Apricot Pie Recipe

This homemade apricot pie features a flaky cream cheese crust paired with fresh, juicy apricot filling spiced with cinnamon and lemon juice. Perfect for seasonal baking, this easy-to-make dessert combines tender pastry and sweet-tart fruit for a classic pie experience. Ideal for holidays, family gatherings, or anytime you want a delicious fruit pie recipe.

Ingredients

For the Flaky Cream Cheese Pastry Dough:
See Notes Section (link to NatashasKitchen.com for detailed recipe)

For the Pie Filling:

• 2 ½ lbs fresh ripe apricots, pitted and sliced about ½ inch thick
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon salt

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg, whisked with 1 tablespoon cold water

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   Make the flaky cream cheese pastry dough following the linked recipe. Chill the dough in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
2. Roll Out Dough:
   Remove one portion of chilled dough and place it on a large sheet of parchment paper. Lightly dust with flour and roll it into a 13-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate by placing the dough on top of the plate and peeling off the parchment paper.
3. Prepare Lattice Strips:
   Roll out the second piece of dough on the same parchment paper into a 12-inch circle. Using a pizza cutter, slice into about 15 strips approximately ¾ inch wide. Set aside.
4. Make the Filling:
   Preheat oven to 425°F. In a small bowl, combine sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apricots with lemon juice. Sprinkle the dry mixture over the apricots and gently toss to coat.
5. Assemble the Pie:
   Pour the apricot filling evenly into the prepared pie crust. Arrange the dough strips in a lattice pattern over the filling. Crimp the edges of the pie to seal. You can also use leftover dough strips to create a woven border for decoration. Press the edges firmly to prevent the crust from separating while baking.
6. Apply Egg Wash:
   Brush the entire top crust and edges with the egg wash for a golden finish.
7. Bake the Pie:
   Place the pie on the center oven rack and bake at 425°F for 20 minutes. Then, place a foil-lined baking sheet underneath to catch drips, reduce heat to 375°F, and bake for an additional 30 minutes until the filling bubbles. If the crust browns too fast, loosely cover the pie with foil.
8. Cool Before Serving:
   Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours to let the filling thicken. Cutting too soon will result in a runny filling, but the flavor will still be delicious.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Features fresh, juicy apricots with a balanced sweetness and subtle spice.
• Flaky cream cheese crust adds a tender, rich texture unlike traditional pie dough.
• Lattice crust creates a beautiful presentation for any occasion.
• Perfect for seasonal fruit desserts, gatherings, or weekend baking projects.

Tips

• Use ripe but firm apricots to avoid overly watery filling.
• Chill dough well for easier handling and flakier crust.
• Avoid over-filling the pie to prevent spills during baking.
• Cover edges with foil if they brown too quickly.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap apricots for peaches, nectarines, or mixed berries.
• Use a gluten-free flour blend in the dough and filling for a gluten-free option.
• Add a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract to the filling for extra flavor.
• Substitute lemon juice with lime juice or a splash of orange juice for a citrus twist.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apricots?
Yes, thaw and drain excess liquid before using to avoid a soggy crust.

How do I store leftover pie?
Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat slices gently in the oven.

Can I make this pie ahead?
Yes, assemble the pie and refrigerate for a few hours before baking.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm or at room temperature with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a comforting treat.
• Great as a dessert after family dinners or holiday meals.

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This apricot pie offers a perfect combination of flaky pastry and sweet, spiced fruit filling, making it a favorite for fruit pie lovers.