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Cranberry-Pear Tart with Cinnamon Whole Wheat Crust

Cranberry-Pear Tart with Cinnamon Whole Wheat Crust

Chelsea Colbath
A quick, easy pie full of sweet and tangy flavors and a homemade cinnamon-spiked whole wheat crust.
TOTAL TIME: 45 minutes
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

Cinnamon Whole Wheat Pie Dough

  • 1 1/4 cups white whole wheat flour*
  • 8 Tablespoons 1 stick cold butter
  • 1/4 cup cold water
  • 1 Tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • a pinch of salt

Cranberry-Pear Filling

  • 3 firm pears any variety
  • 2 cups cranberries
  • 1/4 cup candied ginger
  • 1/3 cup honey**
  • 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • juice of half an orange

Instructions
 

  • 1. Make pie dough. By hand: put flour, cinnamon, and salt in a mixing bowl. Dice butter into cubes, and mix into the flour with your fingers, smooshing the butter into smaller pieces. Add 1/4 cup water, honey, and vanilla, and stir with a wooden spoon until just combined. If too dry, add 1-2 Tablespoons more water. Use your hands to form it into a ball, then flatten into a disc. Wrap with plastic and put into the fridge while you make the pie filling. In a food processor: add all ingredients and pulse until just combined. Refrigerate as above.
  • 2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Adjust the oven rack to be in the bottom third of the oven (close to the bottom). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
  • 3. Prepare the filling: Dice the pears and candied ginger into small cubes, peeling the pear first if desired (I didn't). Add all remaining ingredients to a bowl with the pears, and stir well to combine.
  • 4. Make the pie: roll out the dough on a floured countertop until you have a 10-12-inch circle. Pick up the dough and transfer it to the parchment-lined pan. Dump the filling into the center of the dough, and spread until about 3 inches from the edges. Quickly fold up the edges of the dough over the filling, creating a round pie. Transfer to the oven and cook for 40-45 minutes, or until crust is browned and pears are soft.
  • 5. Remove pie from oven and let cool at least 15 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, preferably with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of sweetened whipped cream.

Notes

*White whole wheat flour has a more mild flavor and texture than regular whole wheat, and is the best choice for this pie crust. You can also substitute an equal amount of all-purpose, or any combination of whole wheat and AP flour.
**This pie is more on the tart than sweet side. If you prefer a sweeter pie, increase the honey to 1/2cup.