There’s something truly delightful about a homemade apricot pie that captures the essence of summer in every slice. This recipe brings together the sweet and tangy flavors of ripe apricots, all enveloped in a flaky, buttery crust. Perfect for gatherings or a simple family dessert, this pie is sure to impress.
Imagine cutting into a warm pie, the aroma of baked apricots filling the air, and the first bite revealing a juicy, sweet filling that’s perfectly balanced with a hint of tartness. This apricot pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of seasonal fruit at its best.
The Allure of Apricot Pie
When thinking of summer desserts, apricot pie stands out as a delightful option. Its bright, vibrant fruit filling captures the season’s essence in each slice.
Imagine that first bite, where the sweet apricots meet a hint of tartness. This balance makes the pie not just a dessert, but an experience to savor.
Crafting the Perfect Crust
A flaky, golden crust is essential for any pie. Start with a quality pie crust, whether homemade or store-bought. This will act as the perfect vessel for the apricot filling.
When preparing, make sure to roll it out evenly and fit it snugly into the pie pan. This sets the stage for a beautifully baked tart.
Choosing Fresh Apricots
The success of your apricot pie hinges on the quality of the fruit. Look for ripe, juicy apricots that are fragrant and slightly soft to the touch.
These will provide the natural sweetness and tang that makes the filling shine. Slicing them reveals their vibrant orange hue, further enhancing the pie’s visual appeal.
Building Layers of Flavor
Mixing the apricots with sugar, lemon juice, and spices creates a flavorful filling. Each ingredient complements the apricots, enhancing their natural taste without overpowering it.
Be gentle when combining; you want to coat the fruit without breaking it apart. This step is vital for maintaining texture in the pie.
Brushing on the Finishing Touches
To achieve that glossy, golden finish, an egg wash is applied to the crust. Whisk together an egg with a splash of milk and brush it on the surface before baking.
This simple step elevates the pie’s appearance, giving it an inviting sheen that beckons for a slice.
Serving Suggestions
Once baked, allowing the pie to cool enhances the flavors, letting them meld together. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled with a dollop of whipped cream.
Each slice brings a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making this pie a memorable highlight of any gathering.
The Best Apricot Pie Recipe
This apricot pie features a tender, flaky crust filled with fresh apricots, sugar, and a touch of lemon juice. The result is a pie that is sweet, slightly tangy, and bursting with fresh fruit flavor. It’s a lovely dessert to serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled with a dollop of whipped cream.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh apricots, pitted and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out one pie crust and place it into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim the excess crust hanging over the edges.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine sliced apricots, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt. Mix gently until the apricots are well coated.
- Fill the Pie: Pour the apricot filling into the prepared pie crust. Dot the top with small pieces of butter.
- Top with Crust: Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the filling. Trim any excess and crimp the edges to seal. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk. Brush the mixture over the top crust to give it a nice golden color.
- Bake: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, with ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 8 slices
- Calories: 250kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
