Classic Apple and Pear Pie Recipe with Cinnamon

Stunning to look at and utterly delicious to eat, this easy apple pear pie is a guaranteed showstopper at your holiday gatherings. The tart apples, subtly sweet pears and warm spices create a perfect balance of sweet and bright flavors in every bite.

The holiday season is the perfect time to bake something special. If you love pies and tarts, you’ll appreciate the simplicity and reliability of this recipe—it’s been tested repeatedly and yields consistent, delicious results.

How to Make Easy Apple and Pear Pie

Start by preparing the crust. If you plan to make a decorative lattice top, double the crust ingredients. You can also use store-bought pie crusts for a faster option—three rolls if you want a full decorative top, two rolls if you only want a simple cover.

For the crust

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
6 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
⅓ cup vegetable shortening
5 tablespoons ice water

If you’re short on time, store-bought crusts are a good substitute. For a decorative finish, roll and braid the remaining dough or cut leaf shapes to edge the pie.

For the Apple Pear Filling

This filling can be made a day ahead and chilled to reduce prep on serving day. The lemon juice keeps the apples bright, so don’t omit it.

2 ½ lbs tart apples (Granny Smith, Mutsu), peeled and sliced into ½-inch wedges
2 ½ lbs ripe pears, peeled and sliced into ½-inch wedges
½ cup packed light brown sugar (the recipe author used a granulated sweetener alternative; add an extra ¼ cup if you prefer sweeter)
3 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
⅛ teaspoon salt
¼ cup butter, cut into small pieces

Egg wash

1 egg
1 tablespoon milk

Prepare the Crust

In a bowl or food processor, combine the flour, salt and sugar until blended. Add the cubed butter and shortening, and pulse or rub with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
While processing, add the ice water slowly until the dough begins to come together. If mixing by hand, add water a tablespoon at a time until the dough holds.
Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, wrap in cling film and chill for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, sliced pears, brown sugar, lemon juice, flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and salt. Toss gently to combine and coat the fruit evenly. Set aside to let the flavors meld.

Assemble the Pie

On a lightly floured surface, roll one disc of dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie pan, pressing the dough into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough and reserve for the top or edge decorations.
Spoon the apple and pear mixture into the prepared crust, smoothing to an even layer. Dot the top with the pieces of butter.
Roll the remaining dough to about ⅛–¼ inch thickness. Cut strips to create a lattice or other decorative top, and place over the filling. Use leftover dough to braid for the rim or cut out leaf shapes to decorate the edge.
Whisk together the egg and milk, then brush the entire top of the pie with the egg wash. Optionally sprinkle coarse sugar over the top for extra crunch and sparkle.
Bake for 60–80 minutes, until the fruit is tender and the filling bubbles. If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie shield.
Remove from the oven and allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing—this helps the filling set.

If you have leftovers, store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Rewarm individual slices briefly in the oven or microwave to refresh the crust before serving.

Serving Suggestions and Notes

This pie is lovely on its own or served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a slightly lighter version, choose a smaller amount of butter for dotting or use a sugar substitute that performs well in baking.

Recipe at a Glance

Course: Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (approx.)
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)
Servings: 8
Calories (approx.): 489 kcal per serving

Nutrition (per serving, approximate)

There you have it—an easy, dependable apple pear pie that looks impressive and tastes even better. I hope this recipe brings smiles to your friends and family this holiday season. Have a happy and safe celebration.

Peace & Love

Maureen