Imagine a dessert so irresistible that it'll have your family and friends begging for seconds before they've even finished their first slice! Our "Pie in a Pan" recipe is the ultimate comfort food that combines the perfect balance of sweet, fruity filling and a golden, flaky crust. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this foolproof recipe will transform your kitchen into a dessert paradise in just 45 minutes. Get ready to create a pie so delicious, it'll become your new go-to dessert for every occasion!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 2 cups fruit filling (e.g., apples, cherries)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it's hot enough for baking the pie.
- Take the pre-made pie crust out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to handle.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the fruit filling of your choice (such as apples or cherries) with 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix gently until the fruit is evenly coated with the sugar and cornstarch mixture.
- Roll out the pie crust if necessary, and place it into a 9-inch pie pan, pressing it gently into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess crust hanging over the edges.
- Pour the prepared fruit filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly. Make sure not to overfill, leaving a little space at the top to prevent spilling during baking.
- Dot the top of the fruit filling with small pieces of butter to enhance flavor and richness as it bakes.
- If desired, you can add a top crust or lattice crust. If using a full top crust, cut slits in the top to allow steam to escape. If using a lattice, weave the strips of dough over the filling.
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This will help the filling set up a bit more.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, enjoying your delicious pie in a pan with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Fruit: While the recipe works with various fruits like apples or cherries, make sure they're fresh and ripe for the best flavor.
- Room Temperature Matters: Let your pie crust sit out for 10 minutes before rolling to prevent cracking and make it easier to handle.
- Don't Overfill: Leave a little space at the top of the pie to prevent overflow and messy oven spills.
- Butter Boost: Those small butter dots aren't just for show - they add rich flavor and help create a more luxurious filling.
- Cooling is Crucial: Resist the temptation to cut into the pie immediately. Letting it cool for 15 minutes helps the filling set and makes for cleaner slices.
- Optional Enhancements: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to take your pie from great to extraordinary!
- Make Ahead: This pie can be prepared in advance and reheated, making it perfect for busy home cooks and last-minute gatherings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
