Heavenly Elderberry Delight Pie
Savor the rustic charm of America's heartland with this Heavenly Elderberry Delight Pie. Bursting with the naturally sweet and tangy flavor of ripe elderberries, this classic dessert is a nostalgic treat that will transport you to the rolling hills of the Mississippi Valley. Crafted with a buttery, flaky double-crust pastry, this pie perfectly balances the sharpness of fresh lemon juice and the sweetness of sugar, making it an enticing finale to any meal. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream, this pie is bound to impress family and friends alike. Indulge in this slice of Americana that has stood the test of time, inspired by a cherished recipe from the 1947 United States Regional Cookbook.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
pastry for double-crust pie
1 (unbaked (either storebought or homemade))
elderberries
2 1/2 cups (washed and stemmed)
sugar
1/2 cup
salt
1/8 teaspoon
flour
2 tablespoons
lemon juice
3 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2
Prepare the pie crust by lining a pie pan with half of the pastry, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides evenly.
3
Gently add the washed and stemmed elderberries into the lined pie crust, distributing them evenly.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, salt, and flour. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the elderberries for even distribution.
5
Squeeze the lemon juice over the filling, ensuring all the berries are coated.
6
Cover the pie with the remaining pastry, carefully sealing the edges by moistening them and crimping them attractively.
7
Make several small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
8
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes at 450°F.
9
After 10 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
10
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heavenly Elderberry Delight Pie?
It is a classic American fruit pie featuring a double-crust pastry and a filling made from fresh elderberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
What are the primary ingredients for the filling?
The filling consists of 2 1/2 cups of elderberries, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/8 teaspoon of salt, 2 tablespoons of flour, and 3 tablespoons of lemon juice.
How many servings does this pie yield?
This recipe is designed to yield 8 servings.
What type of crust is required for this recipe?
This recipe requires a pastry for a double-crust pie, which can be either store-bought or homemade.
How should the elderberries be prepared?
The elderberries should be thoroughly washed and stemmed before being added to the pie.
What is the initial oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated and the pie initially baked at 450°F (230°C).
How long do I bake the pie at the high temperature?
The pie should bake at 450°F for the first 10 minutes.
At what temperature do I finish baking the pie?
After the first 10 minutes, the temperature should be reduced to 350°F (175°C) for the remainder of the baking time.
How much longer should the pie bake after reducing the heat?
The pie needs to bake for an additional 30 minutes at 350°F.
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time is approximately 40 minutes.
What is used to thicken the fruit filling?
Two tablespoons of flour are used as a thickening agent for the elderberry filling.
Why do I need to make slits in the top crust?
Slits allow steam to escape while the pie is baking, preventing the crust from bursting or becoming soggy.
What kind of lemon juice should I use?
The recipe recommends using 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How do I seal the double crust?
Moisten the edges of the pastry and crimp them together attractively to ensure a tight seal.
What is the historical inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by a cherished recipe from the 1947 United States Regional Cookbook.
What regional cuisine does this pie represent?
It represents American heartland cuisine, specifically inspired by the Mississippi Valley.
How do I know when the pie is done?
The pie is finished when the crust is golden brown and the elderberry filling is bubbling.
Should the pie be cooled before serving?
Yes, allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing to help the filling set.
What are the best serving suggestions?
It can be served warm with vanilla ice cream or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream.
How much sugar is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sugar.
How do I mix the dry filling ingredients?
Whisk the sugar, salt, and flour together in a separate bowl before sprinkling them over the berries.
What is the flavor profile of the elderberries?
Elderberries provide a naturally sweet and tangy flavor.
What is the texture of the crust?
The crust is described as buttery and flaky.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/8 teaspoon of salt.
Can I use frozen elderberries?
While the recipe specifies washed and stemmed berries, frozen elderberries can generally be substituted if thawed and drained.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe uses 6 main ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, with its straightforward instructions and few ingredients, it is accessible for most bakers.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include elderberry, pie, dessert, American cuisine, fruit pie, homemade, and classic recipes.
How do I distribute the berries in the crust?
The elderberries should be added gently and distributed evenly over the bottom crust.
What makes this pie a slice of Americana?
Its use of native berries and its origin in traditional regional cookbooks make it a classic example of American dessert heritage.