Ground cherry pie is a delightful twist on a classic dessert that brings a burst of unique flavor to your table. Ground cherries, also known as husk cherries or cape gooseberries, offer a sweet-tart taste that’s perfect for pies. They’re not as commonly used as other fruits, which makes this recipe a fun way to surprise your family and friends with something new.
We love how ground cherries create a beautiful golden filling that’s both vibrant and delicious. This pie combines the fresh, tangy notes of the fruit with a buttery flaky crust, making every bite irresistible. Whether you’re looking to try something seasonal or just want to add a fresh spin to your baking routine, this ground cherry pie recipe is sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive into making this charming dessert that captures the essence of summer in every slice.
Ingredients
To craft a delicious Ground Cherry Pie, we need fresh ingredients that bring out the unique sweet-tart flavors of the filling and a perfect buttery crust. Below, we break down everything required for the crust, filling, and optional toppings to elevate this charming dessert.
For the Pie Crust
We recommend a flaky, buttery crust that complements the vibrant ground cherry filling perfectly.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
For the Ground Cherry Filling
The star of our pie is the luscious ground cherry filling that balances sweetness and tartness:
| Ingredient | Measurement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh ground cherries | 4 cups, husks removed | Ripe, golden yellow for optimal flavor |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup | Adjust based on fruit sweetness |
| Brown sugar | ¼ cup | Adds depth and caramel notes |
| Cornstarch | 3 tablespoons | To thicken the filling |
| Lemon juice | 1 ½ tablespoons | Enhances tartness and freshness |
| Ground cinnamon | ½ teaspoon | Optional, for subtle spice |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon | Balances sweetness |
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving
- A sprinkle of powdered sugar for a delicate sweetness
- Toasted pecans or sliced almonds for crunch and nuttiness
Equipment Needed
To craft the perfect ground cherry pie, gathering the right equipment is essential. Each tool helps us achieve the ideal texture and flavor, ensuring our baking process flows smoothly from start to finish.
Essential Baking Tools
- Pie Dish
Use a 9-inch glass or ceramic pie dish for even heat distribution and a beautifully baked crust.
- Mixing Bowls
We need a large bowl for the crust ingredients and a medium bowl for the filling.
- Rolling Pin
A sturdy rolling pin helps us roll out the flaky crust evenly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurements of flour, sugar, and other ingredients ensure consistency.
- Pastry Cutter or Food Processor
To blend the butter into the flour quickly for a tender, flaky crust, use a pastry cutter or food processor.
- Sharp Knife or Kitchen Shears
For trimming the dough edges and preparing the ground cherries if necessary.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
For mixing the filling gently without breaking the fruit.
- Fine Mesh Sieve or Sifter
To sift flour and cornstarch, ensuring no lumps.
- Cooling Rack
To cool the pie evenly, preventing a soggy crust.
Optional but Helpful
- Pie Shield or Aluminum Foil
Protects the crust edges from over-browning.
- Pastry Brush
For applying egg wash to achieve a golden, glossy crust.
Equipment Summary Table
| Equipment | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 9-inch Pie Dish | Baking the pie | Glass or ceramic preferred |
| Mixing Bowls | Mixing crust and filling | Large and medium sizes |
| Rolling Pin | Rolling out crust | Ensures even thickness |
| Pastry Cutter/Food Processor | Incorporating butter into flour | Speeds up crust preparation |
| Measuring Cups/Spoons | Accurate ingredient measurement | Use standard US measurements |
| Sharp Knife/Kitchen Shears | Trimming dough and prepping fruit | Ensures neat crust edges |
| Wooden Spoon/Silicone Spatula | Mixing filling without damaging fruit | Gentle stirring |
| Fine Mesh Sieve/Sifter | Sifting dry ingredients | Prevent lumps |
| Cooling Rack | Cooling pie after baking | Prevents soggy crust |
| Pie Shield/Foil (Optional) | Protecting crust edges | Helps avoid over-browning |
| Pastry Brush (Optional) | Applying egg wash for shine | Enhances crust appearance |
By having this equipment ready, we ensure our ground cherry pie process is efficient and yields a pie with that irresistible golden crust and luscious filling.
Prep Work
Before we start assembling our Ground Cherry Pie, there are essential preparation steps to ensure the best flavor and texture. Properly prepping the ground cherries and making the pie crust dough set the foundation for a truly memorable dessert.
Preparing the Ground Cherries
- Husk Removal: Carefully peel away the papery husks from fresh ground cherries. Only discard the husks; the bright golden orange fruits underneath are the star ingredient.
- Washing: Rinse the ground cherries thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Drying: Pat the cherries dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to prevent excess moisture from affecting the filling consistency.
- Inspecting: Sort through the cherries, discarding any that are bruised or overly soft to maintain the best texture.
- Optional Halving: For more even cooking and better flavor absorption, we recommend cutting the ground cherries in half, especially if they are on the larger side.
Making the Pie Crust Dough
- Measure Ingredients precisely for consistent results:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups | Sifted |
| Granulated sugar | 1 tablespoon | |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | |
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (2 sticks) | Cold, cubed |
| Ice water | 4-6 tablespoons | Chilled |
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt to evenly distribute the dry components.
- Cut in the butter: Using a pastry cutter or food processor, cut cold cubed butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-size pieces remaining.
- Add ice water gradually: Sprinkle ice water one tablespoon at a time, gently tossing the dough with a fork or your fingers until it just begins to come together.
- Form dough disks: Divide the dough into two equal parts and press each into a 5-inch disk. Wrap each disk tightly in plastic wrap.
- Chill: Refrigerate the dough disks for at least 1 hour before rolling out. This resting time relaxes the gluten and keeps the butter cold for a flaky crust.
With the ground cherries cleaned and sliced, and our pie crust dough chilled and ready, we can confidently move forward to assembling a pie that promises a perfect balance of crisp crust and succulent filling.
Directions
Let’s walk through the process of creating our delicious ground cherry pie step-by-step. Following these clear instructions ensures a flaky crust and a perfectly cooked, flavorful filling.
Making the Pie Crust
- Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Cut in Butter
Add 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces.
- Add Ice Water
Drizzle 6 to 8 tablespoons of ice water evenly over the mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to hold together. Add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed.
- Form Dough Disks
Divide the dough in half. Form each half into a flat disk. Wrap disks in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Preparing the Ground Cherry Filling
- Prepare Ground Cherries
Remove husks from 4 cups fresh ground cherries. Rinse under cold water, then pat dry. Cut in half if berries are large.
- Mix Filling Ingredients
In a mixing bowl combine:
- 4 cups ground cherries
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Toss to Coat
Use a spatula to mix until the ground cherries are evenly coated with the sugars, spices, and cornstarch. Set aside to macerate while rolling out the dough.
Assembling the Pie
- Preheat Oven
Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll Out Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disk to a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish.
- Add Filling
Pour the ground cherry mixture into the crust, spreading evenly.
- Add Top Crust
Roll out the second dough disk into a 12-inch circle. Place it over the filling. Trim excess dough, then crimp edges to seal.
- Vent and Brush
Cut 4 to 6 slits in the top crust for steam to escape. Optionally brush with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water) for a golden finish.
Baking Instructions
| Step | Instruction | Time | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preheat Oven | Heat oven to | — | 375°F (190°C) |
| Bake Pie | Place pie on middle rack | 45-50 minutes | 375°F (190°C) |
| Check Doneness | Crust golden and filling bubbling through vents | Around 45 mins | — |
| Cool Pie | Remove from oven and cool on wire rack | 2 hours | Room temperature |
Tip: If edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil or a pie shield after 30 minutes of baking to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
To truly enjoy our Ground Cherry Pie, consider pairing it with complementary flavors and textures that highlight its unique sweet-tart profile. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve this delightful dessert:
- Warm with Vanilla Ice Cream
Serve slices slightly warm straight from the oven, topped with a generous scoop of rich vanilla ice cream. The cold cream melts into the golden filling creating a luscious contrast that enhances the ground cherries’ natural brightness.
- With Whipped Cream and a Dusting of Powdered Sugar
Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream for airy lightness. Finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation that adds a touch of extra sweetness.
- Sprinkled with Toasted Nuts
For a pleasing crunch, sprinkle toasted pecans or sliced almonds over the top just before serving. The nuts add a toasty richness that balances the pie’s tartness and buttery crust.
Flavor Pairings Table
| Serving Style | Flavor/Textural Benefit | Suggested Accompaniments |
|---|---|---|
| Warm Pie + Vanilla Ice Cream | Creamy cold contrast to warm tart filling | Vanilla bean or French vanilla ice cream |
| Whipped Cream + Powdered Sugar | Lightness and subtle sweetness | Freshly whipped, lightly sweetened cream |
| Toasted Nuts | Crunchy texture and nutty depth | Pecan halves, slivered almonds, or walnuts |
Additional Tips
- We recommend serving the pie slightly cooled if you prefer a firmer filling texture, which makes slicing cleaner and easier.
