Summer is the season of endless blue skies, vibrant blooms, and golden sunsets — and the perfect time for outdoor gatherings with friends and family. There’s no better way to celebrate these joyful occasions than with a fresh-baked pie bursting with the season’s flavors.
With the right recipes and a little know-how, you can provide the most beloved dish at this summer’s picnics and patio parties.
What Do I Need to Bake the Perfect Pie?
One secret to baking pies that truly stand out is choosing the right tools for the job. When you’re trying to achieve that golden-brown crust that’s just the right amount of crispy, ceramic cookware is your best friend.
Unlike metal pans, ceramic heats up slowly and evenly, reducing the risk of those dreaded soggy bottoms. Now that you have the tools of the trade at your fingertips let’s dive into some delicious pie recipes that will make your desserts the talk of the town.
Classic Cherry Pie
Let’s kick things off with a quintessential summer favorite: the classic cherry pie. This pie is all about simplicity and letting the natural flavors shine through.
You’ll need two cups of pitted fresh or frozen cherries, one cup of granulated sugar, two tablespoons of cornstarch, one teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. You’ll also want to grab a pre-made or homemade pie crust.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), and arrange the bottom crust in your ceramic pie dish. In a bowl, mix the cherries with sugar, cornstarch, salt, and vanilla. Then, pour the cherry filling into the crust.
Roll out the second dough piece and cover the top, crimping the edges to seal, and cut slits in the top crust to let any steam escape. Bake your pie in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Let your pie cool before serving to let the filling set. Serve alone or a la mode with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing summer treat.
Decadent Chocolate Ganache Pie
For those evenings when only the most indulgent dessert will do, the decadent chocolate ganache pie is a show-stopper. There’s nothing more certain to be a smash success than a luscious combination of smooth chocolate ganache nestled in a crispy, buttery crust.
Start by combining 1 and 1/2 cups of finely crushed cookie crumbs with six tablespoons of melted butter, pressing the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a ceramic pie dish. Bake this base at 350°F for seven minutes and let it cool. Next, heat one cup of heavy cream in a saucepan until it begins to bubble.
Remove from the heat and stir in 12 ounces of chopped semisweet chocolate until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Pour this rich ganache into the cooled crust and refrigerate until set, which should take about two hours. Before serving, top the pie with whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings.
Fresh Peach Crumble Pie
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the natural sweetness of peaches, and what better way than a fresh peach crumble pie? Place a pre-made or homemade pie crust in your ceramic pie dish and layer it with five cups of sliced peaches.
Mix 3/4 cup of granulated sugar with one teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, then sprinkle this mixture over the peaches. For the crumble, blend one cup of all-purpose flour with 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1/2 cup of diced cold unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Evenly distribute this topping over your peaches. Bake the pie at 375°F for about 45 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the peaches are bubbling.
Tangy Key Lime Pie
A classic that never fails to refresh is the tangy key lime pie, perfect for any summer gathering. Combine one cup of key lime juice with two 14-ounce cans of sweetened condensed milk and four egg yolks, whisking them together until smooth. Pour this mixture into a graham cracker crust that sits in a ceramic pie dish.
Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes to set the filling. Allow the pie to cool completely before chilling it in the refrigerator for at least two hours. Serve this chilled pie topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of lime zest for an extra zing.
Summer a la Mode!
Each of these pies offers a unique way to delight your guests and add a sweet note to your summer festivities. From fans of rich chocolate to tangy citrus, there’s a classic pie to match every palate. Experiment with these recipes in your ceramic cookware to find your new favorite — and maybe even start a new summer tradition! Bon appetite!
