Pies are an iconic sweet treat and a classic comfort food. And while pies may not be overly complicated to make, they are definitely an art form! With the right filling, pastry and flavors, you can take your pies to the next level. Whether you’re looking for new and exciting recipes, classic pies or some old family favorites, there’s something for everyone! Read on for our list of the best pie recipes, from classics to new favorites.
What is Pie?
Pie is a type of food made with a filling of sweet or savory ingredients, encased in either a pastry crust, a lattice of pastry, or a pastry top. The filling can be created with a variety of ingredients including fruits, vegetables, nuts, cheese and other types of proteins. Prizing are most often served as desserts and are a popular item during the holiday season.
What Makes a Great Pie?
It’s all in the details! There are a few key elements that go into making a great pie.
Firstly, a great flaky pastry. You want it to be buttery and crisp, and not too thick.
Secondly, fresh and flavorful ingredients. Don’t overdo it with the spices, make sure your filling ingredients are the star of the show.
Thirdly, the seasonal twist. Pies can be made with the freshest fruits and vegetables in season for an added touch of flavor.
And lastly, presentation. A beautiful crimped pastry edge or a lattice pastry top adds some decoration that’ll make your pies look as good as they taste.
Favorite Classic Pie Recipes
Apple Pie
This classic pie is one of the most iconic pies of all time. The filling for this pie is usually made of apples, sweetened with sugar and spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice, and then encased in a buttery, flaky pastry crust. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream for an added layer of sweetness.
Key Lime Pie
This creamy, tart and tangy treat is a favorite all over the world. The filling consists of sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks and fresh lime juice, layered over a graham cracker crust and topped with meringue.
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
The combination of sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb is a classic flavor combination. The filling of this pie is made of strawberries, rhubarb, sugar and spices, then encased in a tender and flaky pastry. Serve warm or cold with a dollop of whipped cream.
Cherry Pie
The combination of sweet tart cherries, sugar and spice make this pie the perfect sweet treat. Fresh or frozen cherries can be used, and encased with a flaky puff pastry or traditional two-crust pie. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added sweetness.
New Pie Recipes
Peaches ‘n’ Cream Pie
This delicious pie is a modern twist on an old classic. The filling is made of fresh peaches, sweetened condensed milk and cool whip, and encased in a graham cracker crust.
Chocolate Cream Pie
This creamy chocolatey dessert is made with a rich chocolate filling, encased in a buttery pastry crust. The filling consists of egg yolks, cocoa powder, cream and a hint of espresso for a rich and decadent flavor.
Mint Chocolate Chip Pie
This delicious twist on an all-time favorite flavor is a delicious dessert for any occasion. The filling is made of crushed chocolate cookies, chopped mint, semisweet chocolate chips, and cream, encased in an Oreo cookie crust.
Key Tips for Making the Perfect Pie
Now that you’ve got the recipes, here are a few tips to ensure your pies come out perfect every time.
-Chill your pastry dough. Whether you are making a traditional two-crust pie, puff pastry or lattice pie, it’s important to give your dough some time to chill before baking. Chilling allows the butter to solidify, which will help make a flaky, tender crust.
-Be creative with your crust. If you are feeling adventurous, you can get creative with your crusts. You can use cookie crumbs, nuts or other ingredients to mix up your crusts and add an extra layer of flavor.
-Always use cold ingredients. Cold butter will help create a flaky crust and cold ingredients like cream or eggs will help keep your filling smooth and stable.
-Slice your fruit thinly. You don’t want your fruit to weigh down your crust or make your pies soggy. Thinner slices will help create the perfect filling consistency.
-Brush your crust. If you find that the edges of your crust are browning faster than the rest, brush it with some egg wash or a tablespoon of cream. This will help to create a golden, even bake.
Sometimes sweet, sometimes savory and always delicious, pies are a classic that you can never get tired of. From the classics to the new favorites, it’s never too late to hop on the pie train. With a few simple ingredients, a few simple tips and a little bit of patience, you can create pies that will be sure to impress. Get creative, experiment and enjoy!
