Ah, the magic of the holidays! There’s something truly special about gathering around the table with loved ones, sharing laughter, stories, and of course, delicious food. My Christmas pie is the perfect centerpiece for these festive occasions. It’s bursting with vibrant berries, wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust that practically melts in your mouth. Trust me, every bite is like a warm hug on a chilly winter night! This pie not only looks stunning, but it’s also super simple to make, even for those who might not consider themselves bakers. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe and make your holiday celebrations even sweeter!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
- 4 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
How to Prepare the Christmas Pie
Prepping the Pie Crust
First things first, let’s get that buttery pie crust ready! In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of salt. Then, add in 1 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and diced into small cubes. I like to use a pastry cutter or my hands to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs—this is where the magic happens! Next, stir in 6 to 8 tablespoons of ice water, a little at a time, until the dough just comes together. Don’t overwork it! Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps it firm up and makes rolling easier.
Preparing the Berry Filling
While the crust is chilling, let’s whip up that delicious berry filling! In a separate bowl, combine 4 cups of mixed berries (fresh or frozen) with 1 cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. The lemon juice adds a wonderful brightness to the flavors! Gently toss everything together until the berries are well-coated. If you’re using frozen berries, just let them thaw a bit before mixing to avoid excess liquid. Berries are packed with nutrients and can be a great addition to your diet!
Assembling and Baking the Pie
Now, it’s time for the fun part—assembly! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) while you roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface. You want it about 1/8 inch thick. Carefully place one layer in your pie dish, making sure to press it into the corners. Pour the berry mixture into the crust, spreading it evenly. Roll out the second layer of dough and place it on top, sealing the edges by crimping them together. Don’t forget to cut a few slits in the top crust to let steam escape! Bake it in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until it turns golden brown and bubbly. Once done, let it cool for a bit before serving—this will help the filling set up nicely!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and vibrant flavors that scream holiday cheer!
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Deliciously sweet and tangy berry filling in a buttery, flaky crust.
- Impressive enough for gatherings but simple enough for any home cook.
- Everyone will be asking for seconds—trust me!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas pie turns out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, when mixing your pie crust, remember not to overwork the dough. Less is more! The key to a flaky crust is keeping that butter nice and cold, so don’t skip the chilling step. If your dough gets too warm, just pop it back in the fridge for a bit.
Also, when it comes to the berry filling, feel free to mix and match your favorite fruits! Just keep an eye on the sweetness—adjust the sugar if needed. If you’re using frozen berries, make sure to let them drain for a few minutes to avoid a soggy bottom crust. Lastly, let your pie cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing; this will help the filling set up beautifully. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values for one slice of my delightful Christmas pie. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes, but this should give you a good idea:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 200mg
Enjoy this scrumptious pie knowing it’s a festive treat that adds a touch of sweetness to your holiday gatherings!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen berries?
Absolutely! Frozen berries work wonderfully in this Christmas pie. Just make sure to let them thaw a bit before mixing them with the other filling ingredients. This helps to avoid excess liquid that could make your pie soggy. If you notice extra juice, you can add a bit more cornstarch to help thicken it up. Trust me, your pie will still be bursting with flavor!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftover Christmas pie (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), just cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for about 3 to 4 days. To serve, you can enjoy it cold or give it a quick warm-up in the oven for a few minutes—nothing beats that fresh-baked taste!
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make this pie ahead of time! I recommend preparing the pie the day before your event. Just bake it as usual, let it cool completely, and then store it in the fridge, covered. When you’re ready to serve, you can enjoy it cold or warm it up in the oven. It’s a fantastic way to save time and still impress your guests with a delightful holiday treat!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Christmas pie experience, I highly recommend serving it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—it’s like a match made in dessert heaven! For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some crushed nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar on top. You could even pair it with a warm cup of spiced cider or hot cocoa to complement the flavors perfectly. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Christmas Pie: 5 Sweet Tips for a Festive Delight
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive dessert perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
- 4 cups mixed berries
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour and salt.
- Add butter and mix until crumbly.
- Stir in ice water until dough forms.
- Roll out the dough and place it in a pie dish.
- In another bowl, combine berries, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
- Pour the berry mixture into the pie crust.
- Cover with another layer of dough, seal edges, and cut slits on top.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream.
- Can substitute berries with apples or pears.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: christmas pie