The best thing about making fruit pies is that the process remains almost the same. As long as you have a few necessary ingredients, you can use almost any fruit—apples, berries, peaches, cherries, or even a mix of several fruits—to create a mouthwatering dessert.
This simple method of how to make a fruit pie will guide you on how to make the perfect pie with any fruit from scratch.
We are also including some special tips for a flaky crust, the perfect filling, and variations to make your pie truly unique.
The Basic Components of a Fruit Pie
A classic fruit pie consists of three main parts, the crust, the filling, and the topping. Making a pie is about perfecting these three parts.
- The crust must be buttery and flaky. It is the foundation of the pie
- The filling is typically sweet, and made of juicy fruit mixed with sugar and a thickening agent. It creates a luscious, flavorful center.
- The topping could be a traditional top crust, a lattice, or a crumbly streusel.
Let’s dive into each part and how to perfect it.
Step 1: Make the Perfect Pie Crust
A great pie starts with a great crust. You can always buy the pie crust, but you can’t fully claim to know how to make a pie if you have to buy the crust every time, can you?
Here’s how to make a classic buttery pie crust:
Ingredients for a Double Pie Crust
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
How to Make a Double Pie Crust
- Combine dry ingredients: Mix the flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
- Cut in the butter: Cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You can use your hands or a pastry cutter, but ensure the butter remains in pea-sized pieces to create a flaky texture.
- Add water gradually – Drizzle in ice water, one tablespoon at a time, while mixing just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing, which can make the crust tough.
- Form the dough: Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes. Chilling relaxes the gluten and ensures a tender crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Fruit Filling
The beauty of a homemade fruit pie is that you can use any fruit you like. Whether you prefer a tart apple pie, a sweet berry mix, or a classic peach pie, the filling is always easy to customize. Here are the basics:
Basic Fruit Filling Formula:
- Take 4-6 cups of your fresh or frozen fruit ( could be apples, berries, peaches, cherries, etc.)
- ¾ - 1 cup sugar (use less for sweeter fruits and vice versa)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for juicy fruits like berries) or 3 tablespoons flour (for firmer fruits like apples)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to brighten the flavor and prevent browning)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, but great for apples and peaches)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (adds depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces (for richness)
Preparing Fruit Filling For Your Fruit Pie
- Prepare the fruit – Wash, peel (if needed), and slice the fruit into even pieces.
- Mix ingredients – In a large bowl, combine the fruit, sugar, cornstarch or flour, lemon juice, and any optional spices. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the fruit juices to release.
- Adjust sweetness – Taste the filling and add more sugar if needed, especially if using tart fruit like rhubarb or cranberries.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Now, proceed to roll out the dough, pour in the filling and place your topping.
Rolling Out the Dough:
- Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin.
- Roll out one dough disc to fit a 9-inch pie pan, making sure to leave extra overhang.
- Gently place the rolled-out dough into the pie pan and press it down to remove air pockets.
Filling and Topping:
- Pour the prepared fruit filling into the crust, ensuring an even distribution.
- Dot the filling with small pieces of butter for extra richness.
- Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the filling. Trim any excess overhang and crimp the edges together using a fork or your fingers. Alternatively, create a lattice top by weaving strips of dough over the filling.
Final Touches:
- Egg Wash – Brush the top crust with a beaten egg mixed with a little water to create a golden, shiny finish.
- Sugar Sprinkle – A light dusting of sugar adds a beautiful, caramelized crunch.
- Ventilation – Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape, preventing a soggy crust.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
Instructions for Baking a Fruit Pie
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any spills.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Check for doneness – If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
After baking, allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the filling set properly and prevents a runny pie.
Tips and Variations for Customizing Your Fruit Pie
- If the fruit is extra juicy, increase cornstarch to 3 tablespoons to avoid a runny filling.
- If you want a crumb topping, mix ½ cup flour, ½ cup sugar, and ¼ cup butter until crumbly and sprinkle on top instead of a second crust.
- For a vegan fruit pie, use plant-based butter and brush the crust with non-dairy milk instead of an egg wash.
- For a gluten-free crust, use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum for a similar flaky texture.
Bake the Perfect Pie with a Wilprep Convection Oven
To bake the perfect pie, you need the perfect oven. If the temperature is inconsistent, the pie crust could burn; if your oven is unable to retain heat properly, it might take forever for the pie to bake to satisfaction.
All in all, a bad oven can lead to soggy crusts, burnt edges, or an undercooked filling, ruining the final result.
This is why you need a top quality convection oven from Wilprep’s kitchen.
Bake Quicker, Bake Better!
Convection ovens cook food faster and more evenly than conventional ovens thanks to their superior heating power and uniform air circulation.
These convection ovens from Wilprep come in different sizes, and are designed for home kitchens and commercial kitchens. They will fit just nicely in your kitchen.
With Wilpreps kitchen, you get the following:
- Ovens with large cavities (between and ) and several adjustable wire racks to accommodate multiple sheet pans, providing ample space
- Easily adjustable temperatures for different tasks from toasting and roasting to baking and broiling.
- Double-paned glass to monitor your food without opening the oven
- Sturdy and low-maintenance, stainless steel structure that fights corrosion and is easy to wipe down
You can choose from a variety of models from 0.9 cu. Ft countertop convection ovens to 7 cu.ft commercial electric ovens, to 14 cu.ft double deck models.
Why Make Your Own Fruit Pie?
Store-bought pies might be convenient, but nothing compares to the flavor and texture of a homemade pie. When you make your pie yourself, you can control the ingredients, the sweetness level, and the type of fruit used.
Plus, the feeling and experience of baking a pie is always special- it just fills your home with warmth and (for many Americans) a feeling of nostalgia.
And……BTW, a homemade fruit pie is the perfect gift, and arguably the best way to enjoy a seasonal fruit.
Enjoy Your Homemade Pie!
Baking a fruit pie from scratch is one of the most satisfying things you can do in the kitchen. This method will guide you to perfection whether you go for a classic apple pie in the fall, a juicy berry pie in summer, or a mix of seasonal fruits.
Here are more convection oven recipes to make for your family, friends or customers.
