Best Pie Ever – A Treat for Every Occasion
Indulging in a slice of homemade pie is a delight that brings comfort and joy to any gathering. The Best Pie Ever is not just a dessert; it’s an experience filled with warm, fruity goodness enveloped in a flaky crust. Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or just a quiet evening at home, this pie is sure to impress everyone who takes a bite.
Why you’ll love it
This pie is incredibly versatile, adapting to the fruits you love most. It’s made from scratch, so you know exactly what goes in it, and it offers a chance to bond with family or friends in the kitchen. The combination of easy preparation and delicious results means it’s a great recipe for bakers of any level. There’s something satisfying about creating a perfect pie that makes any day feel special.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/2 cup ice water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 to 6 cups of your favorite fruit (like apples, cherries, or berries)
- 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
Substitutions & key variations
- Flour: If you need a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Butter: For a dairy-free version, substitute with coconut oil or a plant-based butter.
- Fruit: Feel free to mix and match fruits! Peaches, blueberries, and mixed berries make great alternatives.
- Sweetness: Adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose; for tart fruits, add a little more sugar.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Prepare the crust
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the chilled, diced butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually stir in ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the mixture forms a ball.
Step 2: Roll out the dough
Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it’s large enough to fit your pie pan. Transfer the rolled dough into the pan, pressing it gently to fit the shape.
Step 3: Prepare the filling
In a separate bowl, mix your chosen fruit with sugar, flour, salt, and vanilla extract. Be sure the fruit is well-coated in the mixture for a balanced flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the pie
Pour the fruit mixture into the prepared pie crust. Roll out another layer of dough for the top crust. Cover the filling with this top crust, seal the edges tightly, and cut slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
Step 5: Bake the pie
Brush the top crust with egg yolk to give it a golden color. Place the pie in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 30-40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Step 6: Cool and serve
Let the pie cool before serving to allow the filling to set.
Success tips
- Temperature: Always check the temperature of your oven for accuracy, as this will affect baking times.
- Texture: Don’t overwork the dough; handling it too much can result in a tough crust.
- Common mistakes: Ensure the butter is chilled and diced; this helps achieve a flaky texture.
How to serve
Best served warm, slice the pie and offer a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top for a classic touch. Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
Storage & reheating
Store leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for about 3-5 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I freeze the pie?
Yes, you can freeze the pie before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Bake directly from the freezer, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
2. How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
Pre-baking (blind baking) the crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling can help prevent sogginess.
3. Can I use canned fruit for the pie filling?
Yes, canned fruit can work in a pinch, but make sure to drain it well and adjust sugar levels since canned fruit is often packed in syrup.
4. Is this recipe customizable?
Absolutely! Mix and match your favorite fruits, and adjust sugar levels to your preference.
5. What’s the best way to cut the pie?
Use a sharp knife and let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
This pie can be made healthier by using whole grain flour and reducing sugar. Each serving can be a delightful blend of carbohydrates, sugars, and fats, so enjoy it as a treat occasionally!
Conclusion
The Best Pie Ever is a celebration of flavors that anyone can create. With its easy-to-follow steps and endless customization options, you’re encouraged to gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this delightful baking adventure!
Don’t miss out on the joy of creating this timeless dessert. Savor each bite and make it your own—get started today!
Links to related recipes
- Classic Chicken Pot Pie
- Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
- Lemon Meringue Pie
Best Pie Ever
Ingredients
For the crust
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- ½ cup ice water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the filling
- 5 to 6 cups of your favorite fruit (like apples, cherries, or berries)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in the chilled, diced butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually stir in ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the mixture forms a ball.
Rolling out the dough
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it’s large enough to fit your pie pan.
- Transfer the rolled dough into the pan, pressing it gently to fit the shape.
Preparing the filling
- In a separate bowl, mix your chosen fruit with sugar, flour, salt, and vanilla extract.
- Ensure the fruit is well-coated in the mixture for a balanced flavor.
Assembling the pie
- Pour the fruit mixture into the prepared pie crust.
- Roll out another layer of dough for the top crust.
- Cover the filling with this top crust, seal the edges tightly, and cut slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
Baking the pie
- Brush the top crust with egg yolk to give it a golden color.
- Place the pie in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Then lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 30-40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Serving
- Let the pie cool before serving to allow the filling to set.