Prune Pie Recipe

Prune Pie Recipe

Prune pie is a traditional dessert that has been enjoyed for many generations. Its origins can be traced back to the early settlers who used prunes, a dried fruit, as a staple ingredient in their pies. Prunes are not only delicious but also provide essential nutrients and fiber. This recipe combines the rich flavors of prunes with a flaky pie crust to create a scrumptious and satisfying dessert.

Ingredients:
- 2 cups of prunes
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Sugar, to taste
- All-purpose flour, for dusting
- 2 ½ cups of pastry flour
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- Ice water, as needed

Instructions:

1. Begin by making the rich pie paste. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pastry flour, salt, and cold butter cubes. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

2. Gradually add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, and mix gently until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

3. While the dough is chilling, stew the prunes. In a saucepan, combine the prunes, lemon slices, and enough water to cover them. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until the prunes are soft and tender. Remove from heat and let it cool.

4. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

5. Take the chilled dough out of the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it is thin and large enough to line the pie plate. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the pie plate and press it gently into the bottom and sides.

6. Once the pie plate is lined with the pie crust, split the stewed prunes in halves and remove the pits. Lay a layer of prunes on the pie crust. Sprinkle the prunes with sugar, then pour three or four tablespoons of the prune juice over the sugar. Dust the surface lightly with flour.

7. Repeat the process until you have three layers of prunes, sugar, prune juice, and flour. The alternating layers will enhance the flavor and texture of the pie.

8. Cut enough of the pie paste into strips to cover the top of the fruit with a lattice crust. Place the strips in a lattice pattern over the prunes.

9. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Keep an eye on the pie while it bakes to prevent the crust from overbrowning.

10. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Allow the pie to cool completely before serving to allow the filling to set.

Fun facts about Prune Pie:
- Prunes are high in fiber and are known for their natural laxative properties. Eating prune pie can help regulate digestion and relieve constipation.
- Prune pie is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed warm or cold. It pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Prunes have been a popular ingredient in pies since the 18th century when they were introduced to Europe. They were often used as a substitute for expensive ingredients like sugar and spices.
- The flavor of prunes intensifies when baked, resulting in a sweet and slightly tart filling that complements the buttery pie crust.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
- Apple Pie: Replace prunes with apples and add cinnamon and nutmeg for a classic apple pie flavor.
- Cherry Pie: Substitute prunes with fresh or canned cherries. Add a splash of almond extract for a delicious twist.
- Peach Pie: Swap prunes with ripe peaches and add a hint of vanilla for a summery pie bursting with fruity goodness.

Enjoy this delightful prune pie recipe and indulge in the delightful flavors of this traditional dessert. Whether enjoyed as a special treat or served on special occasions, prune pie is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you craving for more.