Welcome to the world of fruity, buttery, flaky goodness! If you’re ready to treat yourself to something sweet and satisfying, then this Plum Lattice Pie is just what you need. Think of it as a cozy, comforting hug in pie form, packed with perfectly tart plums wrapped in a golden, flaky crust. It’s like your favorite bakery treat, but even better because you made it yourself. Trust me, you’re going to fall in love with every bite!
Why You’ll Love Plum Lattice Pie
This pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. Whether you’re indulging after a long day or impressing guests at a dinner party, this Plum Lattice Pie will steal the show. Here’s why:
- Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special celebrations. Imagine your guests’ faces when you serve them a slice of this beauty!
- Budget-Friendly: You don’t need fancy ingredients to create something this stunning. Simple, fresh plums are all you need for that delicious, sweet-tart filling.
- Quick and Easy: This pie is surprisingly easy to make. The lattice crust might sound tricky, but I promise—it’s simple with just a little patience. If you’ve never tried lattice before, now’s the time!
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving kids or adults, everyone loves a slice of pie. The combination of sweet, tangy plums and buttery crust is an instant favorite!
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this pie—it’s made with just a few ingredients, but the result is nothing short of spectacular. Let’s take a look:
Plums: The star of the show. These juicy fruits offer the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. The filling will burst with flavor, and the plums will soften into a gorgeous, jammy texture as they bake.
Pie Crust: You can make your own or use store-bought, but either way, you want a flaky, buttery crust that crisps up beautifully in the oven. It provides that perfect contrast to the soft, juicy plums.
Sugar: To bring out the natural sweetness of the plums and add a touch of caramelization. A little bit of sugar goes a long way in creating that irresistible golden crust.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the plum juices as they bake, so your pie doesn’t turn into a soggy mess. Trust me, it’s an essential step!
Cinnamon: A warm, cozy spice that complements the plums perfectly. It gives the pie that hint of comfort, like a warm blanket on a cold day.
Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice helps balance the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the plums.
Egg Wash: A simple brush of egg wash on the lattice crust gives the pie that golden, glossy finish.
(Note: the full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this mouthwatering pie:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the crust bakes up golden and flaky while the filling bubbles up beautifully.
Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, toss the plums with sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Mix until the plums are evenly coated. This mixture will create that perfect filling that’s not too runny or too dry.
Roll Out the Dough: Roll out your pie dough on a floured surface. You’ll need one round for the bottom crust and one to cut into strips for the lattice. If you’re unsure how to do a lattice, don’t worry! Just cut the second dough into strips and weave them over the pie. It’s all about that rustic charm!
Assemble the Pie: Place the bottom crust into a pie pan and fill it with the plum mixture. Then, weave the dough strips over the top in a lattice pattern. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just make sure the filling is covered. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal.
Brush with Egg Wash: To get that golden, glossy finish, brush the lattice crust with an egg wash (egg beaten with a splash of water).
Bake to Perfection: Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake it for about 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. You might want to place some foil around the edges to prevent the crust from over-browning.
Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to slice.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 250
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
How to Serve Plum Lattice Pie
Now that your Plum Lattice Pie is fresh from the oven, it’s time to serve it up! Here are a few ways to make it even more delightful:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm pie, adding a cool and smooth contrast to the tangy plums.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream takes this pie to the next level. For an extra treat, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey.
- Coffee or Tea: A warm drink is the perfect pairing for a slice of this pie, especially if you’re enjoying it as an afternoon treat.
Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the filling and crust a day ahead to save time. Just assemble the pie before baking.
- Lattice Troubles?: If the lattice intimidates you, skip it! You can always make a regular top crust or even crumble some dough over the top for a rustic look.
- Plum Substitutes: If plums aren’t in season, feel free to substitute with other fruits like peaches or cherries. Just adjust the sugar depending on the fruit’s sweetness.
- Leftovers: Store leftover pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months—just reheat in the oven for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute plums with other fruits?
A1: Absolutely! You can swap the plums for peaches, cherries, or even apples. Just be mindful of the sweetness level and adjust sugar accordingly.
Q2: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare the filling and dough in advance, then assemble and bake the pie when you’re ready. It’s perfect for making ahead for parties or special occasions.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftover pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it if you prefer it colder.
Q4: Can I freeze this pie?
A4: Yes! Freeze the pie before baking (unbaked), and when you’re ready, pop it in the oven straight from the freezer. Just add a little extra time to the baking process.
Q5: How do I reheat the pie?
A5: To reheat, simply place the pie in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. If reheating slices, you can microwave them for about 30 seconds.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes! If you want to make more pies or share them with friends, just double the ingredients and use two pie pans.
Q7: Can I use a pre-made pie crust?
A7: Definitely! If you’re short on time, pre-made crust works just as well. Just focus on the filling and lattice top.
Q8: Is there a way to make the crust extra flaky?
A8: To get a super flaky crust, make sure to use cold butter and handle the dough as little as possible. A little chill time in the fridge never hurts!
Q9: Can I use frozen plums?
A9: Yes, frozen plums work fine! Just thaw them first and drain any excess juice to prevent a soggy pie.
Q10: What’s the best way to serve this pie?
A10: This pie is fantastic on its own, but a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes it to another level.
Conclusion
So there you have it! This Plum Lattice Pie is everything you need in a dessert—flaky, fruity, and just the right amount of sweet and tart. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for beginners but impressive enough to serve at your next get-together. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing it with others, this pie will bring a little extra joy to your day. Happy baking!
PrintPlum Lattice Pie
This Plum Lattice Pie features a delicate pastry crust filled with a spiced plum mixture, topped with a beautifully woven lattice design. The sweet and tangy plum filling, combined with hints of cinnamon and ginger, creates a delicious dessert perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including cooling)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: british
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Pastry:
- 275g plain flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 tablespoons icing sugar
- 130g unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 3 medium free-range egg yolks
- Milk (for brushing)
- Caster sugar (for sprinkling)
- Plum Filling:
- 50g flaked almonds
- 10 plums (about 1.3kg)
- 50g unsalted butter
- 100g caster sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 3 tablespoons cornflour
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry:
- Sift the flour, icing sugar, and a pinch of sea salt into the bowl of a food processor. Add the cold butter and blitz until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Add 2 egg yolks and 60ml of ice-cold water. Gradually pulse until the mixture comes together as a rough dough.
- Turn out the dough onto a clean surface and gently knead it for about 30 seconds until smooth. If needed, add a little extra flour.
- Divide the dough into two pieces: one slightly larger than the other. Roll them out into discs, wrap in clingfilm, and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Toast the flaked almonds in a dry frying pan until golden. Set aside.
- Halve and stone the plums, then quarter any larger ones. In a large bowl, combine the plums, cubed butter, caster sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and cornflour. Stir well and set aside.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Preheat the oven to 200ºC/400ºF/gas 6. Place a baking tray inside the oven to warm up.
- Roll out the larger piece of pastry and press it into a 23cm pie tin, trimming it to leave a 2.5cm overhang. Chill the base in the fridge.
- Roll out the remaining disc of pastry and cut it into eight long strips, about 2.5cm wide.
- Fill and Top the Pie:
- Pile the plum mixture into the chilled pie base. Brush the edges of the pastry with beaten egg yolk mixed with a splash of milk.
- Arrange and weave the pastry strips over the filling to create a lattice pattern. Trim any excess overhang and press it to seal. Crimp the edges with your fingers.
- Brush the lattice top with egg wash and sprinkle with caster sugar. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Bake the Pie:
- Transfer the pie to the preheated baking tray. Bake at 200ºC/400ºF/gas 6 for 20 minutes, checking occasionally and rotating if necessary.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 180ºC/350ºF/gas 4 and bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes. If the pie browns too quickly, cover it with a tent of tin foil.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the pie from the oven, sprinkle with extra sugar, and let it set for at least 3 hours before serving.
- Cut into slices and serve with ice cream or crème fraîche, if desired.
Notes
- Chill the dough well before rolling out to prevent shrinkage while baking.
- Let the pie cool for several hours for the filling to set properly before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg