Vegan Pear Pie with Chai Spices Recipe
If you’re anything like me and adore cozy, comforting desserts that feel like a warm hug, then you’re in for a treat with this Vegan Pear Pie with Chai Spices Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of juicy pears and fragrant chai spices nestled inside a buttery vegan crust that just melts in your mouth. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become your go-to pie for autumn gatherings or whenever you’re craving something sweet but a little different. Stick around because I’m sharing all my tips to help you nail this pie perfectly—no stress, just pure deliciousness.
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced Flavor Profile: The chai spices perfectly complement the natural sweetness of pears, creating a sophisticated twist on traditional fruit pies.
- Tender Vegan Crust: The crust uses vegan butter and maple syrup for a flaky, slightly sweet base that holds up beautifully to the juicy filling.
- Easy Prep Using a Food Processor: Making the dough in two batches is a helpful shortcut that saves time and keeps things smooth.
- Perfect Texture: The filling is cooked just right to remain soft without turning mushy, so every bite has a lovely pear texture.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Vegan Pear Pie with Chai Spices Recipe was chosen for a reason. The balance between sweet, spicy, and rich flavors is what makes this pie stand out. Plus, I’ll share my favorite tips for picking out pears and spices so you can get the best outcome.

- All Purpose Flour: Easy to work with and perfect for creating that flaky pie crust texture we all love.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness in the crust and filling.
- Vegan Butter: Make sure it’s cold and firm to ensure the crust turns out crisp and flaky.
- Maple Syrup: Adds a subtle sweetness and a hint of depth in the crust’s flavor.
- Almond Milk: Neutral plant milk like almond keeps the dough moist but doesn’t overpower other flavors.
- Ice Water: Helps bring the dough together while keeping it cool to avoid melting the butter.
- Pears: Choose ripe but firm pears; Bartlett or Bosc work wonderfully for baking with a good balance of softness and shape retention.
- Coconut Oil: Adds richness to the filling, plus its natural sweetness pairs well with the fruit and spices.
- Cane Sugar: Sweetens the filling gently without masking the natural pear flavors.
- Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, All Spice, Nutmeg, Cloves, Cardamom: These chai spices deepen the flavor with warm, aromatic notes that make every bite cozy and festive.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this Vegan Pear Pie with Chai Spices Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I love tweaking the spice mix or switching up the type of sweetener depending on what I have on hand or my mood—feel free to do the same!
- More or Less Spice: I sometimes dial down the cloves and cardamom if I want a milder flavor, or punch it up for a more aromatic pie that really wakes up your senses.
- Fruit Variations: Pears are amazing here, but I’ve swapped in apples or even a mix of pears and apples when pears are too soft or scarce—still delicious!
- Sweetener Substitutes: Instead of cane sugar, I’ve used coconut sugar or even date syrup for a richer, more caramel-like filling.
- Crust Options: For a gluten-free spin, I’ve tried a gluten-free flour blend that works well, but you’ll want to chill the dough a little longer to keep it from being crumbly.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Pear Pie with Chai Spices Recipe
Step 1: Make the Crust in Two Easy Batches
Start by mixing the flour and salt in your food processor. What I love is adding the cold, cubed vegan butter slowly while the motor runs—it creates that perfect crumbly texture. Don’t rush this; keeping the butter cold is key to a flaky crust. Then drizzle in the maple syrup, almond milk, and ice water bit by bit until the dough starts forming a ball. Once one batch is done, repeat with the rest of the ingredients. Wrapping the dough balls in plastic wrap and letting them chill for 30 minutes helps the gluten relax, which means a tender but sturdy crust that’s easier to roll out.
Step 2: Cook the Pear Filling Just Right
While the dough chills, heat coconut oil in a skillet and add your chopped pears. Sprinkle the cane sugar and chai spices over the fruit and cook them gently for about 5-8 minutes. You want the pears to soften but not turn mushy—that’s the trick to keeping some bite and texture in the filling. Don’t forget to stir occasionally and keep the heat moderate. Once they’re just tender, take the pan off the heat to let the flavors meld without overcooking.
Step 3: Assemble Your Pie for Perfect Baking
Take the chilled dough out and lightly flour your surface. Roll out the larger ball and carefully transfer it into your greased pie pan—you want it to cover evenly and have enough overhang to crimp. Pour the warm pear filling into the crust, spreading gently so it’s even. Then roll out the smaller dough ball for the top crust. I like brushing it with coconut oil and sprinkling a bit of cane sugar on top to get that golden, caramelized finish. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes to set the crust, then lower to 375° for another 40 minutes until the crust is beautifully golden and the filling is bubbling. Resist the urge to cut it right away—letting it cool for an hour lets everything set nicely and makes slicing a breeze.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Keep Butter Cold: Always use cold vegan butter and ice water to get that flaky crust texture I love.
