OLD-FASHIONED PEAR DESSERT

Old-Fashioned Pear Dessert image

This never-fails pear recipe turns out moist, firm and fruity every time. Some members of our family request these rich squares instead of cake for their birthdays.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 55m

Yield 9 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
5 tablespoons sugar, divided
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup cold butter, cubed
3 egg yolks
4-1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
FILLING:
1/2 cup sugar
4 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup water
2 tablespoons plus 1-1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 cups chopped peeled ripe pears

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine the flour, 3 tablespoons sugar and salt; cut in butter until crumbly. In a small bowl, whisk egg yolks and lemon juice; stir into dry ingredients with a fork. Remove 1 cup to another bowl; stir in the remaining sugar and set aside for the topping. , Press remaining crumb mixture onto the bottom and up the sides of a greased 8-in. square baking dish. Bake at 375° for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned., Meanwhile, for filling, combine the sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, salt and cinnamon in a small saucepan; slowly stir in water and lemon juice until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 1 minute or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in butter and vanilla., Toss pears with remaining cornstarch; spoon over crust. Top with filling. Sprinkle with reserved topping. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until filling is bubbly and topping is lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 430 calories, Fat 20g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 119mg cholesterol, Sodium 511mg sodium, Carbohydrate 60g carbohydrate (28g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 5g protein.