Jaimee’s Pear-Almond Pie

1. Make the Crust

To make the crust, cream together the almond paste, butter, and salt in an electric mixer with the paddle attachment for about 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add in the egg yolk and mix just until combined. Gradually add the flour in three parts, mixing gently until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight.

2. Prepare the Filling

For the filling, combine the pear chunks, lemon juice, cornstarch, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves in a large bowl. Toss everything together until the pears are well-coated, then let the mixture sit at room temperature. This rest time allows the spices to infuse the pears, and the cornstarch begins to thicken the juices, ensuring a luscious filling after baking.

3. Assemble and Bake the Pie

To assemble the pie, transfer the spiced pear filling into the prepared pie crust and sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the top. Fold the dough overhang over the filling, creating a rustic edge. Place the pie in the refrigerator to chill while you preheat your oven to 375°F. Before baking, brush the crust with heavy cream and sprinkle with Demerara sugar. This step gives the crust a beautiful golden color and a sweet, crunchy texture. Bake the pie for about 45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the fruit is fork-tender. If the crust browns too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

4. Cool and Serve

Let the pie cool slightly before serving, allowing the filling to set. Enjoy the delightful blend of sweet pears and nutty almonds in every slice.