Welcome, Lykkers! Have you ever tasted the rich, natural sweetness of a prune pie? This recipe takes the humble prune and elevates it into a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
With its smooth, sweet filling and flaky crust, prune pie is a dessert worth adding to your collection. Prune pie combines simplicity with depth of flavor, offering a unique taste that's both nostalgic and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the most delicious prune pie, gather these simple ingredients:
- 1½ cups pitted prunes
- ¾ cup water
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 unbaked pie crust
Step-By-Step Recipe
1. Prepare the Prune Filling
Start by placing the prunes and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Allow them to simmer until the prunes are soft, about 8-10 minutes. As they cook, they’ll release a naturally rich flavor, becoming soft and ready to blend. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
2. Blend the Filling
Once the prunes are softened and cooled, transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor. Add the sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, then blend until smooth. The lemon juice adds a bit of brightness to balance the prunes’ sweetness, while vanilla deepens the flavor.
3. Thicken with Cornstarch
Return the blended filling to the saucepan, adding cornstarch. Stir over medium heat until the mixture thickens, making it spreadable but not too runny. This step ensures the pie holds its shape when sliced.
4. Prepare the Pie Crust
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your unbaked pie crust and press it into a 9-inch pie pan, trimming the edges for a clean finish. A store-bought crust works well here, but a homemade crust adds a bit more depth to each bite.
5. Fill and Bake
Pour the prune filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly. Place the pie in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil halfway through baking.
6. Let Cool and Serve
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely. This cooling period helps the filling firm up, ensuring each slice holds together beautifully. For an extra-special treat, serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Tips for the Best Prune Pie
- Choose Quality Prunes: Good-quality prunes make all the difference. Look for plump, juicy prunes to maximize flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can add a bit more or less sugar. The natural sweetness of prunes means you may need less sugar than you’d think.
- Lemon Balance: The lemon juice adds essential acidity, balancing the rich sweetness of the prunes and keeping the flavor fresh.
Why Prune Pie Deserves a Spot on Your Table
Prune pie is a unique dessert that celebrates the natural sweetness of prunes, often underappreciated. This pie has a rich, mellow flavor and a soft, luscious texture that’s deeply comforting. Perfect for fall and winter gatherings, it pairs wonderfully with warm drinks and cold weather.
Not only is prune pie a delightful change from classic fruit pies, but it’s also full of nutrients, making it a slightly healthier dessert choice. Prunes are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, giving you a reason to indulge without the guilt.
Make It Your Own
One of the best things about prune pie is how versatile it is. You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy twist, or top it with a simple streusel for added crunch. If you’re a fan of savory-sweet combinations, a touch of sea salt brings out even more flavor in each bite.
So, if you’re looking for a unique, easy dessert that combines simplicity with deep flavor, give prune pie a try! We’d love to know how it turns out for you—share your experiences and tips, and let’s celebrate the beauty of this classic dessert together.
