Red red pies of summer are a unique and delicious summertime treat. These pies get their name from their vibrant red color and are a classic dessert to enjoy during the warm summer months. In this article, we will explore the history and popularity of red red pies of summer, look at some key ingredients that give them their signature color and flavor, provide tips for making the perfect red red pie, and share some favorite recipes to try at home. Whether you are new to red red pies or a seasoned baker, this article will tell you everything you need to know about this iconic summertime dessert.
What Are Red Red Pies?
Red red pies are a type of fruit pie made with fresh, ripe red fruits like strawberries, raspberries, cherries, and red currants. The filling made from these fruits has an intense red color that gives the pies their name. While any single red fruit or a combination can be used, strawberry red red pies are the most common. The bright filling is nestled inside a flaky and lightly sweetened pie crust. Topped with lattice strips, a crumble, or clouds of whipped cream, these two-crust pies are as beautiful as they are delicious. The taste balances sweet and tart flavors. When fresh summer berries are in season, red red pies are the perfect way to showcase their flavor.
History and Popularity of Red Red Pies
Red red pies have long been a part of American baking traditions, especially in New England. Early recipes for “Strawberry Pies” can be found in cookbooks from the late 18th and early 19th centuries. They gained the nickname “red red pies” in the 1940s. Around this time, they became strongly associated with summertime and the abundance of fresh red fruits.
Today, red red pies are beloved across the United States and remain an iconic summer dessert. People enjoy them at Fourth of July picnics, county fairs, bake sales, and backyard BBQs. Nothing says summer like a slice of cold, tart red red pie on a hot day! Their popularity extends beyond summer as well. While less common, they can be made with frozen, jarred, or canned fruits during the colder months.
Ingredients That Give Red Red Pies Their Color and Flavor
The ingredients that give red red pies their vibrant color and delicious flavor include:
Red Fruits
Red fruits like strawberries, raspberries, tart cherries, and red currants provide the signature red filling and taste. The fruits should be fresh and ripe for the best results. Berries at their peak have the highest juice content, which prevents the filling from being dry or bland.
Sugar
Sugar balances out the natural tartness of the red fruits. Granulated white sugar is most common. Using the right amount is key – too little won’t be sweet enough but too much will overpower the fruit flavor.
Tapioca Starch or Cornstarch
A small amount of tapioca starch or cornstarch helps thicken the fruit filling so it isn’t runny. They also contribute to a smooth texture.
Pie Crust
The pie crust encasing the filling is also an important factor. Flaky and lightly sweetened crusts complement the filling without overpowering it. Crisp crusts with a hint of butter also provide a nice contrast to the soft, bright filling.
Optional Ingredients
Common extras that can be added to red red pie fillings include lemon juice to balance sweetness, vanilla or almond extract for more flavor, and a pinch of salt to minimize tartness. Cinnamon is another popular accent that highlights the natural flavors.
Tips for Making the Perfect Red Red Pie
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your red red pies turn out picture-perfect every time:
Use High Quality Fruit
The freshest, ripest, juiciest fruits will give you the best results. Underripe fruits can be too hard, tart, and lacking in flavor. Overripe fruits will be mushy. Look for brightly colored, fragrant fruit without blemishes.
Mix Berries Together
For a more complex flavor, use 2-3 types of red fruits in your filling. Strawberries and raspberries or strawberries with cherries make tasty combinations. Just be sure the total volume remains the same.
Macerate the Fruit
Toss chopped or sliced fruit with sugar and let sit for 30 minutes. This draws out the natural juices and enhances flavor. Drain off some of the excess liquid before baking for optimal thickness.
Add a Topper
Make your pies extra pretty with a lattice crust, crumble topping, whipped cream, or scoop of ice cream on each slice. This adds more texture and taste.
Let the Pies Cool
Allow pies to cool completely so the filling can thicken and set. Cut neat slices without juices running everywhere. Waiting also prevents the crust from getting soggy.
Store Properly
Keep pies refrigerated and loosely covered. Let refrigerated slices come nearly to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Classic Red Red Pie Recipes to Try
Here are 3 classic red red pie recipes perfect for summertime:
All-American Strawberry Red Red Pie
This recipe uses fresh strawberries for a traditional take on the red red pie. Crisp, flaky, and lightly sweetened crust is the perfect complement.
Ingredients:
- Pie crust for a 2-crust pie
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons tapioca starch or cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water or milk (for egg wash)
- Sanding sugar for sprinkling
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Roll out bottom pie crust and fit into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp edges.
- In a large bowl, mix together sliced strawberries, sugar, tapioca starch, lemon juice, and salt. Let stand for 30 minutes to macerate.
- Pour strawberry mixture into prepared pie crust. Dot fruit mixture with small pieces of butter.
- Roll out top pie crust. Cut into strips and make a lattice top. Trim and seal edges. Brush pie top with egg wash and sprinkle lightly with sanding sugar.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F and bake for 35-40 more minutes until crust is golden brown.
- Allow pie to cool completely before slicing to serve.
Raspberry Red Currant Red Red Pie
The addition of red currants gives this pie a unique, complex flavor. A crumbly oat topping provides contrast.
Ingredients:
- Pie crust for a 2-crust pie
- 2 cups fresh raspberries
- 2 cups fresh red currants
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup instant tapioca
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For streusel topping:
- 1/2 cup quick cooking oats
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Roll out bottom pie crust and fit into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp edges.
- Mix together raspberries, red currants, sugar, tapioca, lemon juice, almond extract and salt. Pour into prepared crust.
- For topping, mix together oats, brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and cinnamon until crumbly. Sprinkle over fruit filling.
- Roll out top crust and place over pie. Trim, seal and flute edges.
- Cut several small slits in top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until crust is golden brown. Let cool before serving.
Fresh Cherry Amaretto Red Red Pie
Amaretto and almond extract add a lovely undertone that pairs wonderfully with tart cherries. The cream cheese pastry crust makes this pie extra special.
Ingredients:
- For crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold butter, cut into pieces
- 2 ounces cream cheese, cut into pieces
- For filling:
- 4 cups fresh pitted tart cherries (about 2 lbs)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 tablespoons Amaretto (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water or milk (for egg wash)
Instructions:
- Make crust: Pulse flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a food processor. Add butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add cream cheese and pulse just until blended. Shape dough into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. On a floured surface, roll out 1 disk of dough into a 12-inch round. Gently fit into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim edges. Roll out other disk for top crust.
- Make filling: In a bowl, gently mix together cherries, sugar, tapioca, lemon juice, Amaretto, almond extract, and salt. Pour into bottom crust.
- Cut top crust into strips for a lattice top. Trim edges, seal, and crimp. Brush with egg wash.
- Bake for 25 minutes. Reduce oven temp to 350°F and bake 20-25 more minutes until crust is golden. Cool before slicing.
Putting It All Together
Red red pies of summer combine fresh-picked red fruits, warm weather, and nostalgic Americana into one amazing dessert. Their vibrant filling and flaky crust create an iconic summertime treat. Use ripe, juicy berries and follow some simple tips for pie perfection. Then pick a classic recipe, like All-American Strawberry, Raspberry Red Currant, or Fresh Cherry Amaretto. Your first bite of red red pie will transport you straight to summer!