture over the arranged pears, ensuring it fills the spaces between fruit pieces. The pears will float slightly - this is normal! If using, sprinkle the demerara sugar over the top for a delicate crunch and caramelized finish.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the custard is set with just a slight wobble in the center and the crust is golden brown. If the crust edges start browning too quickly, cover them with foil or a pie shield after about 25 minutes.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. The custard will continue to set as it cools, giving you clean, beautiful slices. This pie is delicious served at room temperature or slightly chilled with a dollop of whipped cream.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Pear Custard Pie Recipe?

This delicious pie requires an unbaked pie crust, ripe pears (preferably Bosc or Anjou), eggs, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, butter, flour, salt, cinnamon, and optionally demerara sugar for sprinkling. These ingredients create the perfect balance of fruity sweetness and creamy custard texture.

How to cook Pear Custard Pie Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Pear Custard Pie Recipe by arranging sliced pears in an unbaked crust, pouring over a silky egg-cream-sugar mixture, and baking at 180°C for 45-50 minutes until the custard sets with a slight wobble in the centre. The key is allowing the pie to cool completely for at least 2 hours before slicing, as the custard continues firming up during this time.

What type of pears work best for a custard pie?

Firm varieties like Bosc or Anjou pears are ideal for custard pies as they hold their shape during baking without becoming mushy. They should be ripe but still somewhat firm. If your pears are very juicy, pat them dry before arranging to prevent a soggy bottom crust.

Why isn't my custard setting properly in fruit pies?

Custard setting issues typically stem from excess moisture in the fruit, underbaking, or incorrect egg-to-liquid ratios. Ensure you're patting fruit dry, baking until the custard has just a slight wobble in the centre (around 45-50 minutes), and following the recipe's exact measurements for eggs and cream.

Can I make a custard pie without blind baking the crust first?

Yes! This type of custard pie doesn't require blind baking, which saves time and effort. The filling and crust bake together, with the flour in the custard helping prevent sogginess. Chilling the crust before adding filling helps maintain structure and prevents shrinkage during baking.

Want to try something else in ...

Fruit Pies

Try following recommended recipes

View all
An overhead shot of the fig pie showcases its rustic beauty, with a golden lattice crust revealing glimpses of the deeply jammy fig filling beneath. In natural window light, the pie sits on a weathered wooden board dusted with flour, surrounded by fresh figs cut in half to display their luscious ruby interiors. A drizzle of honey catches the light as it falls across one corner, while a small bowl of crème fraîche waits nearby. The cross-section view reveals distinct layers of flaky pastry and the glistening, seed-studded fig filling with its characteristic purple-red hue, steam still rising gently from the warm slice.
Pies & Tarts
Fruit Pies

Fig Pie Recipe

Rich, caramelized figs nestled in buttery pastry with hints of honey and warming spices create a sophisticated dessert that balances sweet depth with delicate floral notes.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
45 mins
Cook Time:
55 mins
Serves:
1 pie (8 slices)
View recipe
An overhead shot of a perfectly baked lemon meringue pie with dramatic peaks of golden-brown meringue creating a textural landscape atop the vibrant yellow filling. A slice has been removed, revealing the distinct layers of crisp pastry, sunshine-yellow lemon curd, and pillowy meringue. Soft natural light streams across the scene, highlighting the glossy sheen of the meringue peaks and the delicate beads of lemon filling clinging to the knife. The pie rests on a vintage blue ceramic plate with scattered lemon slices and fresh mint leaves artfully arranged alongside, providing a color contrast against a rustic wooden table dusted with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar.
Pies & Tarts
Fruit Pies

Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe

A buttery, flaky pastry crust filled with tangy lemon curd and crowned with a cloud of sweet, toasted meringue creates the perfect balance of sharp citrus and marshmallowy sweetness.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
45 mins
Cook Time:
40 mins
Serves:
1 pie (8 slices)
View recipe
Overhead shot of a rustic Apple Raspberry Pie with golden-brown lattice crust revealing bubbling ruby-red filling peeking through the gaps. A slice has been removed, displaying perfect layers of tender apple slices interspersed with vibrant red raspberries in a clear-set filling that holds its shape without being runny. The pie rests on a weathered wooden board dusted with flour, alongside a vintage silver server. Natural window light highlights the sugar-sparkled crust edges and glistening fruit, while a small bowl of fresh raspberries and a sliced Granny Smith apple create context in the background, emphasizing the pie's farm-fresh ingredients.
Pies & Tarts
Fruit Pies

