Altruistic Pie
A hearty cherry pecan pie with a whole wheat crust, sweet and tart cherry filling, and crunchy pecans, perfect for a comforting dessert or special occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain cherries, reserving the juice.
- Sprinkle cherries with sugar, stirring occasionally.
- Sift together pastry flour, cinnamon, 8 tablespoons sugar, and salt.
- Cut butter into the flour mixture and add the beaten egg.
- Mix and squish with both hands until the mixture holds together.
- Mush into a ball, wrap tightly, and chill in the freezer for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Pat the dough out in a 10-inch ovenproof glass pie plate, smoothing it up to a neat ridge at the edge of the pan. Put in refrigerator while preparing the filling.
- Drain the sugary juice from cherries into a measuring cup. Add enough sour cherry juice to make 1 cup. Taste and add more sugar if too tart.
- Take out 1/4 cup of juice and set aside. Heat the remaining juice over low heat.
- Add cornstarch to the reserved juice and stir until smooth. Add this mixture to the boiling juice and stir until clear and thickened (2-4 minutes).
- Add almond extract and several drops of red food coloring to the thickened juice.
- Gently stir the pecan halves into the cherries.
- Pile the cherry and pecan mixture into the prepared crust.
- Pour the hot juice-cornstarch mixture over the filling.
- Bake for about 1 hour until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a slightly different flavor, consider using almond flour instead of whole wheat pastry flour, which will give the crust a nutty taste. If you prefer a sweeter pie, increase the sugar in the filling to suit your taste. To ensure even cooking, make sure to drain the cherries thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the pie. Also, if you’re short on time, use a pre-made pie crust.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Altruistic Pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. It pairs beautifully with Quick Cherry Pie, offering a delightful cherry flavor contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad or a slice of Garden Veggie Bread for a wonderful balance.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual pieces for about 30 seconds, but the crust may lose some crispness. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Altruistic Pie contains roughly 375 calories, with 6g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of calcium (14% of the Daily Value) and protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1118mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but you'll need to pit and prepare them first. Fresh cherries will provide a firmer texture, and you may need to adjust the sugar based on their sweetness. Ensure to reserve enough juice to equal 1 cup for the filling.
Is it possible to make this pie gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the whole wheat pastry flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture. Additionally, check that your other ingredients are gluten-free to maintain the recipe's integrity.
Can I prepare the pie crust in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pie crust a day ahead. After wrapping it tightly, store it in the refrigerator instead of the freezer. When ready to use, simply roll it out and follow the remaining steps of the recipe for a fresh and delicious pie.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).