Apple and Blackcurrant Pie Recipe with a Perfectly Flaky Crust

If you're craving a comforting dessert that combines the natural sweetness of apples with the tartness of blackcurrants, this apple and blackcurrant pie is the perfect recipe for you. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a special occasion, or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea, this pie is sure to become a favorite. The crispy, flaky crust combined with the fruity filling creates a harmonious and indulgent treat.

Ingredients:

For the pie crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into cubes)
• 2 tbsp sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• 4-5 tbsp ice water

For the filling:

• 4 medium apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
• 1 ½ cups blackcurrants (fresh or frozen)
• ¾ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp butter (for dotting)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Dough

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together to ensure they are evenly mixed.

2. Add Butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix gently until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough to keep it light and flaky.

4. Chill the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, divide it in half, and shape each half into a disc. Wrap the discs in plastic wrap and chill them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the dough to rest.

Step 2: Make the Pie Filling

1. Prepare the Fruits: Peel and core the apples, then slice them into thin wedges. If using fresh blackcurrants, remove them from their stems. If you’re using frozen blackcurrants, allow them to thaw and drain excess moisture.

2. Mix the Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the apples, blackcurrants, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir gently to coat the fruit evenly. The cornstarch will help thicken the filling as it bakes, ensuring a perfect texture.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has chilled, remove one disc from the fridge and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish, about 12 inches in diameter.

2. Fit the Dough into the Pie Dish: Carefully transfer the rolled dough into a 9-inch pie dish. Press the dough into the bottom and sides of the dish. Trim any excess dough around the edges, leaving about an inch of overhang.

3. Add the Filling: Pour the prepared apple and blackcurrant filling into the pie crust. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter for extra flavor.

4. Top the Pie: Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the pie. You can cover the entire pie with the second layer of dough, or for a more decorative look, cut the dough into strips to make a lattice pattern. If using a full crust, make sure to cut a few slits on the top to allow steam to escape while baking.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Bake the Pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake it in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

3. Cool the Pie: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least an hour before slicing. This will help the filling set and make it easier to serve.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your warm apple and blackcurrant pie with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or just as it is. The combination of the tart blackcurrants and sweet apples makes for a wonderful dessert, and the buttery crust will keep everyone coming back for more.

Tips for Success:

• Fruit Variations: While apples and blackcurrants make the perfect pairing in this pie, feel free to experiment with other fruits, such as pears, cherries, or raspberries, to create your own unique variation.
• Make Ahead: This pie can be made ahead of time. After baking, let it cool completely, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven before serving.
• Storage: If you have leftover pie, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate it for longer storage.

Serving and Enjoying the Apple and Blackcurrant Pie

Once your pie is ready, it's time to enjoy it! For an extra touch of sweetness, you can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cold creaminess contrasts wonderfully with the warm, tangy apple and blackcurrant filling. If you're looking to make it a more decadent dessert, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a light dusting of powdered sugar can elevate the flavors even more.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, don’t worry – this pie stores very well. Allow the pie to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It can stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it to extend its freshness for up to a week. For longer storage, slice the pie into portions and freeze it. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag for up to a month. To enjoy it again, simply thaw the pie at room temperature or reheat individual slices in the oven.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with different fruit combinations! If you prefer, you can substitute the blackcurrants with other berries such as raspberries or blueberries. For a more exotic twist, try adding a few spoonfuls of orange zest or a hint of ginger to the filling for a spiced flavor profile. You could also play around with different types of crusts – try using a shortcrust pastry or even puff pastry for a flakier, buttery texture.

Why This Pie Works

This apple and blackcurrant pie is the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. The apples offer a natural sweetness and a soft texture, while the blackcurrants provide a tart, slightly tangy flavor that complements the richness of the crust. Together, they make a delightful combination that's sure to satisfy your taste buds.

By following these tips and tweaks, you'll be able to customize this recipe to suit your preferences and enjoy this comforting dessert in many different ways! Whether you're baking it for a family gathering, a holiday, or simply as a weekend treat, this pie is sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.

This apple and blackcurrant pie with a buttery, flaky crust is the ideal dessert to make when you’re craving something sweet and comforting. It combines fresh seasonal fruit with a simple yet delicious homemade crust, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion. Enjoy!