Apple Raspberry Pie Recipe

This golden-crusted Apple Raspberry Pie balances sweet-tart apple slices with bursts of ruby raspberries beneath a buttery lattice top for the perfect marriage of classic comfort and berry brightness.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
45 mins
Cook Time:
55 mins
Serves:
1 pie (8 slices)
View recipe
An overhead shot of a rustic star fruit pie with a lattice top crust, capturing the distinctive star-shaped fruit slices arranged in a spiral pattern beneath the golden-brown pastry. Natural window light casts a warm glow across the crisp, sugar-dusted crust that's baked to perfection. A cross-section view reveals layers of translucent caramelized star fruit nestled in a buttery crust, with a subtle syrupy glaze pooling at the edges. The pie sits on a weathered wooden serving board garnished with fresh mint leaves and a few raw star fruit slices nearby, highlighting the fruit's unique ridged shape. Fine grains of demerara sugar catch the light atop the pastry's flaky, multilayered surface.
Pies & Tarts
Fruit Pies

Star Fruit Pie Recipe

Tropical star fruit slices nestled in buttery pastry create a stunning golden pie with the perfect balance of sweet-tart flavor and flaky texture.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
45 mins
Cook Time:
50 mins
Serves:
1 pie (8 slices)
View recipe
An overhead shot of a golden-crusted Banana Butterscotch Pie with one slice being lifted to reveal a perfect cross-section of creamy layers. The filling glows amber in soft natural light, showing distinct strata of butterscotch custard studded with banana slices. The top features artful swirls of lightly browned whipped cream dusted with cinnamon, with a slow-motion caramel drizzle cascading down the sides. The pie rests on a weathered wooden cake stand surrounded by scattered whole bananas, cinnamon sticks, and shards of butterscotch candy that catch the light with their crystalline structure.
Pies & Tarts
Fruit Pies

Banana Butterscotch Pie Recipe

A decadent banana custard pie with rich butterscotch undertones, topped with clouds of whipped cream and a delicate caramel drizzle that balances sweet fruit with deep toffee notes.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
45 mins
Cook Time:
55 mins
Serves:
1 pie (8 slices)
View recipe
An overhead shot of a golden-brown lattice-topped sour cherry pie, with vibrant red cherry filling bubbling through the woven pastry strips. Captured in soft natural light streaming through a kitchen window, the pie rests on a vintage blue ceramic plate atop a rustic wooden table. A cross-section view reveals the perfect ratio of fruit to pastry, with plump cherries glistening in their ruby syrup. The crust's edge is perfectly crimped with a slight sprinkle of coarse sugar crystals that catch the light. A small bowl of fresh sour cherries and a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream sit alongside, suggesting the perfect serving suggestion.
Pies & Tarts
Fruit Pies

Sour Cherry Pie Recipe

A buttery, flaky crust cradles a ruby-red filling of tart sour cherries suspended in a perfectly balanced sweet-tart syrup that bursts with flavor in every bite.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
45 mins
Cook Time:
55 mins
Serves:
1 pie (8 slices)
View recipe
An overhead shot of a perfectly sliced coconut cream pie, revealing its three distinct layers: the golden brown flaky crust, the velvety pale yellow coconut custard filling, and the billowing white whipped cream topping. Toasted coconut flakes are scattered across the surface, creating a beautiful contrast against the cream. The pie is presented on a vintage blue ceramic plate atop a distressed wooden table, with a silver pie server nearby and scattered fresh coconut shavings surrounding the plate. Soft natural light streams in from a side window, highlighting the creamy texture of the filling and the delicate flakiness of the pastry.
Pies & Tarts
Fruit Pies

Coconut Cream Pie Recipe

A tropical paradise of silky coconut custard nestled in buttery pastry, crowned with clouds of whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
45 mins
Serves:
1 pie (8 slices)
View recipe
An overhead shot captures a rustic ceramic pie dish containing the Pomegranate Pie with its golden-brown lattice crust revealing glimpses of the glossy, deep crimson filling bubbling through the gaps. Soft natural light highlights the sugar-dusted lattice work, while the cross-section reveals layers of jewel-toned pomegranate filling. The pie sits on a weathered wooden board, accompanied by scattered fresh pomegranate arils and a small vintage pitcher of cream. A fork pierces the corner revealing the perfect balance between the flaky crust and the luscious, slightly thickened fruit filling that maintains its shape without being runny.
Pies & Tarts
Fruit Pies

