For a truly festive and delightful addition to your Christmas baking repertoire, look no further than this classic Swedish recipe for Päronpaj, a deliciously comforting Pear Pie that is sure to become a family favorite. The combination of buttery pastry, sweet pears, and warming spices will fill your home with the irresistible scents of the holiday season. Whether you serve it warm with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy it with a steaming cup of coffee, this Päronpaj is guaranteed to bring joy and cheer to all who taste it.
Päronpaj Pear Pie
Ingredients:
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 6-8 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 2 tbsp cornstarch
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch pie dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the diced butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Sprinkle a few tablespoons of cold water over the dough and gently mix until it comes together to form a smooth dough. Be careful not to overwork the dough. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In another bowl, toss the sliced pears with brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and cornstarch until the pears are well coated.
5. Roll out two-thirds of the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit the bottom and sides of the pie dish. Transfer the dough to the greased dish and gently press it into place.
6. Arrange the spiced pear mixture evenly over the dough-lined pie dish.
7. Roll out the remaining dough to create a lattice or decorative top for the pie. Lay the dough strips over the pears in a lattice pattern or any desired design. Trim and crimp the edges of the dough.
8. Brush the top of the pie with the beaten egg to create a golden finish.
9. Bake the Päronpaj in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
10. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before dusting the top with powdered sugar. Serve warm and enjoy the cozy flavors of this delightful Swedish Christmas treat.
Unwrap a slice of Päronpaj Pear Pie and savor the delightful blend of tender pears, aromatic spices, and flaky pastry—a perfect accompaniment to your holiday gatherings. This recipe captures the essence of Swedish baking traditions, infusing your home with the warmth and comfort of the holiday season. Share the joy of this classic dessert with your loved ones and create lasting memories with each delicious bite. Happy baking!
