The holiday season is all about warmth, joy, and of course, delicious treats! My absolute favorite festive dessert has to be this *christmas pie*. Every year, I whip up this delightful creation, and it instantly fills my home with the sweet aroma of spices and baked goodness. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering; everyone’s faces lit up with delight as they took their first bites. The mix of dried fruits and warm spices is simply irresistible! This pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration on a plate, bringing everyone together around the table, making it a must-have for your holiday festivities.
Ingredients List
- 1 pre-made pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, cranberries, and apricots, chopped if large)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional for a golden finish)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial to ensure your *christmas pie* bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden brown.
- While the oven is heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine your dried fruits, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Mix it well, so all those flavors mingle together beautifully. You want every bite to be packed with deliciousness!
- Next, pour this delightful filling right into your pie crust. If you’re using a pre-made crust, make sure it’s unwrapped and ready to go. Spread the filling evenly for a consistent bake.
- Now, here’s where you can get a little creative! You can either cover the pie with another crust or create a lovely lattice top. Just remember to seal the edges well to keep all that fruity goodness inside.
- For that extra touch of golden perfection, brush the top with an egg wash. It gives the pie a beautiful sheen that’s hard to resist!
- Pop your pie into the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly. Oh, the smell will be heavenly!
- Once baked, let it cool for a bit before serving. This helps the filling set and makes slicing easier. Trust me, the wait will be worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Deliciously festive flavors that capture the spirit of the season.
- Versatile: great for Christmas gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner.
- Made with wholesome dried fruits, offering a delightful sweetness.
- Visually stunning, making it an impressive centerpiece on your dessert table.
Tips for Success
To make sure your *christmas pie* turns out absolutely perfect, here are a few tips to keep in mind! First, don’t skip the egg wash; it really does make a difference in achieving that gorgeous golden crust. If you prefer a less sweet pie, you can reduce the sugar by a quarter cup without sacrificing flavor. For a unique twist, try adding a splash of brandy or orange juice to the filling for an extra layer of flavor! Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that extra festive touch. Enjoy every bite!
Variations
One of the best things about this *christmas pie* is how easily you can customize it! If you’re in the mood for something different, try swapping out the mixed dried fruits for chopped apples, pears, or even cherries for a tart twist. You can also play with spices—add a pinch of ginger or allspice for a warm, cozy flavor. For a nutty crunch, toss in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans. Don’t be afraid to get creative; this pie is your canvas, and the holiday season is the perfect time to experiment!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your *christmas pie* fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can also freeze the pie! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to indulge again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the pie for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This way, you’ll bring back that delightful fresh-baked aroma and taste!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the nutritional breakdown for a slice of this scrumptious *christmas pie*! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and the size of your slice:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Enjoy this festive pie as part of your holiday celebrations, knowing it brings a delightful blend of flavors and textures to your table!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried fruits?
Absolutely! While dried fruits give that lovely chewy texture and concentrated sweetness, you can definitely use fresh fruits. Just chop them into small pieces and adjust the sugar if needed, as fresh fruits can be juicier.
How do I prevent my pie crust from getting soggy?
To avoid a soggy crust, try pre-baking the pie crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. This helps create a barrier. Also, make sure your filling isn’t too wet by draining any excess juices from the fruits.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the *christmas pie* a day in advance! Just bake it, let it cool completely, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, you can warm it in the oven for that fresh-baked taste.
What’s the best way to serve this pie?
This festive pie is delightful served warm, but it’s also fantastic at room temperature. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a deliciously indulgent treat!
Can I freeze the *christmas pie*?
Absolutely! You can freeze the pie for up to 3 months. Just ensure it’s wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating to enjoy that holiday flavor all over again!
Christmas Pie: 7 Irresistible Reasons to Bake Today
- Temps Total: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Rendement: 8 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A festive dessert for the holiday season.
Ingrédients
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix dried fruits, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
- Pour the filling into the pie crust.
- Cover with another crust or create a lattice top.
- Brush the top with egg wash.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 45 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 15g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 7g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 37g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 20mg
Mots-clés: christmas pie, holiday dessert, festive pie