- Don’t Overcook Filling: Watch the pears closely while cooking to avoid mushy filling; just tender is perfect.
- Chill Dough Before Rolling: It makes it easier to handle and helps prevent shrinking while baking.
- Cool Pie Before Cutting: Let the pie rest for at least an hour so filling sets and slices come out clean.
How to Serve Vegan Pear Pie with Chai Spices Recipe

Garnishes
I love serving this Vegan Pear Pie with Chai Spices Recipe with a scoop of creamy vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream. The creamy coolness balances the warm spices beautifully. A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon on top adds a lovely finishing touch that also looks gorgeous.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs amazingly well with a hot cup of chai tea or a lightly brewed black tea to complement the spices. For a more filling dessert spread, fresh fruit salad or baked apples with a drizzle of maple syrup make wonderful side treats.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve made mini hand pies using this filling—perfect for parties or gifting. You can create lattice tops with the dough for a beautiful presentation or cut out leaf shapes to decorate the pie crust for an autumn-themed look. These little details really wow guests and make the pie feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover pear pie tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature if I plan to eat it the same day. Otherwise, I refrigerate it for up to 3 days. The pie stays moist and flavorful but keep in mind the crust might soften a little when refrigerated.
Freezing
Freezing this vegan pear pie works beautifully! I usually freeze the entire pie after baking (once fully cooled), wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It keeps in the freezer for up to 2 months. To thaw, I leave it in the fridge overnight and then warm it gently in the oven before serving.
Reheating
To reheat, I gently warm slices in a 350° oven for about 10-15 minutes. This restores the flakiness of the crust while bringing the filling back to a cozy temperature. Avoid the microwave if you can—while faster, it makes the crust soggy.
FAQs
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Can I use other fruits instead of pears in this Vegan Pear Pie with Chai Spices Recipe?
Absolutely! While pears shine in this recipe, apples or a mix of pears and apples make great substitutes. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if using firmer or softer fruits to get the right filling texture.
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Is the crust gluten-free or can I make it gluten-free?
The original recipe uses all-purpose flour for the crust. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend, but I recommend chilling the dough longer and adding a binder like xanthan gum for better structure and handling.
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Do I have to cook the filling before baking?
Pre-cooking the filling helps soften the pears and infuse them with the chai spices, preventing a soggy crust and ensuring even baking. If you skip this step, the texture and flavor won’t be quite as balanced.
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Can I substitute the vegan butter in the crust?
Yes, coconut oil is a common substitute, but it will give a slightly different texture and flavor—your crust might be a bit less flaky and have a hint of coconut taste. Stick with vegan butter for the classic result.
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How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The crust should be golden brown and the filling bubbling through. If you see juices bubbling up and the crust edges are crisp, your pie is ready. Using an oven thermometer can help ensure accurate temperatures for best baking results.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Pear Pie with Chai Spices Recipe is a truly special dessert in my kitchen—it brings together the best of fall’s harvest and warming spices all wrapped in a flaky vegan crust. I love making it because it’s approachable yet impresses every single time, and sharing it with friends just feels like sharing a bit of cozy happiness. I hope you’ll give it a try, tweak it to make it your own, and find joy in baking and savoring it as much as I do!
Print
Vegan Pear Pie with Chai Spices Recipe
- 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
This Chai Spice Vegan Pear Pie features a flaky vegan crust and a warm, spiced pear filling infused with fragrant chai spices. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this dessert is a cozy treat to enjoy with a scoop of vegan 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
- Make the crust: Start by making the crust. Using a food processor, add 1.5 cups flour and 1/2 tsp salt. With the motor running, add 1/2 cup vegan butter through the top, followed by 2 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp almond milk, and 4 tbsp ice water. The dough should come together in a ball. Remove and set aside, then repeat with the remaining crust ingredients. Divide the dough into two balls, one slightly larger, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Make the filling: Preheat the oven to 400°. Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped pears, sprinkle with cane sugar and all the spices. Cook for 5-8 minutes until pears are soft but not mushy. Remove from heat.
- 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 crust. Roll out the second dough ball for the top crust, place over filling, brush with melted coconut oil or vegan butter, and sprinkle with cane sugar.
- Bake the pie: Bake in the oven at 400° for 15 minutes. Then reduce heat to 375° and bake for 40 minutes until the crust is golden and filling is bubbling.
- Cool and serve: Transfer pie to a cooling rack and allow to cool for 1 hour to reach slightly warm or room temperature. Serve with vegan vanilla ice cream and enjoy.
Notes
- Calories are an estimation and are per slice of pie.
- If you don’t love chai spices, substitute with just 1 tsp cinnamon and omit other spices.
- The crust dough can be made in batches using a food processor or by hand if preferred.
- Use ripe but firm pears for the best texture in filling.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg


