Apricot Pie with Pine Nut Crumble: A Nutty, Fruity Delight

When it comes to fruit pies, there’s something incredibly comforting and delicious about the combination of sweet, juicy fruit with a crunchy, nutty topping. Apricot Pie with Pine Nut Crumble brings these elements together in perfect harmony, offering a dessert that’s both fresh and indulgent. The tartness of apricots paired with the rich, buttery pine nut topping creates a pie that’s not too sweet but has just the right balance of flavors.

This pie is perfect for those who love both fruit-filled desserts and nutty, crunchy textures. The pine nuts in the crumble topping add a unique flavor that complements the apricots, creating a flavor profile that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying a slice with a cup of tea, this apricot pie is sure to impress.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of making Apricot Pie with Pine Nut Crumble, from the crust to the filling, and share some tips to ensure that your pie turns out perfectly every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 1/4 cup ice water (more if needed)

For the Apricot Filling:

• 4 cups fresh apricots, pitted and sliced (about 8-10 apricots)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra depth of flavor)

For the Pine Nut Crumble:

• 1/2 cup pine nuts
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (lightly packed)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Pie Crust

Start by preparing the pie crust. In a medium bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough begins to come together. You may not need all the water, so be sure to add it slowly.

Once the dough has formed, gather it into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out and helps prevent shrinkage during baking.

2. Prepare the Apricot Filling

While the dough is chilling, prepare the apricot filling. Wash and pit the apricots, then slice them into thin wedges. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apricots, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract (if using). Toss the apricots gently to coat them evenly with the sugar mixture. Set the filling aside.

The cornstarch helps thicken the juices from the apricots as they bake, ensuring the filling isn’t too runny. The lemon juice adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness of the apricots.

3. Make the Pine Nut Crumble

For the pine nut crumble topping, combine the pine nuts, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Add the cold butter and use a fork or pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly. The pine nuts will add a delightful crunch to the topping.

If the mixture is too dry and crumbly, you can add a teaspoon of cold water to help bind it together. However, it should remain crumbly for that signature crumble texture.

4. Assemble the Pie

Once the dough has chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish. Transfer the rolled-out dough into the pie dish and trim any excess dough around the edges. Gently press the dough into the dish to fit.

Pour the apricot filling into the prepared crust, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the pine nut crumble over the top of the apricot filling, covering it generously.

5. Bake the Pie

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pie on the middle rack for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. You may need to cover the edges of the crust with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.

Once the pie is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to serve.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Apricot Pie with Pine Nut Crumble at room temperature or slightly warm. It’s perfect on its own, or you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

This pie is a great way to enjoy the sweet, tangy flavor of apricots, with the nutty, buttery crunch of the pine nut crumble topping.

Tips for Perfecting Your Apricot Pie with Pine Nut Crumble

• Use Fresh Apricots: While you can use canned or frozen apricots, fresh apricots provide the best flavor and texture. Look for ripe apricots that are firm but slightly soft to the touch.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough before rolling it out helps prevent shrinkage during baking and ensures a flakier crust.
• Adjust Sweetness: If your apricots are particularly tart, feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in the filling. You can add a little more sugar if you prefer a sweeter pie.
• Add a Splash of Almond Extract: If you enjoy almond flavors, try adding 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract to the apricot filling for a subtle, nutty depth.

Variations to Try

1. Add Other Fruits: Feel free to add other fruits to the filling, such as peaches, nectarines, or plums. These fruits pair wonderfully with apricots and will add variety to the pie.
2. Spiced Pine Nut Crumble: For a deeper flavor, add ground ginger or nutmeg to the pine nut crumble mixture.
3. Oatmeal Crumble Topping: Instead of pine nuts, try an oatmeal crumble topping by combining rolled oats, brown sugar, and butter. This gives the pie a heartier texture.
4. Vegan Apricot Pie: To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and use a plant-based yogurt or cream in the crust for extra richness.

Health Benefits of Apricot Pie with Pine Nut Crumble

While this pie is certainly indulgent, it also offers some health benefits thanks to its natural ingredients:

1. Rich in Fiber: Apricots are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and helps maintain regular bowel movements.
2. Antioxidants: Apricots are rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene, both of which are powerful antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and promote skin health.
3. Heart-Healthy Nuts: Pine nuts are high in healthy fats, including monounsaturated fats, which can help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
4. Vitamins and Minerals: Apricots provide important vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium, all of which contribute to overall health and wellness.

Conclusion

Apricot Pie with Pine Nut Crumble is a delightful dessert that brings together the sweet, tangy flavor of apricots with the nutty, buttery crunch of pine nuts. With its golden, flaky crust and aromatic crumble topping, this pie is sure to be a hit at your next gathering or as a treat to enjoy at home.

With its simple ingredients, this recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you’re a fan of apricots or just love a good fruit pie, this recipe will surely become a family favorite. So grab your apricots, get baking, and enjoy the sweet, nutty goodness of this delicious pie!