- For celebrations, garnish slices with a small sprig of mint or a few fresh ground cherries to echo the pie’s vibrant color and flavor.
- Pair this dessert with a warm cup of herbal tea or a mild coffee to complement its complex flavor profile without overpowering it.
By combining these serving suggestions with our ground cherry pie’s buttery crust and tangy-sweet filling, we elevate the eating experience, making every bite memorable and delicious.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Proper storage and make-ahead techniques are essential for preserving the delightful flavor and perfect texture of our Ground Cherry Pie. Here’s how we can keep your pie fresh and delicious for as long as possible.
Storing Freshly Baked Ground Cherry Pie
- Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature, about 2 to 3 hours, before storing.
- Wrap the pie loosely with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
- Store the pie in the refrigerator to keep the filling fresh. The crust may soften slightly but will still maintain good texture.
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 24 hours | Best for short term serving |
| Refrigerator | 3 to 5 days | Keep well covered |
| Freezer (baked pie) | Up to 2 months | Wrap tightly in foil and plastic |
Freezing Ground Cherry Pie
- To freeze freshly baked pie, allow it to cool completely.
- Wrap the entire pie in foil and plastic wrap for double protection against freezer burn.
- Label and date the package.
- When ready to serve, thaw the pie overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes to refresh the crust’s flakiness.
Make-Ahead Pie Crust Tips
- We can prepare the pie crust dough up to 3 days in advance.
- Wrap the dough disks tightly in plastic wrap and keep them refrigerated.
- Bring to room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling out.
- This pre-prep reduces your baking day stress and ensures a flakier crust.
Make-Ahead Filling Preparation
- Prepare the ground cherry filling 1 day ahead.
- Store the filling in a covered container in the refrigerator.
- Chill fully before filling the pie crust on baking day.
- This step lets the flavors meld beautifully for a richer taste.
Pro Tip: To keep crust edges from browning in the fridge, cover them with a pie shield or strips of aluminum foil after baking.
With these storage and make-ahead tips, we guarantee your Ground Cherry Pie stays flavorful, fresh, and ready for any celebration or cozy dessert moment.
Conclusion
Ground cherry pie offers a delightful way to bring something fresh and flavorful to the dessert table. Its unique balance of sweet and tart notes combined with a flaky crust makes it a standout treat for any season. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings or simply craving a new twist on a classic pie, this recipe delivers both comfort and excitement.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, we can easily create a pie that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. By experimenting with toppings and serving options, every bite becomes a little celebration of summer’s bounty. Let’s keep this charming dessert in our baking rotation and enjoy the vibrant flavors ground cherries have to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are ground cherries and how do they taste?
Ground cherries, also known as husk cherries or cape gooseberries, are small fruits enclosed in papery husks. They have a unique sweet-tart flavor, combining citrusy and tropical notes, making them perfect for pies and desserts.
What ingredients are needed for ground cherry pie?
You’ll need ground cherries, all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, unsalted butter, ice water, lemon juice, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, and brown and granulated sugar. Optional toppings include whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, powdered sugar, and toasted nuts.
What equipment do I need to bake the pie?
Essential tools include a 9-inch pie dish, mixing bowls, rolling pin, measuring cups and spoons, a pastry cutter, sharp knife, and a wooden spoon. Optional tools are a pie shield, pastry brush, and aluminum foil for crust protection.
How do I prepare ground cherries for the pie?
Remove the papery husks from the ground cherries, rinse them gently under cold water, and drain well before mixing with the other filling ingredients.
Can I make the pie crust and filling ahead of time?
Yes, the pie crust dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 3 days, while the ground cherry filling can be prepared a day in advance to save time on baking day.
How should I bake the ground cherry pie?
Preheat your oven, assemble the pie with crust and filling, vent the top crust, brush with egg wash, and bake until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. Protect crust edges to avoid over-browning.
What are the best ways to serve ground cherry pie?
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Dust with powdered sugar and add toasted pecans or sliced almonds for extra texture and flavor.
How do I store leftover ground cherry pie?
Let the pie cool completely, then store it in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the pie for up to 2 months.
Can I freeze the pie before or after baking?
You can freeze the assembled pie before baking or the baked pie after cooling. Ensure it’s wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn.
What makes ground cherry pie different from regular fruit pies?
Its unique sweet-tart flavor from ground cherries gives the pie a vibrant golden filling that differs from typical berry or apple pies, offering a fresh and summery twist.