Ginger Pear Upside Down Pie is a delightful twist on the classic upside-down pie, combining the flavors of juicy pears, warm spices, and a touch of ginger. This unique dessert features a buttery crust, a nutty mixture on the bottom, and a luscious filling made with fresh sliced pears and a blend of aromatic spices. When baked, the pie is inverted to reveal a beautiful caramelized pear topping. Ginger Pear Upside Down Pie is a perfect choice for showcasing the flavors of the season and is sure to impress your family and guests.

The combination of pears and warm spices has been enjoyed in desserts for centuries. Upside-down pies, where the fruit is placed on the bottom of the pie plate and the crust is on top, have a long history as well. This unique recipe for Ginger Pear Upside Down Pie brings together these two elements with the addition of ginger, adding a subtle and spicy twist to the classic combination.

The origins of this specific recipe may vary, as it is a modern take on traditional upside-down pies. The use of ginger complements the sweetness of the pears and adds a delightful warmth and depth of flavor to the pie. Ginger has long been valued for its aromatic and digestive properties, making it a popular addition to various desserts and baked goods.

PREP: 45 MIN. + CHILLING

BAKE: 1 HOUR + COOLING

MAKES: 8 SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS

FOR CRUST: 

• 1 cup cake flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ⅔ cup cold butter, cubed
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• ⅓ to ½ cup ice water

FOR NUT MIXTURE:

• ½ cup chopped walnuts, toasted
• ½ cup chopped pecans, toasted
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup butter, melted

FOR FILLING:

• 6 cups sliced peeled fresh pears
• ½ cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare a greased 9-inch deep-dish pie plate by lining the bottom and sides with parchment paper. Coat the paper with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a bowl, combine the cake flour, all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar for the crust. Cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Add the white vinegar and gradually add the ice water, tossing the mixture with a fork until the dough comes together to form a ball.
3. Divide the dough into two portions, with one slightly larger than the other. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes or until the dough is easy to handle.
4. In a bowl, combine the toasted chopped walnuts, toasted chopped pecans, packed brown sugar, and melted butter to create the nut mixture. Spread this mixture evenly in the prepared pie plate.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the larger portion of the dough to fit the prepared pie plate. Carefully place the rolled-out pastry over the nut mixture in the pie plate. Trim the pastry so that it is even with the edge of the pie plate.
6. In a large bowl, combine the sliced peeled fresh pears, sugar, all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg for the filling. Toss the ingredients together until the pears are coated. Transfer the filling mixture to the pie pastry in the pie plate.
7. Roll out the remaining portion of the dough to fit the top of the pie. Carefully place the pastry over the filling, covering it completely. Trim any excess dough, seal the edges by pressing them together, and flute the edges decoratively. Cut slits in the pastry to allow steam to escape during baking.
8. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled pie in the oven and bake for approximately 60 to 70 minutes, or until the crust turns a golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes.
9. Once the pie has cooled slightly, it is ready to be inverted. Place a serving plate on top of the pie, then carefully flip the pie plate and plate together to release the pie with the pear topping facing upwards. Gently remove the parchment paper.
10. Serve the Ginger Pear Upside Down Pie warm or at room temperature, allowing the delicious flavors of the pears and spices to shine. This unique and flavorful dessert is perfect for gatherings or any occasion when you want to impress your guests with a stunning and delicious treat.