Apricot Pie Recipe

Golden Apricot Pie Recipe: Sweet Summer Joy in Every Slice

Sweet memories dance through my kitchen whenever I whip up this delightful apricot pie that captures summer’s essence.

Sunshine-ripened fruits nestle between flaky, golden pastry layers creating pure magic.

Local orchards inspire this cherished recipe passed down through generations.

Fragrant spices whisper hints of nostalgia with each slice.

Baking becomes an intimate celebration of seasonal bounty and culinary creativity.

Warm, bubbling filling promises comfort in every delectable bite.

Apricot Pie With Rich Fruity Layers

  • Quick and Easy Homemade Delight: Mastering this apricot pie requires minimal kitchen skills, perfect for beginners wanting to impress.
  • Time-Saving Wonder: Preparation takes just 20 minutes, with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, making it an ideal weeknight dessert for busy families.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for summer gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners, this pie transforms simple apricots into a stunning dessert that everyone will love.
  • Customizable Comfort: Easily adjust sweetness by modifying sugar levels or adding spices like nutmeg, allowing personal creativity while maintaining the classic pie structure.

What You Need For Apricot Pie

Pie Crust Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and base for the flaky pie crust, choose unbleached flour for best texture.
  • Salt: Enhances flavor and helps control gluten development in the dough.
  • Butter-Flavored Shortening: Creates a tender, flaky crust with rich buttery taste, cold temperature is key for best results.
  • Water: Helps bind the dough together, use ice-cold water for optimal crust texture.
Pie Filling Ingredients:
  • White Sugar: Sweetens the apricot filling and helps create a syrupy consistency.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the filling and helps absorb fruit juices.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic flavor that complements the apricots.
  • Fresh Apricots: Primary fruit for the pie, ripe but firm apricots work best.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps prevent fruit browning.
Finishing Ingredient:
  • Sugar: Optional topping for extra sweetness and slight crunch on the pie crust.

Apricot Pie Recipe Steps

Apricot Pie Recipe Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Mix flour and salt in a large mixing bowl.

Work the butter-flavored shortening into the dry ingredients using your fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture looks like rough breadcrumbs.

Slowly add water and blend until the dough comes together.

Divide the dough into two equal portions.

Step 2: Shape the Bottom Crust

Dust your work surface with flour.

Roll out one dough ball until it’s large enough to cover a 9-inch pie plate.

Gently transfer the dough to the pie plate, pressing it into the bottom and sides.

Step 3: Create the Apricot Filling

Combine in a separate bowl:
  • Sugar
  • Flour
  • Cinnamon

Add fresh apricots and a splash of lemon juice.

Toss the ingredients carefully to ensure even coating.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Pour the apricot mixture into the prepared pie crust.

Roll out the second dough ball and carefully place it over the filling.

Trim the excess dough and crimp the edges to create a tight seal.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Cut several small slits across the top crust to allow steam to escape.

Optional: Sprinkle a light dusting of sugar over the crust for extra sparkle.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the pie in a preheated oven at 425°F.

Bake for 45-50 minutes until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and the filling becomes bubbly and aromatic.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest on a wire rack.

Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing and serving to help the filling set properly.

Smart Tips for Apricot Pie

  • Choose ripe, fragrant apricots that yield slightly when gently pressed, ensuring maximum flavor and sweetness in your pie.
  • Brush the bottom crust with beaten egg white before adding filling to create a protective barrier that keeps the crust crisp and flaky.
  • Experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom alongside cinnamon to add depth and complexity to the apricot filling.
  • Prepare the pie crust and filling ahead of time, then freeze unbaked for up to 3 months, allowing quick and easy dessert preparation when needed.
  • Drain excess liquid from apricots or add a tablespoon of cornstarch to prevent a watery pie filling and maintain a thick, luscious texture.

How To Store And Serve Apricot Pie Again

  • Store leftover pie in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the pie cool and fresh to maintain its delicious flavor and texture.
  • Carefully wrap the cooled pie in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn and preserve its taste.
  • Warm individual slices in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This method helps restore the crust's crispy texture and brings out the pie's warm, comforting flavors.
  • Transfer the frozen pie to the refrigerator overnight to thaw slowly. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, ensuring it's heated evenly and tastes just as delicious as when first baked.

