Authentic Dutch Pear Cake (Perentaart) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup of sugar
  • 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons of cold water
  • 3 medium pears, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and use your fingers to rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring after each addition. Continue adding water until the dough comes together when pressed.
  4. Roll the dough into a ball, then flatten it into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  5. While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, combine the sliced pears, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Toss to coat the pears evenly.
  6. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit the size of your pie dish. Transfer the dough to the dish and trim any excess.
  7. Pour the pear mixture into the pie crust and spread it out evenly.
  8. Roll out the remaining dough and cut into strips. Arrange these strips over the pear filling to create a lattice pattern.
  9. Brush the top of the pie with the beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.
  11. Allow the pie to cool completely before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of flour, such as whole wheat flour or almond flour, for a healthier or gluten-free option.
  • Experiment with different spices in the filling, such as ginger, cardamom, or cloves, to add unique flavors.
  • Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, to the filling for extra crunch.
  • Try using different varieties of pears, such as Anjou or Bosc, to create different flavor profiles.
  • Add a layer of caramel or caramel sauce between the pie crust and the pear filling for a delightful twist.
  • Replace the traditional pie crust with a graham cracker crust or a puff pastry for a different texture.
  • Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top of the baked pie for a delicious serving suggestion.
  • For a savory twist, omit the sugar and spices from the filling and instead use thinly sliced apples and a sprinkle of cheese like Gruyere or cheddar.

Recipe overview

Perentaart, or Pear Pie, is a delightful dessert that's perfect for any occasion. This traditional Dutch recipe features a flaky, buttery crust filled with sweet, cinnamon-spiced pears. The pie is then topped with a beautiful lattice crust, brushed with egg wash, and sprinkled with sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and crunch. Baking this pie will fill your kitchen with the warm and comforting aromas of baked fruit and spices, making it the perfect treat to bake on a cool, cozy day. The recipe involves making pie dough from scratch, preparing a sweet pear filling, and crafting a lattice pie top, so prepare to immerse yourself in a truly satisfying baking experience. The end result is a pie with a perfectly golden crust, and a sweet, juicy filling. The pears become tender and almost melt in your mouth, while the cinnamon and nutmeg add a subtle warmth. This perentaart is perfect served on its own, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that the texture and taste may be slightly different.
  2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? Yes, you can use salted butter, but remember to adjust the amount of salt in the recipe accordingly.
  3. How do I know when the dough is ready? The dough should come together when pressed and hold its shape. If it feels too dry, add a little more water, and if it feels too sticky, add a touch more flour.
  4. Can I use a different fruit instead of pears? Yes, you can experiment with other fruits like apples or peaches. Just make sure to adjust the sugar and spices to complement the chosen fruit.
  5. Can I make the pie crust ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the pie crust a day or two in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to use.
  6. How should I store the leftover pie? Wrap the leftover pie in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for 2-3 days.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Pie Dish - A deep, round baking dish used for baking the pie.
  • Rolling Pin - A long, cylindrical tool used for rolling out the pie dough.
  • Pastry Brush - A brush with bristles used for brushing the beaten egg onto the pie crust.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for peeling and slicing the pears.
  • Mixing Bowl - A bowl used for combining the ingredients for the filling.
  • Plastic Wrap - Used for wrapping the dough and refrigerating it.
  • Flour - Used for dusting surfaces when rolling out the dough.

Origin stories

Perentaart, or pear pie, is a beloved dessert in the Netherlands. The Netherlands is actually one of the world's largest exporters of pears, which explains the prominence of this fruit in Dutch cooking. Particularly popular is the Conference pear, a variety that is sweet, juicy, and perfect for baking. So when autumn rolls around and the pears are ripe, the Dutch turn to dishes like perentaart to make the most of the harvest. The pie itself is simple but comforting, featuring a sweet, spiced pear filling encased in a flaky pastry crust. The balance of flavors and textures makes it a favorite at dinner tables, bakeries, and cafes across the country.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.