Sunshine Harvest Fruit Pie Filling
Capture the essence of summer with this make-ahead fruit pie filling, perfect for freezing and baking at a later date. Utilizing firm-ripe apricots or juicy peaches, this filling brings a burst of flavor to your desserts year-round. With a balance of sweetness and a hint of spice, it's ideal for satisfying sweet cravings during the cold winter months. The filling is designed to be convenient, letting you whip up a delicious and freshly baked pie from your freezer without the fuss. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
apricots or peaches
3 lbs (firm-ripe; apricots cut into quarters, peaches peeled and cut into thin wedges)
sugar or Splenda sugar substitute
1/2 cup (to taste)
all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (for thickening)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
ground cinnamon or mace
1/2 teaspoon (for flavor)
salt
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing your fruit: Cut each apricot lengthwise into quarters (or sixths if they are very large), discarding the pits. If using peaches, peel them and slice into thin wedges. You should have about 8 cups of prepared fruit.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared fruit with 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of flour (adjust based on juiciness of the fruit), lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt. Gently toss to coat the fruit evenly. Taste the mixture and add more sugar if desired, up to a total of 3/4 cup.
3
Prepare your storage: Line a 9-inch pie pan with a 20-inch-long piece of aluminum foil, allowing about 5 inches of overhang on each side. Layer a 20-inch-long piece of plastic wrap over the foil.
4
Pour the fruit mixture into the plastic wrap-lined pie pan. Gather the edges of the plastic wrap and fold them over the filling to seal. Fold the foil over the plastic wrap for added protection.
5
Freeze the pie filling for up to 3 months. Once fully frozen, about 8 hours, remove from the pie pan and store in your freezer.
6
To prepare your pie from frozen: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unwrap the frozen filling and place it in a 9-inch pie pan lined with an unbaked crust. Cover with a top crust, crimp the edges to seal, and cut small slits into the top for venting.
7
Place the pie on a foil-lined baking sheet to catch any drips during baking.
8
Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours. If the crust starts to brown too quickly before the filling bubbles, loosely cover the top with foil to prevent burning.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sunshine Harvest Fruit Pie Filling?
It is a make-ahead fruit pie filling using summer fruits like apricots or peaches that is designed to be frozen and baked at a later date.
What types of fruit are recommended for this recipe?
This recipe is designed for firm-ripe apricots or juicy peaches.
How many pounds of fruit do I need?
You will need approximately 3 pounds of fruit for this filling.
How should I prepare the apricots?
Cut each apricot lengthwise into quarters or sixths if they are very large, and discard the pits.
How should I prepare the peaches?
Peaches should be peeled and sliced into thin wedges.
What is the total volume of fruit required?
You should have about 8 cups of prepared fruit.
Can I use a sugar substitute?
Yes, you can use Splenda sugar substitute instead of regular sugar.
How much sugar is needed for the filling?
Start with 1/2 cup of sugar and adjust to taste, using up to a total of 3/4 cup.
Why is flour added to the fruit mixture?
All-purpose flour is used as a thickening agent for the juices released by the fruit.
How much flour should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, though you can adjust this based on the juiciness of the fruit.
What type of lemon juice is best?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor.
What spices can I add to the filling?
You can use either ground cinnamon or mace for flavor.
How much cinnamon or mace is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or mace.
Is salt necessary in this sweet pie filling?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is included to balance the flavors.
How do I freeze the filling so it fits a pie pan?
Line a 9-inch pie pan with aluminum foil and plastic wrap, pour in the filling, and seal it before freezing.
How long does it take to freeze the filling?
The filling needs about 8 hours to become fully frozen in the pie pan shape.
How long can I store the filling in the freezer?
The fruit pie filling can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Do I need to thaw the filling before baking?
No, you should unwrap the frozen filling and place it directly into an unbaked crust while still frozen.
What size pie pan is used for this recipe?
This recipe is designed for a 9-inch pie pan.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking the pie.
How do I assemble the pie for baking?
Place the frozen filling in an unbaked crust, cover with a top crust, and crimp the edges to seal.
Should I vent the top crust of the pie?
Yes, cut small slits into the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
How can I prevent the oven from getting dirty while baking?
Place the pie on a foil-lined baking sheet to catch any drips from the bubbling fruit filling.
How long does the pie take to bake?
Bake the pie for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours.
What should I do if the crust browns too quickly?
Loosely cover the top of the pie with foil to prevent burning while the filling finishes cooking.
How do I know when the pie is finished?
The pie is ready when the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Is this recipe good for winter?
Yes, it is ideal for enjoying summer fruit flavors during the cold winter months.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is designed for convenience and easy baking without the fuss of immediate preparation.
What is the main benefit of this make-ahead filling?
It allows you to capture the peak essence of summer fruit for use in freshly baked desserts at any time.
Can I use this for family gatherings?
Absolutely, this convenient recipe is perfect for serving at family gatherings or cozy nights in.