Ground Cherry Pie Recipe Easy and Delicious Dessert Ideas

Ground cherry pie is a delightful twist on the traditional fruit pie, bursting with the uniquely sweet and tangy flavor of ground cherries, also known as Physalis or husk tomatoes. These charming little golden berries pack a punch of citrusy goodness that balances perfectly with a flaky, buttery crust.

Whether you’ve just harvested a fresh batch from your garden or picked some up at the farmer’s market, ground cherry pie offers a fresh, vibrant dessert option that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

In this recipe, you’ll learn how to prepare a luscious pie filling that highlights the natural brightness of ground cherries, combined with just the right amount of sugar and warming spices. The crust is tender and buttery, providing the perfect vessel for the juicy filling.

Ideal for summer gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy weekend treat, this pie is a must-try for anyone looking to explore new flavors in classic desserts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This ground cherry pie recipe stands out because it uses fresh, seasonal fruit to create a dessert that’s both classic and unique. Ground cherries offer a subtle combination of sweetness with a hint of tartness, making the pie refreshing and not overly sugary.

The texture is wonderfully soft yet slightly firm, creating a luscious bite every time.

Plus, this recipe is approachable for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re an experienced pie maker or a beginner, the instructions are clear and straightforward, ensuring a successful bake.

The use of simple pantry staples and minimal equipment means you can create this delicious pie without fuss. If you enjoy exploring other fruit-based desserts, you might also love our Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy or our Clementine Bakery Vegan Recipes for Delicious Treats.

Ingredients

• 4 cups ground cherries (fresh, husked and rinsed)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on sweetness of fruit)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 recipe of pie crust (enough for a double crust 9-inch pie, homemade or store-bought)
• 1 tablespoon butter (cut into small pieces, for dotting)
• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
• 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling on top)

Equipment

• 9-inch pie dish
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry brush (for egg wash)
• Rolling pin (if using homemade crust)
• Sharp knife or pastry cutter (for venting top crust)
• Oven (preheated to 375°F / 190°C)
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Prepare the ground cherries: Carefully husk and rinse the ground cherries. Pat them dry with a paper towel. If some are very large, you can cut them in half to ensure even cooking.
2. Make the pie filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground cherries, granulated sugar, flour, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and salt. Stir gently until the cherries are evenly coated and the mixture looks glossy.
3. Prepare the pie crust: Roll out one portion of your pie dough on a lightly floured surface to fit your 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the dough to the pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides.
4. Add the filling: Pour the ground cherry mixture into the crust-lined pie dish. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter to add richness and flavor.
5. Top crust: Roll out the second portion of dough and either cover the pie completely or create a lattice top. If covering fully, cut a few small slits in the center for steam to escape. If making a lattice, weave the strips carefully over the filling.
6. Seal and egg wash: Pinch the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal. Trim any excess dough. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg to achieve a golden finish. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired for extra sparkle and crunch.
7. Bake the pie: Place the pie dish on the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
8. Cool completely: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This resting time allows the filling to set perfectly, making slicing easier.
9. Serve and enjoy: Slice the pie and serve as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

Tips & Variations

For best results, use ripe but firm ground cherries to avoid a watery filling.

Feel free to customize this pie to your taste. You can add a splash of orange liqueur or almond extract to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.

If you prefer a less sweet pie, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup and balance the tartness with a bit more cinnamon.

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for thickening, and use a gluten-free pie crust. Vegan bakers can easily swap the butter for vegan butter and replace the egg wash with a mixture of maple syrup and plant-based milk.

Try mixing other fruits such as blueberries or raspberries with the ground cherries for a mixed berry pie experience. To explore more vegan dessert options, check out our Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy and Clementine Bakery Vegan Recipes for Delicious Treats.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Ground cherry pie is best enjoyed slightly warm or at room temperature. For a classic presentation, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.

The creamy cold contrast complements the warm, fruity filling beautifully.

For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk ice cream or a spoonful of coconut whipped cream. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup can add an extra touch of sweetness if desired.

This pie also pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, making it perfect for afternoon tea or dessert after dinner.

Conclusion

Making a ground cherry pie is a wonderful way to celebrate the unique flavors of this lesser-known fruit. The balance of sweet and tart, combined with a buttery crust, creates a dessert that’s both comforting and exciting.

This recipe is approachable yet impressive, perfect for bakers looking to try something new or impress guests with a fresh seasonal treat.

From the simple preparation to the delicious results, ground cherry pie is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Don’t forget to share your creation with loved ones and pair it with other delicious recipes like our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious or explore savory options with Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious.

Happy baking!

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