Marzipan Pear Hand Pies

There’s something incredibly special about making Marzipan Pear Hand Pies that transports me back to my childhood kitchen. I remember the aroma of sweet pears mingling with the nutty scent of almond paste filling the air. It was one of those cozy afternoons, filled with laughter and tasty delights, where we would gather around the kitchen table, rolling out dough and cutting perfect circles. Each pie held a hidden treasure of sweet marzipan and soft pears, waiting to be discovered with every bite. These hand pies aren’t just a dessert; they’re a tradition, a family favorite that warms the heart and brings everyone together. As I prepare to make them again, I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over me, reminding me of the love and joy that comes from sharing homemade treats with those you cherish.

What to Buy for Marzipan Pear Hand Pies

The ingredients for Marzipan Pear Hand Pies are a delightful blend of flavors and textures that come together to create a truly special treat. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of sweetness and richness. The main stars are, of course, the pears and marzipan – they complement each other beautifully. The pie crust serves as a flaky vessel that holds the delicious filling, while the lemon juice brightens the flavors and enhances the overall taste. Let’s take a closer look at the key players in this recipe.

• 1 Green Bartlett pear, ripe but firm, cut into 1/4-inch dice: The sweetness of the pear adds a juicy burst of flavor, making each bite delightful.
• 4 ounces almond paste or marzipan, cut into 1/4-inch dice: This rich, sweet ingredient is what gives the pies their distinctive flavor, adding creaminess and depth.
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens the filling, enhancing the flavors of both the pears and marzipan.
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar: This sweetener brings out the natural sweetness of the pears while balancing the filling.
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract: A hint of almond extract deepens the nutty flavor profile, tying the filling together beautifully.
• 1 batch of your favorite pie crust (enough for a double crust pie): The pie crust is essential for providing a flaky, buttery shell that encases the sweet filling.
• 1 large egg: Used for the egg wash, giving the pies a beautiful golden color when baked.
• 1 tablespoon cream: This adds richness to the egg wash, enhancing the crust’s color and shine.
• Raw or turbinado sugar, for sprinkling: A light sprinkle on top adds a bit of crunch and sweetness to the finished pies.

Cooking Instructions for Marzipan Pear Hand Pies

Making Marzipan Pear Hand Pies is a fun and rewarding process, and I can’t wait for you to dive in! Follow these steps to create your own batch of delicious hand pies that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s get started!

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F and arrange the oven racks in the top third and bottom third of the oven. This will ensure even baking for your hand pies. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the diced pear and marzipan. Toss the mixture with lemon juice, granulated sugar, and almond extract. The goal here is to make sure the pears are evenly coated with the sweet and flavorful mixture.
3. Next, roll out your pie crust slightly thinner than you would for a typical pie. Use a circle cutter or the rim of a drinking glass to cut out 3-inch rounds. Cut as many rounds as you can from the dough, then gather the scraps into a ball and roll it out again to get more rounds. Don’t worry if these ‘seconds’ aren’t as flaky; we don’t want to waste any dough!
4. Arrange half of the rounds on the prepared baking sheets, leaving 1 to 2 inches of space between them. This spacing will allow the hand pies to puff up nicely while baking.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and cream until smooth. Carefully brush the egg wash in a 1/2-inch ring around the edges of each round using a pastry brush. This will help seal the hand pies.
6. Spoon heaping teaspoonfuls of the diced pear mixture into the center of each round. Be generous but make sure not to overfill them, or they will spill out during baking.
7. Gently lay a second round on top of the filling, stretching slightly to match up the edges. Use the tines of a fork to press around the edge and seal the hand pies. If you’re feeling creative, cut decorative shapes from the scraps and adhere them to the tops of the pies with a dab of egg wash.
8. Once all the hand pies are assembled, place the baking sheets in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps prevent the crust and decorations from losing their shape during baking.
9. Remove the baking sheets from the freezer and brush the tops of the hand pies with a thin layer of egg wash. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar to add a lovely sparkle and crunch.
10. Using a small pairing knife, make a few slits in the tops of the hand pies to allow steam to vent. This will prevent them from bursting while baking.
11. Finally, bake the hand pies in the preheated oven at 425 degrees F for 15 minutes. After that, reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F and rotate the baking sheets from top to bottom. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the crusts are puffed and deep golden brown. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving warm.

Helpful Hints

Here are some tips that can help you achieve the perfect Marzipan Pear Hand Pies. Each step in the process is important, and with these hints, you’ll be set for success!

• Storage: Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge.
• Freezing: You can freeze unbaked hand pies. Simply assemble them, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Pairing: These Marzipan Pear Hand Pies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve these hand pies warm as a dessert or alongside a cup of tea for a delightful afternoon snack.
• Variations: Consider adding other fruits, like chopped apples or cherries, to the filling for a twist on this classic recipe.
• Egg Wash Alternatives: If you prefer a vegan option, you can use a mixture of plant-based milk and syrup for brushing the crust.

