Ready to whip up some deliciousness for Pi Day? You can't go wrong with fruit pies, and I've got five mouthwatering recipes that'll have everyone raving. From the classic Apple Pie to the tropical twist of Pineapple Pie, each one is packed with flavor and perfect for sharing. So, grab your apron and get ready to impress! But wait, which pie will steal the show? Let's find out!
Classic Apple Pie
Classic Apple Pie is a beloved dessert that showcases the delightful combination of sweet and tart apples encased in a flaky, buttery crust. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, this pie isn't only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes.
With its golden-brown crust and fragrant cinnamon-spiced filling, it's no wonder that apple pie has become a symbol of comfort and tradition in many households.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
- 6 to 8 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
To make the classic apple pie, start by preparing the pie crust. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two balls, flatten them into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Meanwhile, in another bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice, tossing until the apples are well coated.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out one dough disk on a floured surface and fit it into a pie pan. Fill with the apple mixture and cover with the second rolled-out dough, crimping the edges to seal.
Make slits in the top crust for steam to escape, then brush with the beaten egg. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the apples are soft and the crust is golden brown.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, use a mix of sweet and tart apples—this will add depth to the filling.
To avoid a soggy bottom crust, consider pre-baking the crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. If you want a more visually appealing pie, create a lattice crust with the top dough.
Finally, let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing; this helps the filling to set and makes for cleaner slices. Enjoy your delicious homemade classic apple pie!
Berry Medley Pie
Berry Medley Pie is a delightful dessert that celebrates the vibrant flavors of various berries, creating a sweet and tart symphony in every bite. This pie combines fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, all enveloped in a buttery, flaky crust.
It's perfect for summer gatherings or as a comforting treat during cooler months. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch.
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (9-inch)
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1 cup blackberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a large bowl, combine all the berries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon, gently mixing to coat the berries evenly.
Pour the berry mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly. Dot the top of the filling with small pieces of butter.
Cover the pie with a second layer of crust or create a lattice design, sealing the edges. Brush the top with egg wash for a beautiful golden finish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Allow the pie to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor and texture, use a mix of fresh berries, but frozen berries can work in a pinch—just be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before using.
If you prefer a sweeter pie, feel free to adjust the sugar to your taste.
To prevent a soggy bottom crust, consider pre-baking your crust for 5-10 minutes before adding the filling.
Finally, serve your Berry Medley Pie with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a scoop of ice cream for an irresistible finish!
Peach Cobbler Pie
Peach Cobbler Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe peaches with a flaky, buttery crust. This pie is perfect for summer gatherings or cozy family dinners, offering a comforting and delicious way to showcase fresh peaches.
With its warm, spiced fruit filling and a crumbly topping, Peach Cobbler Pie is sure to become a favorite in your household. Follow this simple recipe to create a pie that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 pre-made pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches, granulated sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, nutmeg, and flour, mixing well until the peaches are evenly coated.
Pour the peach mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly. In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats, brown sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt until crumbly.
Sprinkle the oat mixture over the peaches. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, use ripe, in-season peaches. If you can't find fresh peaches, you can substitute with frozen peaches, but be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before using them.
To prevent the crust from getting too dark, you can cover the edges with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking. Serve your Peach Cobbler Pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat!
Cherry Almond Pie
Cherry Almond Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the sweet-tart flavor of fresh cherries with the nutty aroma of almonds, creating a deliciously balanced treat that's perfect for any occasion.
With a flaky crust and a rich filling, this pie isn't only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. Whether you're celebrating a special event or simply indulging yourself, this Cherry Almond Pie is sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients:
- 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, trimming any excess.
In a large bowl, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, almond extract, lemon juice, and salt, stirring gently until well mixed. Pour this cherry mixture into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly, and sprinkle sliced almonds on top if desired.
Dot the filling with small pieces of butter. Cover the pie with a second crust or create a lattice top, sealing and crimping the edges. Brush the top with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Allow the pie to cool before serving.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, use fresh, in-season cherries if possible. If using frozen cherries, make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid to prevent a soggy crust.
Experiment with different types of almond extract, as some are more potent than others. To improve the pie's taste, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling.
Serve the pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to raise the dessert experience even further!
Tropical Pineapple Pie
Tropical Pineapple Pie is a delightful dessert that brings the sweet and tangy flavors of the tropics to your table. This pie features a luscious pineapple filling, perfectly balanced with a buttery crust, making it a revitalizing treat for any occasion.
Whether you're hosting a summer gathering or simply craving something sweet, this pie is sure to impress your family and friends with its vibrant taste and appealing presentation.
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (9-inch)
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter, diced
- Whipped cream (for serving, optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium saucepan, combine the drained crushed pineapple, sugar, cornstarch, salt, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to thicken and bubble, about 5-7 minutes.
Once thickened, remove from heat and pour the filling into the prepared pie crust. Dot the top of the filling with diced butter.
Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Extra Tips:
For an added tropical flair, consider mixing in shredded coconut or chopped macadamia nuts to the filling before baking.
If you prefer a fresher taste, you can use fresh pineapple instead of canned; just verify it's finely chopped.
Also, serving the pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream will enhance the dessert even further.
Make sure to let the pie cool completely to achieve cleaner slices. Enjoy your Tropical Pineapple Pie!