If you have a sweet tooth and adore the delightful balance between fruity freshness and buttery, flaky crusts, then you are in for a real treat with this Sweet Apricot Pie with Flaky Cream Cheese Pastry Recipe. Imagine biting into tender slices of ripe apricots enveloped in a golden crust that’s rich with the subtle tang of cream cheese. This pie is not only a feast for the eyes but also delivers a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that will leave you craving for more. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a weekend indulgence, this recipe will become your new go-to for showcasing apricots in a way that feels both homey and elegant.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh, straightforward ingredients is the secret to achieving that incredible balance between the creamy, flaky pastry and the juicy, sweet apricot filling. Each component plays a crucial role: the apricots bring vibrant sweetness and a beautiful golden color, while the flour and cinnamon add a comforting warmth and help the filling set perfectly.
- Flaky Cream Cheese Pastry Dough: This crust is the magic — its cream cheese makes the dough incredibly tender and flaky, enhancing every bite.
- 2 1/2 lbs fresh ripe apricots: Pitted and sliced to half-inch thickness, these juicy apricots are the star of the dish with their luscious sweetness.
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice: Adds a zing of brightness that balances the sweetness and keeps the fruit vibrant.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling just enough without overpowering the natural apricot flavor.
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour: Acts as a thickener to give the filling the perfect pudding-like consistency once baked.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: Brings in a subtle spice that complements the apricots perfectly.
- 1/8 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, making sure nothing tastes flat.
- 1 egg whisked with 1 Tbsp cold water: Used for brushing the crust to achieve that inviting golden shine.
How to Make Sweet Apricot Pie with Flaky Cream Cheese Pastry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flaky Cream Cheese Pastry Dough
Begin by making your flaky cream cheese pastry dough. This dough stands out because the cream cheese adds a subtle tang and richness, resulting in a crust that is tender yet beautifully flaky. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to fit your pie pan, making sure it’s even in thickness for that perfect golden bake.
Step 2: Prepare the Apricot Filling
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apricots with lemon juice, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. This combination ensures your fruit stays fresh-tasting while the flour thickens the juices as it bakes, and the cinnamon adds a cozy aroma that’s just irresistible. Give everything a gentle but thorough mix so the spices and sugar coat every slice evenly.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Carefully transfer your rolled-out dough to the pie dish and gently press it into place. Pour your vibrant apricot filling into the crust, spreading it out evenly. You can choose to create a lattice top or a solid crust from the remaining pastry dough. Don’t forget to brush the top crust with your egg wash mixture—it’ll give you a glossy, professionally finished look.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your pie into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 50 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crust is beautifully golden brown and the filling is bubbling gently at the edges. Let the pie cool for at least an hour so the filling sets perfectly, making every slice neat and ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Sweet Apricot Pie with Flaky Cream Cheese Pastry Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate finish or add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to bring contrast in temperature and creaminess. Fresh mint leaves can brighten the presentation and add a refreshing note with each bite.
Side Dishes
This Sweet Apricot Pie with Flaky Cream Cheese Pastry Recipe pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or an herbal tea, perfect for an afternoon treat. You might also serve it alongside a light salad if you’re featuring it as a part of a larger meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your pie into generous wedges and place each segment on a charming dessert plate. For a festive touch, drizzle a bit of honey or apricot glaze over the top. Alternatively, consider serving mini versions in ramekins for a personalized dessert experience that’s perfect for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your apricot pie tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to bring back its flaky goodness without drying it out.
Freezing
This pie freezes beautifully. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To enjoy your Sweet Apricot Pie with Flaky Cream Cheese Pastry Recipe as if freshly baked, reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain that flaky crust texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen apricots for this Sweet Apricot Pie with Flaky Cream Cheese Pastry Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture, which could make your pie runny.
What makes the cream cheese pastry dough different from regular pie crust?
The cream cheese adds richness and a slight tang, resulting in a more tender and flaky texture than a standard pie crust.
Can I make this pie vegan or dairy-free?
With some substitutions like vegan cream cheese and a plant-based butter alternative, you can create a lovely version, but expect slight differences in texture and flavor.
What’s the best way to prevent the bottom crust from getting soggy?
Blind baking your crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling or dusting the crust with a bit of flour or ground nuts can help absorb excess moisture.
Can I add other spices or flavorings to this apricot pie?
Definitely! Nutmeg, cardamom, or a splash of vanilla extract can all complement the apricot filling beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making and sharing this Sweet Apricot Pie with Flaky Cream Cheese Pastry Recipe. Its incredibly tender crust and juicy, flavorful apricot filling will win over anyone lucky enough to have a slice. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, take your time with each step, and enjoy the rewarding experience of baking a pie that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Sweet Apricot Pie with Flaky Cream Cheese Pastry Recipe
- Prep Time: 120 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 175 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Apricot Pie features a flaky cream cheese pastry crust filled with juicy, fresh apricots flavored with cinnamon and a hint of lemon juice. Perfect for showcasing ripe apricots in a delicious, tender pie that balances sweet and tart flavors.
Ingredients
Pastry Dough
- 1 recipe for Flaky Cream Cheese Pastry Dough (see Notes)
Filling
- 2 1/2 lbs fresh ripe apricots, pitted and sliced into 1/2″ thick slices
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp salt
Egg Wash
- 1 egg whisked together with 1 Tbsp cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the pastry dough: Make your flaky cream cheese pastry dough according to the recipe provided in the notes, then chill it thoroughly to ensure easy handling and a tender crust.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced apricots with lemon juice, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt, ensuring all fruit is evenly coated.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out two-thirds of the dough into a circle large enough to line a 9-inch pie plate. Carefully transfer the dough to the pie plate, pressing gently to fit and leaving the edges hanging over.
- Add the filling: Pour the apricot mixture into the prepared crust, spreading evenly.
- Top crust: Roll out the remaining dough to cover the pie. You can either make a full top crust, seal the edges, and cut slits for steam to escape, or create a lattice pattern for a decorative finish.
- Apply egg wash: Brush the top crust lightly with the egg wash to help it brown beautifully during baking.
- Bake the pie: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pie on the middle rack and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool before serving: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack, allowing the filling to set for clean slices.
Notes
- For the Flaky Cream Cheese Pastry Dough, combine 8 ounces cream cheese (softened), 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed), 2 cups all-purpose flour, and 1/4 tsp salt. Pulse in a food processor until dough forms, then chill before rolling out.
- Ensure apricots are ripe but firm to hold shape during baking.
- You can adjust sugar levels depending on the natural sweetness of your apricots.
- Use fresh apricots in season for best flavor, or thawed frozen apricots if out of season.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
