Vegan Pear Pie with Chai Spices Recipe

If you’re anything like me, dessert is one of those moments where comfort meets celebration, and this Vegan Pear Pie with Chai Spices Recipe absolutely nails that vibe. Imagine tender, spiced pears nestled in a flaky, buttery vegan crust, infused with those warm, aromatic chai spices you love sipping in fall. It’s cozy, elegant, and surprisingly easy to pull off. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my little secrets to making a pie you’ll want to bake again and again!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Layered Flavors: The chai spices add depth and warmth to the juicy pear filling, creating a comforting blend that’s hard to resist.
  • Flaky Vegan Crust: Using cold vegan butter and a touch of maple syrup gives the crust a tender, slightly sweet balance that complements the fruit nicely.
  • Simple, Effective Technique: Pre-cooking the pears ensures the filling cooks evenly without making the crust soggy.
  • Balanced Sweetness: Cane sugar and natural fruit sweetness keep the dessert satisfying but not overly sweet.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Vegan Pear Pie with Chai Spices Recipe is built with pantry staples and seasonal pears that shine on their own but get an extra magic touch from warming spices. Shopping tip: pick firm, slightly ripe pears so they hold their shape during cooking.

Vegan Pear Pie with Chai Spices, vegan pear pie, chai spice dessert, vegan fruit pie, fall vegan dessert - Flat lay of a small mound of all purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a few coarse grains of cane sugar in a small white bowl, a chunk of cold vegan butter resting on a white ceramic dish, two small white ceramic bowls containing amber maple syrup and pale almond milk, a small white bowl filled with ice water, five fresh ripe pears halved and chopped with smooth green and yellow skins, a small white ceramic bowl holding solid coconut oil, and an array of spices including ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground allspice, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and cardamom, each in tiny white ceramic bowls arranged symmetrically around the central ingredients, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • All-purpose flour: Essential for a tender, flaky crust. I prefer unbleached for a nice texture.
  • Vegan butter (cold): The secret to a flaky crust—the cold fat creates pockets that bake into layers.
  • Maple syrup: Adds just a hint of natural sweetness and keeps the crust from tasting bland.
  • Almond milk: Provides moisture without overpowering flavors and keeps the crust vegan.
  • Ice water: Keeps the dough cool, making it easier to work with and flaky after baking.
  • Pears (chopped): The star of the filling—choose ripe yet firm to avoid mushiness.
  • Coconut oil: Adds richness to the pear filling without dairy.
  • Cane sugar: Sweetens the filling perfectly—feel free to adjust based on your pears’ natural sweetness.
  • Chai spices (cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom): This blend brings that cozy chai vibe to every bite.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best things about this Vegan Pear Pie with Chai Spices Recipe is how forgiving it is. Depending on your spice preferences or what you have on hand, you can easily adjust the flavors or sweetness to suit your palate.

  • Spice Level Adjustment: If you’re new to chai spices, start with just cinnamon and ginger, then build up as you go. I love the full spice blend for a holiday feel!
  • Sweetness Variation: Pears vary in sweetness; sometimes I use less cane sugar if my pears are extra ripe.
  • Crust Alternatives: For a gluten-free version, you can try a mix of gluten-free flours, but keep in mind the texture will be different.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Pear Pie with Chai Spices Recipe

Step 1: Crafting the Perfect Crust

I always start with the crust because it needs some chill time. Using a food processor makes this super quick—I just do it in two batches because the bowl isn’t huge. First, toss in the flour and salt, then pulse in that cold vegan butter bit by bit. The mix should look like coarse crumbs but hold together when you squeeze it. Next, add maple syrup, almond milk, and ice water gradually, pulsing until it forms a ball. Pro tip: don’t over-process—stop as soon as it’s coming together. Afterward, divide and chill the dough balls wrapped in plastic wrap for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Perfecting the Chai-Spiced Pear Filling

While the dough chills, heat your coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped pears and sprinkle the cane sugar along with all those cozy chai spices. Cook for around 5 to 8 minutes until the pears soften but don’t become mushy—you want that pleasant bite and texture. This step really helps avoid a soggy crust and melds the flavors beautifully. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Assembling the Pie

Flour your workspace well and roll out the larger dough ball to fit your pie pan. Carefully transfer it and crimp the edges—don’t skip this detail, it keeps the filling sealed inside! Spoon the spiced pear filling evenly over the crust. Then, roll out the second dough ball and lay it on top as your pie lid. I brush mine with melted coconut oil (or vegan butter if you have it) and give it a sprinkle of cane sugar for that gentle crunch and shine.

Step 4: Baking to Golden Perfection

Bake the pie at 400°F (about 200°C) for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 40 minutes. This longer bake lets the filling bubble gently and the crust turn that perfect golden brown. When it’s done, transfer it to a cooling rack and be patient—let it cool for at least an hour before slicing. Cutting too soon will make the filling runny, and no one wants that mess.

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Pro Tips for Making Vegan Pear Pie with Chai Spices Recipe

  • Chill Out Your Dough: Always keep the dough cold to ensure a flaky crust—it makes all the difference in texture.
  • Don’t Skip Pre-Cooking Pears: Cooking the pears first keeps the filling from watering down the crust and concentrates their flavor.
  • Watch Your Oven Temp: Start hot to set the crust, then reduce heat to bake through without burning.
  • Patience with Cooling: Resist cutting the pie hot—the filling needs time to thicken perfectly.

