Rustic Ground Cherry & Grape Crumble Pie
Experience the delightful flavors of this Rustic Ground Cherry & Grape Crumble Pie, a delicious twist on a traditional Mennonite dessert. This pie combines sweet honeyed grapes with the unique tartness of ground cherries, creating a harmony of flavors that sing with every bite. The crumbly oat topping adds a delicious texture, while the warming spices round out this unique dessert, perfect for summer gatherings or cozy family dinners. Using freshly harvested ingredients from your garden or local farmers' market, this pie is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a celebration of nature's bounty.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
cape gooseberries
1 cup (husks removed)
grapes
1 cup (washed and stems removed)
cinnamon
1 pinch (to taste)
allspice
1 pinch (to taste)
cornstarch
1 tablespoon (for thickening)
brown sugar
1/2 cup, divided (packed)
pie crust
1 - 8 inch (store-bought or homemade)
rolled oats
3 tablespoons (not instant)
salted butter
1 tablespoon (cool but not cold)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Rustic Ground Cherry & Grape Crumble Pie?
It is a unique twist on a traditional Mennonite dessert that combines sweet grapes with tart ground cherries and a crumbly oat topping.
What are ground cherries?
In this recipe, ground cherries refer to cape gooseberries, which provide a unique tartness to the fruit filling.
How should I prepare the ground cherries?
The husks must be removed from the cape gooseberries before they are measured and added to the pie.
What kind of grapes are recommended?
While the recipe doesn't specify a variety, it describes them as honeyed grapes and requires them to be washed with stems removed.
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Yes, you can use either a store-bought or a homemade 8-inch pie crust for this recipe.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in the recipe?
One tablespoon of cornstarch is used as a thickening agent for the fruit filling juices.
What spices are used for the warming flavor?
The recipe calls for a pinch of cinnamon and a pinch of allspice to round out the dessert's flavors.
Can I use instant oats for the crumble topping?
No, the recipe specifically requires 3 tablespoons of rolled oats and notes that they should not be the instant variety.
What temperature should the butter be?
The one tablespoon of salted butter should be cool but not cold to achieve the right crumble texture.
How much brown sugar do I need?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, which is divided between different parts of the pie.
Is this a seasonal dessert?
Yes, it is highlighted as a perfect summer dessert, especially when using fresh ingredients from a garden or farmers' market.
How many grapes are needed for the filling?
The recipe requires 1 cup of washed grapes with the stems removed.
What size pie crust is required?
You will need one 8-inch pie crust.
Does the recipe use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe specifically calls for salted butter.
Is this a traditional recipe?
It is described as a delicious twist on a traditional Mennonite dessert.
How many ingredients are in this pie?
There are 9 ingredients: cape gooseberries, grapes, cinnamon, allspice, cornstarch, brown sugar, pie crust, rolled oats, and salted butter.
What is the flavor profile of this pie?
It features a harmony of sweet honeyed grapes and unique tart ground cherries.
How much cinnamon should I add?
The recipe suggests a pinch of cinnamon, or you can add it to taste.
Is the brown sugar packed or loose?
The 1/2 cup of brown sugar should be packed.
What is the crumble topping made of?
The crumble topping is made using rolled oats, brown sugar, and cool salted butter.
What gives the pie a 'rustic' feel?
The combination of fresh whole fruits and a textured oat crumble topping contributes to its rustic character.
Can I adjust the allspice?
Yes, the recipe suggests a pinch of allspice to taste.
What is the preparation for the grapes?
Grapes should be washed and have their stems removed before being added to the filling.
Can this pie be served at family dinners?
Yes, it is described as a cozy treat perfect for family dinners or summer gatherings.
Is this pie suitable for a 9-inch pan?
The recipe is specifically measured for an 8-inch pie crust.
Are ground cherries and cape gooseberries the same thing?
In the context of this recipe, they are used interchangeably.
What is the role of the rolled oats?
Rolled oats provide a delicious, crunchy texture to the crumble topping.
Does this pie contain sodium?
While specific nutritional values aren't provided, the use of salted butter adds some sodium to the recipe.
Is this a fruit-heavy pie?
Yes, with two full cups of fruit (grapes and gooseberries), it is a very fruit-forward dessert.
What makes the grape flavor 'honeyed'?
The recipe relies on the natural sweetness of the grapes combined with brown sugar to create a honeyed effect.