Pear, Amaretto, and Chocolate Pie
Category: Desserts
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 00 Flour | 500g |
| Butter | 270g |
| Egg Yolks | 4 |
| Powdered Sugar | 200g |
| Lemon Zest | 1 |
| Fine Salt | 1 pinch |
| Abate Pears | 4 |
| Amaretti Cookies | 250g |
| Unsweetened Cocoa Powder | 30g |
| Granulated Sugar | 130g |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1 tbsp |
| Amaretto Liqueur | 1 tbsp |
| Butter (for greasing) | 15g |
| Cornstarch (Cornflour) | 60g |
| Orange Zest | 1 |
| Orange Marmalade | 40g |
| Additional Butter (for greasing) | As needed |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
- Begin by preparing the dough for the pie. In a food processor, combine the flour, butter, egg yolks, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and a pinch of fine salt. Blend the ingredients in short pulses to avoid warming the butter too much. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs or sand.
- Transfer the dough mixture onto a clean surface and form it into a mound. Make a well in the center of the dough and add the lemon zest and egg yolks. Mix the ingredients together, using your hands or a dough scraper.
- Once the dough comes together, divide it into two portions: two-thirds for the base and one-third for the top of the pie.
Step 2: Preparing the Pear Filling
- Peel and core the pears, then cut them into small cubes, making sure they’re not too small. Set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cocoa powder and stir until it dissolves completely into the melted butter.
- Add the chopped pears to the saucepan, followed by the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Stir gently to combine and allow the pears to cook down slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the amaretto liqueur and cook for another 2 minutes, letting the mixture thicken slightly.
- Remove the pear filling from the heat, and stir in the orange zest and orange marmalade. Let the mixture cool before transferring it to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and set it aside to chill.
Step 3: Assembling the Pie
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) for static ovens or 160°C (320°F) for fan-assisted ovens.
- Lightly grease a 20 cm (8-inch) pie dish with butter. If using a fluted pan, the top measurement should be 22 cm (8.5 inches).
- Roll out two-thirds of the dough into a circle, approximately 3 mm thick. Transfer this dough carefully to the pie dish by rolling it up onto a rolling pin and unrolling it into the pan.
- Pour the prepared pear filling into the crust, spreading it evenly.
- Roll out the remaining dough and use it to cover the pie, creating a top crust. You can either lay the dough flat or cut it into decorative strips to weave a lattice design on top. If using a flat top, make a few slits to allow steam to escape during baking.
Step 4: Baking the Pie
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes at 180°C (350°F) or 160°C (320°F) for fan ovens.
- After 30 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 170°C (340°F) or 150°C (300°F) for fan ovens. Continue baking for another 30-35 minutes (20-25 minutes for fan ovens).
- If the pie begins to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
- Check the doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the pie. If it comes out clean, the pie is ready to come out of the oven.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
- Once the pie has finished baking, allow it to cool for 15 minutes before serving. This resting period will help the filling set and make slicing easier.
- For a glossy finish, you can brush the top crust with a bit of melted butter or an apricot glaze before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- For Extra Flavour: You can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the dough for an extra layer of flavor that complements the amaretto and pears.
- Nutty Twist: If you enjoy a crunchy texture, add chopped nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, to the pear filling.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly indulgent dessert.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 35g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
This decadent Pear, Amaretto, and Chocolate Pie combines the fruity, floral notes of pears with the rich taste of chocolate and the crisp, buttery texture of a homemade pie crust. A great choice for fall or any time you’re craving something warm and comforting with a sophisticated twist. Enjoy!
