Introduction
If you are looking for a delicious dessert that combines a rich, buttery crust with the sweet tartness of plums, then this plum shortcrust pie recipe is perfect for you. This treat captures the essence of autumn with its juicy fruit filling and flaky pastry, making it an ideal addition to your baking repertoire. It’s easy to make and a sure way to impress your family and friends.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 250g all-purpose flour
– 125g cold butter, cubed
– 100g powdered sugar
– 1 large egg
– A pinch of salt
– 500g plums, pitted and halved
– 2 tablespoons sugar (for the plums)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Optional: a sprinkle of cinnamon
Prep Time
The prep time for this delightful plum shortcrust pie is approximately 20 minutes. This includes the time taken to prepare the dough and the plums for filling.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Yield: Serves 8 slices
Enjoy this scrumptious dessert as a delightful ending to any meal or as a sweet treat with your afternoon tea.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Butter and Flour Mixture
Start by cutting cold butter into small cubes. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold butter with all-purpose flour. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 2: Add Sugar and Egg Yolks
Next, add granulated sugar and egg yolks to the butter and flour mixture. Mix well until all ingredients are combined into a dough.
Step 3: Form the Dough
Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
While the dough is chilling, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Step 5: Prepare the Plums
Wash and pit the plums. Cut them into halves or quarters depending on your preference.
Step 6: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough is chilled, take it out of the refrigerator. On a floured surface, roll out two-thirds of the dough into a rectangle to fit your baking dish.
Step 7: Line the Baking Dish
Lay the rolled-out dough into the prepared baking dish, pressing it gently into the edges. Prick the base with a fork to prevent it from puffing up while baking.
Step 8: Add Plum Filling
Arrange the prepared plums evenly over the dough base. Sprinkle a bit of sugar on top of the plums for added sweetness.
Step 9: Make the Crumble Topping
Take the remaining dough and crumble it over the plums. This will create a topping that will bake to a golden crust.
Step 10: Bake the Pastry
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 30-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the plums are bubbly.
Step 11: Cool and Serve
Once done, remove the pastry from the oven and let it cool in the dish for a few minutes. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Note 1: Choosing Plums
Select ripe but firm plums to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
Note 2: Serving Suggestions
This pastry can be served as is or accompanied by vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful dessert.
Note 3: Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. Reheat in the oven before serving for the best texture.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Shortcrust Pastry
Shortcrust pastry is made by combining flour, butter, and sugar to create a crumbly texture. It’s important to work quickly and keep the ingredients cold to avoid melting the butter, ensuring a tender crust.
Blind Baking the Crust
Blind baking involves pre-baking the pastry shell without the filling. This technique helps prevent the crust from becoming soggy once the filling is added. Use pie weights or dried beans to weigh down the crust during this process.
Using Seasonal Fruits
Select ripe plums for the filling to enhance the flavor of your dessert. Seasonal fruits not only offer better taste but also add nutritional value and depth to your dish.
Assembling the Pie
Carefully layer the fruit in the pre-baked crust, making sure to distribute it evenly. This ensures that every slice has a balanced amount of fruit.
Baking the Pie
Bake the assembled pie at the recommended temperature, checking for a bubbly filling and golden crust as indicators of doneness.
FAQ
Can I use frozen plums for the pie?
Yes, frozen plums can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid to prevent a soggy pie.
What can I use instead of plums?
You can substitute plums with other fruits such as peaches, cherries, or apples, depending on your preference.
How do I know when the pie is done?
The pie is done when the crust is golden brown, and the filling is bubbly. A toothpick inserted into the fruit should come out clean.
Can I make the pastry in advance?
Yes, the pastry can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a few days, or it can be frozen for longer storage.
What should I serve with the pie?
This pie is delicious on its own, but it pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Conclusion
The plum shortcrust pastry is a delightful treat that perfectly balances the sweetness of ripe plums with the buttery, crumbly texture of the crust. It serves as a wonderful dessert that’s both simple to make and satisfying to enjoy. Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or at room temperature alongside a cup of tea, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Cherry and Almond Tart
Combine luscious cherries with a crunchy almond topping for a delightful twist on the classic shortcrust pastry.
Apple and Cinnamon Galette
Create a rustic galette using fragrant apples and a hint of cinnamon, wrapped in the same buttery pastry for a comforting dessert.
Peach and Cream Cheese Bars
Elevate the shortcrust by adding a layer of cream cheese between the pastry and fresh peaches for a rich flavor combination.
Berry Crumble Pie
Mix assorted berries with a crumble topping for a tart that’s both fruity and crunchy, ideal for summer gatherings.
Chocolate Hazelnut Tart
For a rich dessert, fill the tart shell with a chocolate hazelnut spread and top with crushed hazelnuts for added texture.
