We’ve always been drawn to the charm of lesser-known fruits, and ground cherries steal the show in this delightful pie. Hailing from the Americas these tiny golden treasures offer a sweet-tart twist that elevates any dessert. It’s no wonder they’re a favorite for bakers seeking something fresh and exciting.
In our kitchen we love how ground cherry pie combines nostalgia with innovation blending a buttery crust and vibrant filling for a treat that’s both comforting and unique. Join us as we dive into this simple yet irresistible recipe that’ll have you coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
We love sourcing the best ingredients to craft our ground cherry pie, capturing the sweet-tart essence of ground cherries that make this dessert a standout treat.
To prepare the pie, we organize ingredients into the crust and filling components. Below, we list them in the order they’re used, with prep notes for accuracy.
For the Crust
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Sifted and chilled for flakiness
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Cubed and cold to ensure a buttery texture
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: For a subtle sweetness
- ¼ teaspoon salt: To balance flavors
- 3–4 tablespoons ice water: Added gradually until dough forms
For the Filling
- 2 cups ground cherries: Freshly husked and washed for vibrant flavor
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Mixed in next to enhance the fruit’s tartness
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: As a thickener to prevent a runny filling
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Squeezed fresh to brighten the taste
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Sprinkled for a warm spice note
- 1 egg: Beaten for an egg wash on top
This selection ensures our ground cherry pie delivers a comforting balance of textures and flavors, perfect for bakers eager to explore this unique fruit.
Equipment Needed
To bring our ground cherry pie recipe to life, we need a few essential tools that ensure smooth preparation and baking. These items help us handle the crust and filling with precision, making the process straightforward and enjoyable.
Essential Tools List
We recommend the following equipment, organized by category for easy reference:
- Mixing Bowls: Two medium-sized mixing bowls – one for combining the dry ingredients of the crust and another for the ground cherry filling. This keeps our workspace organized and prevents cross-contamination of flavors.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: A set of measuring cups and spoons for accurately measuring flour, sugar, and other ingredients. Precision here is key to achieving the perfect balance in our ground cherry pie.
- Rolling Pin: A sturdy rolling pin to roll out the dough for the crust. We use this to create an even, buttery base that complements the sweet-tart ground cherries.
- Pie Dish: A 9-inch pie dish (preferably glass or ceramic) for baking the pie. This size works best for our recipe, allowing the filling to set properly and the crust to bake evenly.
- Pastry Cutter or Fork: A pastry cutter or fork for cutting butter into the flour mixture. This tool helps us achieve the flaky texture that makes our ground cherry pie irresistible.
- Oven: A standard oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). Ensure it’s reliable for even baking, which is crucial for the pie’s golden crust and vibrant filling.
- Baking Sheet: A large baking sheet to place under the pie dish. This catches any drips and prevents messes in the oven, ensuring our ground cherry pie bakes without issues.
By having these tools ready, we seamlessly transition from preparing the ingredients to assembling and baking our delicious ground cherry pie.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our ingredients and tools, let’s guide you through crafting our irresistible Ground Cherry Pie step by step. We ensure each phase delivers a flaky crust and vibrant filling for a dessert that’s both comforting and unique.
Prepare the Pie Crust
First, we combine 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt in a large mixing bowl. Next, cut in 1 cup of cold unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces for that perfect flaky texture.
Gradually add 6 to 8 tablespoons of ice water one tablespoon at a time mixing with a fork until the dough just holds together without being sticky. Divide the dough into two equal portions wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill and firm up allowing the butter to create layers that will make our crust golden and tender.
Make the Ground Cherry Filling
In a medium bowl, we toss 4 cups of fresh ground cherries (husks removed and washed) with 3/4 cup of granulated sugar and 3 tablespoons of cornstarch to thicken the juices and enhance the sweet-tart flavor that defines this pie.
Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon stirring gently to coat the cherries evenly for a vibrant burst of aroma and taste. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes at room temperature allowing the flavors to meld and the cherries to release their natural juices creating a filling that’s glossy and irresistible.
Assemble the Pie
Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and roll out one portion on a lightly floured surface to a 12-inch circle about 1/8 inch thick. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish pressing it gently against the bottom and sides for an even base.
Pour the ground cherry filling into the crust spreading it out evenly then roll out the second dough portion for the top crust. Place it over the filling seal the edges by crimping with your fingers or a fork and cut slits in the top for steam escape. Brush the top with a beaten egg for a golden sheen that adds visual appeal and a subtle crunch.