Pairing Suggestions for Marzipan Pear Hand Pies

When it comes to serving Marzipan Pear Hand Pies, there are so many delightful options to enhance your experience. Here are some ideas:

• Pair with Ice Cream: Nothing beats a warm hand pie with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The contrast of hot and cold is simply divine!
• Festive Gatherings: These hand pies are perfect for fall gatherings or Thanksgiving dinner. They make a beautiful and delicious addition to your dessert table.
• Creative Plating: Serve them on a rustic wooden board with a dusting of powdered sugar and some fresh pears for a lovely presentation.
• Afternoon Tea: Enjoy these hand pies during your afternoon tea. They’re a sophisticated treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of your favorite brew.
• On-the-Go Snack: These hand pies are an excellent choice for a quick snack while you’re out and about. Just grab one and enjoy!
• Seasonal Events: Consider making these during the fall season when pears are at their peak. Their flavor will shine even brighter!

FAQ

Conclusion

The Marzipan Pear Hand Pies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall with their sweet and nutty filling nestled in a flaky crust. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family, making any occasion special. I encourage you to try making these hand pies for yourself or loved ones, as they are not only delicious but also bring warmth and joy to your table.

Marzipan Pear Hand Pies

The ultimate comfort food, Marzipan Pear Hand Pies are a delightful blend of sweet pears and rich marzipan, wrapped in a flaky crust. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a special treat on a chilly day, they’re easy to make and sure to impress!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• Frying Pan
• Whisk
• Oven
• Cutting Board
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• 1 Green Bartlett pear ripe but firm, cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 4 ounces almond paste or marzipan cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 batch pie crust enough for a double crust pie
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon cream
• 1 raw or turbinado sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

 

• 1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F and arrange the oven racks in the top third and bottom third of the oven. This will ensure even baking for your hand pies. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
• 2. In a mixing bowl, combine the diced pear and marzipan. Toss the mixture with lemon juice, granulated sugar, and almond extract. The goal here is to make sure the pears are evenly coated with the sweet and flavorful mixture.
• 3. Next, roll out your pie crust slightly thinner than you would for a typical pie. Use a circle cutter or the rim of a drinking glass to cut out 3-inch rounds. Cut as many rounds as you can from the dough, then gather the scraps into a ball and roll it out again to get more rounds. Don’t worry if these ‘seconds’ aren’t as flaky; we don’t want to waste any dough!
• 4. Arrange half of the rounds on the prepared baking sheets, leaving 1 to 2 inches of space between them. This spacing will allow the hand pies to puff up nicely while baking.
• 5. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and cream until smooth. Carefully brush the egg wash in a 1/2-inch ring around the edges of each round using a pastry brush. This will help seal the hand pies.
• 6. Spoon heaping teaspoonfuls of the diced pear mixture into the center of each round. Be generous but make sure not to overfill them, or they will spill out during baking.
• 7. Gently lay a second round on top of the filling, stretching slightly to match up the edges. Use the tines of a fork to press around the edge and seal the hand pies. If you’re feeling creative, cut decorative shapes from the scraps and adhere them to the tops of the pies with a dab of egg wash.
• 8. Once all the hand pies are assembled, place the baking sheets in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps prevent the crust and decorations from losing their shape during baking.
• 9. Remove the baking sheets from the freezer and brush the tops of the hand pies with a thin layer of egg wash. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar to add a lovely sparkle and crunch.
• 10. Using a small pairing knife, make a few slits in the tops of the hand pies to allow steam to vent. This will prevent them from bursting while baking.
• 11. Finally, bake the hand pies in the preheated oven at 425 degrees F for 15 minutes. After that, reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F and rotate the baking sheets from top to bottom. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the crusts are puffed and deep golden brown. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving warm.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge.
• Tip 2: You can freeze unbaked hand pies. Simply assemble them, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Tip 3: These Marzipan Pear Hand Pies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat.
• Tip 4: Enjoy these hand pies during your afternoon tea. They’re a sophisticated treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of your favorite brew.
• Tip 5: Consider adding other fruits, like chopped apples or cherries, to the filling for a twist on this classic recipe.

Keyword Dessert Recipes, fall desserts, hand pies recipe, Marzipan Pear Hand Pies

Previous PostGrilled Chicken and Avocado Tacos

Next Post Chocolate Butter Cookies

Meet Layla Reed

I’m Layla! I am happiest when I’m cooking with ingredients that are fresh from the market and in season. I love creating rustic, wholesome dishes that truly celebrate the natural flavors of the produce. I worked alongside Romina to ensure this recipe feels grounded, authentic, and absolutely delicious. I hope it brings a taste of the season to your home!