Looking for a cozy and delightful dessert to wow your guests or simply treat yourself to a sweet indulgence? Helene’s Birnentraum, or Pear Dream, is a delicious and comforting German-inspired dessert that perfectly captures the essence of fall with its warm spices and juicy pears. This dessert is a delightful treat that highlights the natural sweetness of pears while offering a touch of sophistication with a homemade pastry crust. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to enjoy a special dessert at home, Helene’s Birnentraum is sure to impress.
Helenes Birnentraum
Ingredients:
– 6 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
– 1/4 cup cold water
– Pinch of salt
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or tart pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced pears, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and lemon juice. Toss gently to ensure the pears are evenly coated with the sugar and spices. Set aside to macerate while you prepare the crust.
3. In a food processor, combine the all-purpose flour, chilled butter, and pinch of salt. Pulse the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add in the cold water, pulsing until the dough comes together and forms a ball. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish or tart pan. Carefully transfer the dough to the prepared dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and along the sides.
5. Spoon the spiced pear mixture into the prepared crust, spreading it out evenly.
6. Fold over any excess dough to form a rustic edge or create a lattice or other decorative crust design if desired. Brush the crust with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
7. Bake the Birnentraum in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the pear filling is bubbling. If the crust begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
8. Once baked, remove the Birnentraum from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.
Enjoy the warm and comforting flavors of Helene’s Birnentraum with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special treat. This dessert is perfect for any occasion and is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Share the joy of this delightful pear dream with loved ones and savor the cozy flavors of fall.
