Baking Rustic Fruit Pies from Scratch

Baking Rustic Fruit Pies from Scratch

There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a homemade rustic fruit pie, especially when it’s made from scratch. The combination of buttery crust and sweet, juicy fruit filling is a match made in dessert heaven. While it may seem intimidating to make a pie from scratch, with a little patience and practice, you can master the art of pie making.

Start by making your own pie crust, using a simple recipe of flour, butter, salt, and cold water. Cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs, then slowly add the cold water until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, wrap each half in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

While the dough chills, prepare your fruit filling. Choose your favorite fruits – such as apples, peaches, berries, or a combination – and toss them with sugar, flour, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Once the fruit is coated, set it aside while you roll out the dough.

Roll out one of the dough halves on a floured surface until it’s about 12 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer the dough to a pie dish, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Add the fruit filling, then roll out the second dough half and place it over the top. Trim any excess dough, then crimp the edges to seal the pie.

Before baking, make sure to cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the top with an egg wash for a golden finish, then bake the pie in a preheated oven until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let the pie cool slightly before serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

With a little practice, you’ll soon be baking rustic fruit pies from scratch like a pro. Experiment with different fruit combinations and crust recipes to find your perfect pie. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a homemade treat, a rustic fruit pie is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.