Are you ready to indulge in a slice of heaven? This pie recipe offers a delightful blend of flaky crust and a luscious filling, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this guide will walk you through each step to create a pie that not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning on your table. Let’s dive into the world of pie-making and unleash your inner pastry chef!
Ingredients
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp salt
– 6-8 tbsp ice water
– 2 cups mixed berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)
– ¼ cup cornstarch
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 egg (for egg wash)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 8 people. Preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, and cooking time is about 45 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1 slice): 250 calories, 12g fat, 30g carbohydrates, 4g protein. This nutritional information is based on one slice of pie.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add diced butter to the flour mixture and blend until crumbly.
4. Gradually add ice water until the dough forms a ball.
5. Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
6. Roll out one disc on a floured surface to fit your pie pan.
7. Place the rolled crust in the pie pan and trim excess.
8. In another bowl, combine berries, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla.
9. Pour the berry mixture into the crust.
10. Roll out the second disc and place over the filling, sealing edges.
11. Cut slits in the top crust for steam to escape.
12. Brush with egg wash for a golden finish.
13. Bake for 45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
14. Let cool, slice, and serve!
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to substitute the mixed berries with any seasonal fruit like peaches or apples. You can also use store-bought pie crusts if you’re short on time.
Serving and Pairings
This pie pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Serve it warm for a comforting dessert experience.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This pie can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure it’s properly wrapped.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overworking the dough can lead to a tough crust.
- Not chilling the dough sufficiently can cause it to shrink during baking.
- Using too much filling can lead to overflow.
- Skipping the egg wash results in a less appealing appearance.
- Not preheating the oven can affect baking time.
- Forgetting to cut slits in the top crust can cause it to burst.
- Using warm butter can make the crust greasy.
Helpful Tips
- Always use cold ingredients for a flaky crust.
- Blind bake the crust for a crisper bottom.
- Allow the pie to cool before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Experiment with spices like cinnamon for added flavor.
- Use a pie shield to prevent over-browning.
FAQs
What type of pie crust is best for fruit pies?
A flaky, all-butter crust works wonderfully for fruit pies as it complements the sweetness of the filling.
Can I make the pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and bake it before serving.
What is the best way to serve pie?
Serve it warm with ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful dessert experience.
How can I tell when my pie is done?
The crust should be golden brown, and the filling should be bubbling through the slits in the top crust.
Can I use frozen berries in this recipe?
Yes, frozen berries can be used, but they may release more juice, so adjust cornstarch accordingly.
Conclusion
Baking a pie is not just about the ingredients; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures. With this guide, you can master the art of pie-making and create a dessert that will be cherished by friends and family. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Pie
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter chilled and diced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 6-8 tbsp ice water
- 2 cups mixed berries raspberries, blueberries, blackberries
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg for egg wash
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add diced butter to the flour mixture and blend until crumbly.
- Gradually add ice water until the dough forms a ball.
- Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Roll out one disc on a floured surface to fit your pie pan.
- Place the rolled crust in the pie pan and trim excess.
- In another bowl, combine berries, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla.
- Pour the berry mixture into the crust.
- Roll out the second disc and place over the filling, sealing edges.
- Cut slits in the top crust for steam to escape, brush with egg wash.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
- Let cool, slice, and serve.
