Apple, Date, and Pecan Pie
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories per Serving: 366.9 kcal
Aggregated Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Review Count: 3
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of apples, dates, and pecans with this scrumptious pie. This Apple, Date, and Pecan Pie is a tantalizing blend of textures and flavors that will leave your taste buds yearning for more. Perfect for dessert or a sweet treat at any gathering, this pie showcases the classic essence of apples paired with the rich sweetness of dates and the crunchy goodness of pecans. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unique and easy-to-make pie from lovewithrecipes.com.
Ingredients
- Eggs: 1 large
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons
- Light Brown Sugar: 1 cup
- All-Purpose Flour: 2/3 cup
- Baking Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Granny Smith Apples: 3, peeled, cored, and chopped
- Pitted Dates: 2/3 cup, chopped
- Pecans: 2/3 cup, roughly chopped
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
Adjust the oven rack to the lowest position and preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even baking and a perfectly golden crust. -
Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk the egg until the yolk and white are thoroughly blended. This will create the base for your pie filling. -
Brush the Pie Crust:
Take about 1 teaspoon of the beaten egg and brush it over the rim of your pie crust dough. This helps to create a beautiful golden edge when baked. -
Combine Ingredients:
Add the vanilla extract, light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and baking powder to the beaten egg. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended, forming the delicious filling base. -
Incorporate Fruits and Nuts:
Gently fold in the chopped Granny Smith apples, pitted dates, and pecans. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. -
Fill the Pie Shell:
Spread the prepared mixture into your pie shell, ensuring it is evenly layered for consistent baking. -
Bake the Pie:
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. -
Cool and Serve:
Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, serve it at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 366.9 kcal
- Fat: 15.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.8 g
- Cholesterol: 52.9 mg
- Sodium: 165.4 mg
- Carbohydrates: 54.1 g
- Fiber: 4.3 g
- Sugar: 33.3 g
- Protein: 5.1 g
Tips and Tricks
- Crust Perfection: To prevent a soggy bottom crust, consider blind baking the pie crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. This extra step can help maintain the crust’s crispiness.
- Apple Choice: Granny Smith apples are ideal for this recipe due to their tartness, which balances the sweetness of dates and sugar. However, feel free to experiment with other apple varieties for different flavor profiles.
- Pecan Substitution: If you’re not a fan of pecans, walnuts make an excellent alternative, providing a slightly different but equally delightful crunch.
- Serving Suggestions: This pie pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top can also enhance the flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before serving if desired.
Detailed Ingredient Notes
- Eggs: Essential for binding the filling, providing structure, and adding richness to the pie.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the fruit and nut elements in the pie.
- Light Brown Sugar: Offers sweetness and a slight molasses flavor, which pairs beautifully with the dates and pecans.
- All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the filling, ensuring it sets properly when baked.
- Baking Powder: Helps the filling to rise slightly, making the texture light and pleasant.
- Granny Smith Apples: Provide a firm texture and a tart flavor, creating a nice contrast with the sweet dates and crunchy pecans.
- Pitted Dates: Contribute natural sweetness and a chewy texture, enhancing the overall flavor complexity of the pie.
- Pecans: Add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, which complements the soft apples and chewy dates.
Baking Techniques for Perfect Results
- Even Mixing: Ensure all the dry ingredients (sugar, flour, baking powder) are well mixed with the eggs before adding the apples, dates, and pecans. This helps to create a uniform texture in the pie.
- Folding Technique: When incorporating the apples, dates, and pecans into the egg mixture, use a folding technique rather than stirring vigorously. This preserves the integrity of the fruit and nuts, preventing them from becoming mushy.
- Temperature Control: Keep an eye on the pie during the final minutes of baking. If the crust begins to brown too quickly, you can cover the edges with foil to prevent over-browning.
Exploring Variations
- Spiced Apple, Date, and Pecan Pie: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the filling mixture for a warm, spiced flavor profile that evokes the essence of autumn.
- Cranberry Addition: Include 1/2 cup of dried cranberries for a tart twist that complements the sweetness of the dates and the crunch of the pecans.
- Crumb Topping: For added texture, top the pie with a simple crumb mixture made from butter, flour, brown sugar, and oats. Bake as directed for a delightful crumble finish.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Filling Too Runny: If the filling appears too liquidy after baking, it may need a bit more time in the oven. Make sure to bake until the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Overbaked Crust: To avoid over-browning, consider using a pie shield or covering the crust edges with foil during baking. This allows the filling to cook through without burning the crust.
- Undercooked Apples: Ensure the apples are evenly chopped and not too large, as this can affect the baking time. Smaller pieces will cook more thoroughly and integrate better with the filling.
The Perfect Occasion for Apple, Date, and Pecan Pie
This pie is ideal for festive occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any autumn gathering where you want to impress your guests with a dessert that combines traditional flavors with a unique twist. It’s also a fantastic choice for potlucks, family dinners, or any event where you want to bring a dish that stands out.
Final Thoughts
This Apple, Date, and Pecan Pie is a delightful harmony of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors that promise to make any meal memorable. With its easy preparation and rewarding taste, this pie is a must-try for anyone looking to explore new dimensions of dessert delight. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to savor the rich and comforting flavors of this exquisite pie. Happy baking!
