Holiday Pie Recipes

The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in warm, comforting pies that bring friends and family together. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or looking for the ideal dessert to share, these holiday pie recipes will inspire your celebrations with flavors that capture the magic of the season. From classic favorites to creative twists, there’s a pie for everyone to enjoy.

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Ingredients

Crust (for all pies):

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 6-8 tbsp ice water

Classic Pumpkin Pie Filling:

• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream

Apple Pie Filling:

• 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith recommended)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Pecan Pie Filling:

• 1 cup light corn syrup
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ½ cups pecans, roughly chopped or whole
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

Prepare the Crust:

1. Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough holds together.
3. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Pumpkin Pie:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out one dough disc and place it in a pie dish. Trim the edges.
2. In a large bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, eggs, and cream until smooth.
3. Pour the filling into the crust and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set. Cool before serving.

Apple Pie:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out one dough disc and place it in a pie dish. Add the apple slices evenly.
2. In a bowl, mix sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Sprinkle over apples.
3. Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the filling. Seal and crimp the edges, cutting small vents in the top.
4. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Cool slightly before serving.

Pecan Pie:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out one dough disc and place it in a pie dish.
2. In a bowl, whisk together corn syrup, sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla until well blended. Stir in the pecans.
3. Pour the filling into the crust and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the pie is set but slightly jiggly in the center. Cool before serving.

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Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve pies at room temperature or slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• Store leftover pies in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or foil. They can be stored for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

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FAQs

1. Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the crust up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Alternatively, freeze the dough for up to 2 months.

2. How can I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
Pre-baking (blind baking) the crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling can help prevent a soggy crust, especially for pumpkin and pecan pies.

3. What’s the best way to reheat a pie?
To reheat, place the pie in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it may make the crust soggy.

4. Can I substitute ingredients for dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour for the crust or plant-based milk and egg substitutes for the fillings to accommodate dietary preferences.

Enjoy your holiday celebrations with these delightful pie recipes that are sure to bring joy and festive cheer to your table!

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