German cuisine is richly diverse, with its vibrant flavors and hearty dishes. One delightful treat that stands out is the traditional German fruit pie, known as “Obsttorte.” This delicious dessert is a celebration of seasonal fruits enveloped in a buttery crust, making it a perfect sweet ending to any meal. In this article, we’ll guide you through the stepbystep process of creating your own German fruit pie that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
2 cups allpurpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg yolk
46 tablespoons cold water
For the Filling:
23 cups mixed seasonal fruits (e.g., apples, berries, peaches)
1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on fruit sweetness)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon (optional)
For the Glaze (optional):
1/2 cup fruit jelly (e.g., apricot or raspberry)
1 tablespoon water
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in Butter: Add the chilled butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the egg yolk and add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
4. Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Fruit Filling
1. Chop Fruit: Wash and chop your chosen fruits into bitesized pieces and place them in a mixing bowl.
2. Mix Ingredients: Add sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and optional cinnamon to the fruit. Toss gently to combine.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled pie dough until it fits your pie pan. Transfer it to a greased 9inch pie pan.
3. Add Filling: Pour the prepared fruit filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
1. Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 3545 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the fruit is bubbly.
2. Cool: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Step 5: Prepare the Glaze (if desired)
1. Heat Jelly: In a small saucepan, warm the fruit jelly with water over low heat until melted and smooth.
2. Glaze Pie: Brush the melted jelly over the cooled pie for a beautiful, shiny finish.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your German fruit pie warm or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This delightful dessert is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a way to embrace the warm hospitality of German culinary traditions.
Conclusion
Creating a German fruit pie is a wonderful way to enjoy seasonal fruits while embracing the rich culinary heritage of Germany. With this simple recipe, you can bring a slice of tradition to your dessert table, delighting both family and guests alike. Happy baking!