How to Serve Vegan Pear Pie with Chai Spices Recipe

Vegan Pear Pie with Chai Spices, vegan pear pie, chai spice dessert, vegan fruit pie, fall vegan dessert - A slice of apple pie sits on a white plate, showing three main layers: the bottom crust is golden brown and slightly flaky, the middle layer is filled with soft, cinnamon-spiced apple pieces that look juicy and tender, and the top crust is also golden with a slight sprinkle of sugar. On top of the pie slice is a round scoop of white ice cream with a light dusting of cinnamon. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, and in the background, out of focus, two green apples and a fork and knife are visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love to keep it simple here—a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream is my go-to for mellow creaminess that plays off the warm spices. A light dusting of powdered sugar over the cooled pie edges can make it feel extra festive. Sometimes, I sprinkle crushed toasted pecans on top for crunch and nutty flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair your pie with a hot cup of chai tea or a robust black coffee to echo those warming spices. If it’s a bigger spread, a dollop of coconut whipped cream or a small fruit salad with citrus can balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes make mini hand pies using the same filling—perfect for parties or gifting. Lattice crusts are also a beautiful option to showcase the spiced pears peeking through. Don’t be shy about adding a touch of edible flowers or fresh mint as an extra pop on the plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the fridge. It stays good for about 3 to 4 days, and honestly, it tastes great slightly chilled or at room temperature.

Freezing

You can freeze the pie baked or unbaked. For baked pie, wrap it really well in foil and freezer-safe wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven. For unbaked, assemble and freeze wrapped tight; bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time.

Reheating

I reheat slices in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through, which keeps the crust crisp and filling luscious. Microwaves work for convenience but can make the crust a bit soggy.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other fruits instead of pears in this Vegan Pear Pie with Chai Spices Recipe?

    Absolutely! Apples or a mix of apples and pears work beautifully here, and you can even add some fresh or dried cranberries for a festive touch. Just adjust cooking times slightly depending on the fruit’s softness.

  2. How do I prevent the pie crust from becoming soggy?

    Pre-cooking the pear filling is my number one tip—it removes excess moisture. Also, don’t skip chilling the dough before baking, and consider brushing the crust with a thin layer of coconut oil or vegan butter before adding filling to create a moisture barrier.

  3. Is this Vegan Pear Pie with Chai Spices Recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

    The recipe as is uses all-purpose flour, which isn’t gluten-free. You might try gluten-free flour blends, but results will vary and the crust might not be as flaky. Experiment with almond or oat flours if you’re comfortable baking gluten-free pies!

  4. Can I prepare the pie crust in advance?

    Yes! You can make the pie dough a day or two ahead and keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge. Just let it soften slightly before rolling out to make handling easier.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pear Pie with Chai Spices Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite ways to celebrate the flavors of fall and beyond. It’s a lovely balance of sweet, warmly spiced fruit inside a tender, flaky crust – simple enough for weeknight baking but special enough for guests. I hope you enjoy baking it as much as I’ve enjoyed perfecting it. Trust me, once you make this pie, it’ll be one you’ll want to share (and maybe sneak a slice or two all to yourself).

Print
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Vegan Pear Pie with Chai Spices Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 10 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

A delightful Chai Spice Vegan Pear Pie featuring a flaky vegan butter crust and a warm, spiced pear filling. Perfect for cozy gatherings and pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream.


Ingredients

For the crust:

  • 3 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup vegan butter, cold
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup almond milk
  • 1/2 cup ice water

For the filling:

  • 5 pears, chopped
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup cane sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp all spice
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/8 tsp cardamom


Instructions

  1. Make the crust: Start by making the crust in a food processor in two batches. Add 1.5 cups flour and 1/2 tsp salt to the processor. With the motor running, add 1/2 cup cold vegan butter, then 2 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp almond milk, and 4 tbsp ice water. Blend until dough forms a ball. Remove and set aside. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Divide the dough into two balls, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  2. Prepare the filling: Preheat oven to 400°F. Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped pears, sprinkle with cane sugar and all spices (cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom). Cook for 8 minutes until pears are tender but not mushy, then remove from heat.
  3. Assemble the pie: Flour a work surface and roll out the larger dough ball. Transfer to a greased pie pan and crimp edges. Pour pear filling into the crust. Roll out second dough ball for the top crust. Brush top crust with melted coconut oil and sprinkle lightly with cane sugar. Place the top crust over the filling and seal edges.
  4. Bake the pie: Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 375°F and continue baking for 40 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbling.
  5. Cool and serve: Transfer the pie to a cooling rack and allow it to cool for 1 hour until slightly warm or room temperature. Slice and serve with vanilla ice cream for best enjoyment.

Notes

  • Calories are an estimation and are per slice of pie.
  • If you don’t love chai spices, substitute with 1 tsp cinnamon and omit the other spices.
  • Use cold vegan butter and ice water to ensure a flaky crust.
  • Let pie cool properly before cutting to allow filling to set.
  • Maple syrup and almond milk can be substituted with other plant-based alternatives if needed.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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