Pomegranate Pie Recipe

A vibrant, sweet-tart pomegranate filling nestled in a buttery crust, offering juicy bursts of ruby-red flavor beneath a delicate lattice top.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
45 mins
Cook Time:
50 mins
Serves:
1 pie (8 slices)
View recipe
An overhead shot of a golden-brown rhubarb pie with a beautifully crimped lattice top, revealing vibrant ruby-red filling bubbling through the gaps. Soft natural light illuminates the glistening sugar-sprinkled crust, highlighting its perfectly baked flaky texture. The pie rests on a rustic wooden serving board, with a slice being lifted to showcase the bright pink filling studded with tender pieces of rhubarb. Fresh rhubarb stalks and a small bowl of vanilla ice cream melting slightly at the edges are artfully arranged alongside, while a dusting of icing sugar catches the light, creating a homey yet elegant presentation.
Pies & Tarts
Fruit Pies

Rhubarb Pie Recipe

Tangy rhubarb filling encased in buttery, flaky pastry creates the perfect balance of sweet and sour in this classic springtime pie.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
45 mins
Cook Time:
50 mins
Serves:
1 pie (8 slices)
View recipe
Overhead shot of a golden-brown blackberry pie with a lattice top crust, juice bubbling through the woven pastry strips. A slice has been removed, revealing the deep purple filling that holds its shape without being runny. The pie rests on a weathered wooden serving board dusted with flour, with scattered fresh blackberries and mint leaves surrounding it. Soft natural light streams from a side window, highlighting the sugar-crusted top that sparkles against the rich, dark filling. A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts slowly alongside the still-warm slice, creating an inviting scene that captures the essence of homemade comfort.
Pies & Tarts
Fruit Pies

