Certainly! Let’s dive into the details of making this delightful Free-Form Apricot Pie, a perfect treat for summer or any occasion where you want to impress with a fruity dessert.
Recipe Overview
- Name: Free-Form Apricot Pie
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Description: A simple yet flavorful pie that can be customized with various fruits. It leans slightly towards tartness, so adjust sugar according to your taste preference.
- Recipe Category: Pie
- Keywords: Dessert, Fruit, Kid Friendly, Potluck, Spring, Summer, Less than 60 Minutes, Oven, Easy
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: 300.2
- Nutritional Information per serving:
- Fat: 10.7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 213.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 50.6g
- Fiber: 2.5g
- Sugar: 25.5g
- Protein: 2.5g
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- 6 apricots, halved and pitted
- 1 tablespoon Grand Marnier (optional, for flavor)
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup apricot preserves, melted
- Granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
- Lightly whipped cream (for serving)
Instructions
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Prepare the Apricots: Start by tossing the halved apricots with Grand Marnier in a bowl. Set them aside to marinate briefly while you prepare the other ingredients.
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Mix the Raspberry Filling: In another bowl, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and raspberries. Stir gently to coat the raspberries evenly with the sugar mixture. This will form a delicious fruity filling.
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Prepare the Pie Crust: Place the pie crust on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Arrange the marinated apricot halves, cut side down, in the center of the pie crust. Leave about 2-3 inches of crust around the edges.
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Form the Pie: Fold up the edges of the pie crust over the apricots, creating a rustic, free-form shape. This style adds to the charm of the pie and makes it easier to bake.
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Fill with Raspberry Mixture: Spoon the prepared raspberry mixture in between the apricot halves, distributing it evenly across the pie. This filling will complement the natural sweetness of the apricots and balance their tartness.
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Brush with Apricot Preserves: Brush the tops of the apricots with the melted apricot preserves. This step adds a glossy finish and enhances the apricot flavor throughout the pie. Also, brush the edges of the crust with the preserves for a golden, caramelized crust.
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Bake the Pie: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Bake the pie for 10 minutes at this high temperature to help set the crust and start the caramelization process. After 10 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
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Finish and Serve: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and sprinkle a little granulated sugar over the top while it is still warm. This adds a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness. Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving. Serve slices of the Free-Form Apricot Pie with lightly whipped cream on the side for a creamy contrast to the fruity flavors.
Tips for Success:
- Choosing Apricots: Select ripe but firm apricots for this pie. They should be fragrant and slightly yielding when gently pressed.
- Customization: Feel free to experiment with different fruits like peaches, plums, or berries. Adjust sugar levels based on the sweetness of your chosen fruits.
- Crust Perfection: Ensure the pie crust is well-sealed around the edges to prevent leakage of the filling during baking.
- Presentation: The rustic, free-form shape of this pie adds to its appeal. Embrace imperfections for a homemade touch.
Conclusion
With its buttery crust, juicy apricots, and sweet-tart raspberry filling, this Free-Form Apricot Pie is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, each slice promises a burst of fruity flavors that are perfectly complemented by a dollop of whipped cream. Easy to prepare and impressive to serve, this recipe invites you to savor the joys of seasonal baking with every bite.