What’s Nice with Apricot Pie

  • Elevate Sweet Apricot Harmony: Pair with Crisp Riesling to complement the pie's delicate fruit notes and balance its sweetness.
  • Refreshing Counterpoint: Serve chilled vanilla bean ice cream alongside the warm pie, creating a delightful temperature and flavor contrast.
  • Nutty Crunch Accent: Sprinkle toasted almond slivers on top to add textural complexity and enhance the apricot's natural richness.
  • Herbal Brightness Boost: Garnish with fresh mint leaves to introduce a light, aromatic element that cuts through the pie's richness.

Apricot Pie Recipe New Ways to Serve It

  • Low-Sugar Apricot Pie: Replace sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly version. Use whole wheat flour for added nutrition and lower glycemic impact.
  • Gluten-Free Apricot Pie: Substitute regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend. Use coconut oil instead of shortening for a dairy-free option.
  • Vegan Apricot Pie: Replace butter-flavored shortening with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use plant-based egg substitute to bind the crust and create a cruelty-free dessert.
  • Spiced Apricot Pie: Add ground cardamom or ginger to the filling for an aromatic flavor profile. Incorporate sliced almonds on top for extra crunch and nutty undertones.

FAQs

  • How do I know if my pie crust is the right consistency?

When cutting in the shortening, the mixture should look like coarse crumbs, similar to the texture of cornmeal. If it’s too dry, add a little more water; if too wet, sprinkle a bit more flour.

  • Can I use fresh or frozen apricots for this pie?

Fresh apricots work best for this recipe. If using frozen, thaw and drain them completely to prevent excess liquid from making the crust soggy.

  • What's the best way to prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Toss the apricots with sugar and flour mixture to absorb excess moisture, and make sure to cut steam vents in the top crust to allow liquid to escape during baking.

  • How can I tell if the pie is fully baked?

Look for a golden brown crust and bubbling filling. The pie should be slightly jiggly in the center but not liquidy when you remove it from the oven.

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Apricot Pie Recipe

Apricot Pie Recipe


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4.9 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Sweet summer memories dance through this classic Apricot Pie, blending ripe fruit and buttery pastry into a delightful dessert. Warm slices invite you to savor each golden, tangy bite straight from grandma’s treasured recipe collection.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

Apricots:

  • 5 cups fresh apricots, pitted and quartered

Flour:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (for crust)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for filling)

Sugar and Sweeteners:

  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Crust and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 cup butter-flavored shortening
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 6 tablespoons water

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to thoroughly heat to 425°F (220°C), ensuring an optimal baking environment.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine flour and salt, creating a foundational dry mixture for the pie crust.
  3. Integrate butter-flavored shortening into the flour mixture, using a cutting motion until the texture resembles coarse, uneven crumbs.
  4. Slowly introduce water to the crumbly mixture, gently blending until the dough coheres into a unified mass. Partition the dough into two equal portions.
  5. Dust a clean work surface with flour and carefully roll out one dough portion to create a pie crust that perfectly fits a 9-inch pie plate. Delicately transfer the crust into the plate.
  6. Prepare the filling by whisking together sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a separate bowl. Gently fold in fresh apricots and a splash of lemon juice, ensuring each fruit piece is evenly coated with the sweet mixture.
  7. Transfer the apricot filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly across the bottom layer.
  8. Roll out the second dough portion and carefully drape it over the filled pie. Trim the excess edges and crimp them together to create a tight seal.
  9. Create strategic slits across the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking. Optional: Sprinkle a light dusting of sugar over the crust for added sweetness and golden color.
  10. Position the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown crust and bubbling fruit filling.
  11. Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack, allowing the pie to cool and set before serving.

Notes

  • Chill the shortening and butter before cutting into the flour to ensure a flakier, more tender crust that melts in your mouth.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend to make the pie accessible to those with dietary restrictions.
  • Prevent over-browning by covering the pie edges with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking, which helps maintain a perfect golden color.
  • Consider using fresh, ripe apricots at the peak of their season for the most vibrant, natural sweetness and optimal texture in the filling.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 23 g
  • Sodium: 230 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 51 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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