Blackberry Pie Recipe

Sweet-tart blackberries nestled in a buttery, flaky crust create a homestyle pie bursting with juicy flavor that balances natural sweetness with subtle warmth from cinnamon and lemon.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
45 mins
Cook Time:
55 mins
Serves:
1 pie (8 slices)
View recipe
{ "@context": "http://schema.org/", "@type": "Recipe", "name": "Pear Custard Pie Recipe", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Gurbir Aujla", "brand": "What's Baking?", "jobTitle": "Baker" }, "datePublished": "2023-10-15", "description": "Learn how to make the best homemade Pear Custard Pie with this easy baking recipe. Tender slices of pear baked in a silky vanilla custard, all nestled in a buttery crust. Perfect for showcasing seasonal fruit with minimal effort and maximum flavor - no blind baking required!", "prepTime": "PT25M", "cookTime": "PT45M", "totalTime": "PT1H10M", "keywords": "pear dessert, custard pie, fruit pie, seasonal baking, autumn dessert", "recipeYield": "8", "recipeCategory": "Dessert", "recipeCuisine": "French", "nutrition": { "@type": "NutritionInformation", "calories": "315 calories", "carbohydrateContent": "38 g", "proteinContent": "5 g", "fatContent": "16 g", "saturatedFatContent": "9 g", "cholesterolContent": "115 mg", "sodiumContent": "180 mg", "sugarContent": "24 g", "servingSize": "1 slice" }, "recipeIngredient": [ "1 unbaked 23cm pie crust (homemade or store-bought)", "3 ripe pears (Bosc or Anjou recommended)", "3 large eggs", "200ml heavy cream", "120g granulated sugar", "1 tsp vanilla extract", "30g unsalted butter, melted", "35g all-purpose flour", "¼ tsp salt", "¼ tsp ground cinnamon", "1 tbsp demerara sugar (optional, for sprinkling)" ], "recipeInstructions": [ { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Prepare crust", "text": "Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). If using a homemade pie crust, roll it out and arrange it in your 23cm pie dish. Crimp the edges decoratively and place in the refrigerator while preparing the filling. Chilling the crust helps prevent shrinkage during baking." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Prepare pears", "text": "Peel, core, and slice the pears into 5-7mm thick slices. If your pears are very ripe and juicy, place them on paper towels for a few minutes to absorb excess moisture, which would prevent your custard from setting properly." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Mix wet ingredients", "text": "In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and melted butter until well combined. The melted butter adds richness and helps create a velvety texture in the custard." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Add dry ingredients", "text": "Add the flour, salt, and cinnamon to the wet ingredients and whisk until completely smooth with no lumps. The flour helps stabilize the custard, ensuring it sets properly without separating during baking." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Arrange pears", "text": "Arrange the pear slices in the chilled pie crust. You can create a spiral pattern starting from the outside and working your way in, or simply arrange them in an even layer. Leave a small gap between slices to allow the custard to flow between them." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Add custard", "text": "Slowly pour the custard mixture over the arranged pears, ensuring it fills the spaces between fruit pieces. The pears will float slightly - this is normal! If using, sprinkle the demerara sugar over the top for a delicate crunch and caramelized finish." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Bake", "text": "Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the custard is set with just a slight wobble in the center and the crust is golden brown. If the crust edges start browning too quickly, cover them with foil or a pie shield after about 25 minutes." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Cool and serve", "text": "Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. The custard will continue to set as it cools, giving you clean, beautiful slices. This pie is delicious served at room temperature or slightly chilled with a dollop of whipped cream." } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "ratingCount": "158" }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "author": "Maria Gonzalez", "datePublished": "2023-11-02", "reviewBody": "Perfectly balanced flavors! The custard is silky smooth and the pears retain just the right amount of firmness. This has become my go-to dessert for family gatherings.", "name": "Perfectly Balanced Flavors", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Olivia Chen", "datePublished": "2023-11-10", "reviewBody": "Easiest pie I've ever made! I was nervous about the custard setting properly, but the instructions were so clear and the result was perfect on my first try. Will definitely make again!", "name": "Easiest Pie Ever", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Pierre Dubois", "datePublished": "2023-11-15", "reviewBody": "Silky custard, tender pears! This recipe reminds me of the pear tarts my grandmother used to make in France. The cinnamon adds just the right touch of warmth without overpowering the delicate pear flavor.", "name": "Reminds Me of Home", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Sanjay Patel", "datePublished": "2023-11-22", "reviewBody": "Better than grandma's recipe! I never thought I'd say that, but this custard pie is truly exceptional. The balance of sweetness is perfect and the texture is divine. My whole family requested it for Christmas dinner.", "name": "New Family Favorite", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Astrid Johansson", "datePublished": "2023-12-05", "reviewBody": "Wonderful use of seasonal pears! I used the Bosc pears from my garden and they worked perfectly. The custard set beautifully and the flavor combination is just sublime. This will be in my regular rotation during pear season.", "name": "Garden-to-Table Success", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }
{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What ingredients are used in Pear Custard Pie Recipe?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "This delicious pie requires an unbaked pie crust, ripe pears (preferably Bosc or Anjou), eggs, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, butter, flour, salt, cinnamon, and optionally demerara sugar for sprinkling. These ingredients create the perfect balance of fruity sweetness and creamy custard texture." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How to cook Pear Custard Pie Recipe at home?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Learn how to cook Pear Custard Pie Recipe by arranging sliced pears in an unbaked crust, pouring over a silky egg-cream-sugar mixture, and baking at 180°C for 45-50 minutes until the custard sets with a slight wobble in the centre. The key is allowing the pie to cool completely for at least 2 hours before slicing, as the custard continues firming up during this time." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What type of pears work best for a custard pie?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Firm varieties like Bosc or Anjou pears are ideal for custard pies as they hold their shape during baking without becoming mushy. They should be ripe but still somewhat firm. If your pears are very juicy, pat them dry before arranging to prevent a soggy bottom crust." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Why isn't my custard setting properly in fruit pies?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Custard setting issues typically stem from excess moisture in the fruit, underbaking, or incorrect egg-to-liquid ratios. Ensure you're patting fruit dry, baking until the custard has just a slight wobble in the centre (around 45-50 minutes), and following the recipe's exact measurements for eggs and cream." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I make a custard pie without blind baking the crust first?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes! This type of custard pie doesn't require blind baking, which saves time and effort. The filling and crust bake together, with the flour in the custard helping prevent sogginess. Chilling the crust before adding filling helps maintain structure and prevents shrinkage during baking." } } ] }