Bake the Pie
Preheat our oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the assembled pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes rotating the pan halfway through until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the slits indicating it’s perfectly set.
| Baking Time | Temperature | Indicators of Doneness |
|---|---|---|
| 45-55 minutes | 375°F (190°C) | Golden brown crust and bubbling filling |
Make-Ahead and Storage
As we perfect our ground cherry pie recipe, we know that planning ahead can make baking even more convenient. Whether you’re preparing for a gathering or simply want to save time, here’s how we handle make-ahead preparations and proper storage to keep that sweet-tart flavor of the ground cherry filling vibrant and the flaky crust intact.
Make-Ahead Tips
We recommend making certain components of our ground cherry pie in advance to streamline your baking day. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Prepare the Pie Crust Dough: We suggest mixing and chilling the dough up to 2 days ahead. After combining the flour, butter, sugar, salt, and ice water, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it. This allows the flavors to meld and makes rolling out easier, ensuring a buttery, tender crust that enhances the pie’s overall texture.
- Assemble the Filling: For the filling, we advise preparing the ground cherry mixture a day in advance. Toss the fresh ground cherries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cinnamon in a bowl, then cover and refrigerate. This step lets the sweet-tart essence of the ground cherries intensify, creating a more flavorful filling without compromising freshness.
- Full Pie Assembly: If you’re really ahead of schedule, we recommend assembling the entire unbaked pie (crust and filling) up to 24 hours in advance. Place it in the pie dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge, brush with the beaten egg, and proceed with baking at 375°F (190°C) as outlined in our steps. This ensures the pie bakes evenly and retains its delightful, bubbling filling.
Storage Instructions
Once your ground cherry pie is baked and cooled, proper storage is key to preserving its inviting aroma and crisp, golden crust. We always emphasize using airtight containers to maintain quality. Below, we’ve outlined the storage options in a table for quick reference, based on our tested guidelines:
| Storage Method | Duration | Instructions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 5 days | Cool the pie completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the fridge. | Reheat individual slices in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore the flaky texture and warm the filling’s sweet-tart burst. |
| Freezing (Baked Pie) | Up to 3 months | Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze. For slices, place them in a freezer-safe bag. | Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. We find this method keeps the ground cherries’ fresh flavor intact, making it ideal for future treats. |
| Freezing (Unbaked Pie) | Up to 2 months | Assemble the pie as per our steps, wrap securely, and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the original baking time. | This is one of our favorite hacks for spontaneous desserts, ensuring you always have a homemade pie ready. |
By following these methods, we ensure your ground cherry pie remains a standout dessert, full of that unique, vibrant flavor that makes it so irresistible.
Conclusion
We’ve truly enjoyed sharing this ground cherry pie adventure with you. It’s more than a recipe—it’s a gateway to discovering fresh flavors that elevate our baking game.
Let’s make it a tradition in our kitchens; we’re sure it’ll spark joy and become a go-to treat for gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are ground cherries?
Ground cherries are small, sweet-tart fruits native to the Americas, often used in desserts for their unique flavor. They’re enclosed in a papery husk and add a fresh twist to pies, making them a favorite among bakers for their vibrant taste and versatility.
What makes ground cherry pie special?
Ground cherry pie stands out with its sweet-tart filling paired with a buttery crust, offering a comforting yet innovative dessert. The fruit’s fresh flavor creates a delightful balance, making it a simple treat that’s perfect for those wanting to try something beyond traditional fruit pies.
What ingredients are needed for ground cherry pie?
For the crust, you’ll need all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, sugar, salt, and ice water. The filling requires ground cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and an egg for the wash. This combination ensures a perfect sweet-tart balance and flaky texture.
What equipment is required to make ground cherry pie?
You’ll need mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a rolling pin, a 9-inch pie dish, a pastry cutter or fork, and a baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for even baking, helping achieve a golden crust and bubbly filling with ease.
How do I prepare ground cherry pie step by step?
Start by making the crust: mix flour and salt, cut in butter, add ice water, and chill the dough. Then, toss ground cherries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cinnamon for the filling. Roll out the dough, add the filling, seal the edges, brush with egg, and bake at 375°F for 45-55 minutes until golden.
Can I make ground cherry pie ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the crust dough and filling in advance to let flavors meld. You can assemble the unbaked pie and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, ensuring a tender crust and convenient baking later for fresh results.
How should I store ground cherry pie?
Store baked pie in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, covered tightly. For longer storage, freeze the baked pie for up to 2-3 months or the unbaked pie for up to a month; thaw in the fridge before baking or reheating to maintain its crisp texture and flavor.