Christmas Pie: 7 Sweet Reasons to Bake It Now

November 19, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Ah, the joy of holiday baking! There’s something undeniably magical about the kitchen filling up with warm, inviting scents as you prepare festive treats for your loved ones. One of my absolute favorites is this delightful *Christmas pie*. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece of celebration! I remember the first time I made it for my family. The laughter and joy around the table as we dug into that warm, spiced pie, topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream, is a memory I cherish. It’s a simple recipe, but it brings so much warmth and happiness to our holiday gatherings. Trust me, once you serve this pie, it’ll quickly become a tradition in your home, too!

Ingredients List

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
2 cups mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, cranberries, and apricots)
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

How to Prepare Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part—making this scrumptious *Christmas pie*! Follow these steps, and I promise you’ll have a delightful dessert ready in no time.

Preparing the Pie Crust

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your pie bakes evenly and beautifully.
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Give it a little whisk to mix it well.
Next, add the chilled, diced butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t worry if it’s a bit messy—that’s part of the fun!
Slowly drizzle in the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring until the dough begins to come together. You might need 6 to 8 tablespoons, depending on the humidity.
Once it forms a ball, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge for about 15 minutes. This helps it relax and makes rolling out easier!

Making the Filling

While the dough is resting, let’s whip up that delicious filling! In another bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Mix it all together until the fruits are nicely coated in the sweet spices. I love the smell of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen at this point—so festive!

Assembling the Pie

Take the dough out of the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—homemade is all about charm!
Carefully fit the rolled-out dough into a pie pan, pressing it gently into the edges.
Pour the filling into the crust, spreading it evenly. It should look colorful and inviting!
Roll out another layer of dough for the top. You can either cut it into strips for a lattice effect or just cover it fully. If you go for the full cover, remember to cut a few slits for steam to escape.
Seal the edges by crimping them with your fingers or a fork. Then, brush the top with the beaten egg. This gives your pie that lovely golden-brown finish!

Baking the Pie

Pop the pie into your preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust is golden brown, and the filling is bubbling slightly.
Keep an eye on it towards the end—if the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
Once it’s done, let it cool for a bit before slicing. Trust me; the waiting will be worth it when you dig into that warm, spiced goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s bursting with festive flavors that instantly bring holiday cheer to any gathering!
The combination of mixed dried fruits and warm spices makes every bite feel like a warm hug.
It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, even for beginner bakers—no fancy techniques required!
This pie is perfect for sharing; it yields 8 generous slices, making it ideal for family and friends.
It’s a wonderful make-ahead dessert, so you can spend more time enjoying the festivities and less time in the kitchen.
Served warm or cold, it pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a delightful treat.
It’s a recipe that invites memories—each time you make it, you’ll create new traditions and stories to cherish!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the numbers! While this *Christmas pie* is a festive treat that deserves a spot on your holiday table, it’s good to know what you’re indulging in. Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional information per slice, keeping in mind that values may vary based on your specific ingredients:

Calories: 250
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 15g
Protein: 3g

So, while you’re savoring each bite of this delicious pie, you can feel good knowing a little about its nutritional profile. Just remember, it’s all about balance—enjoy this delightful dessert during the holidays and embrace the joy it brings!

Tips for Success

Alright, my fellow bakers, let’s make sure your *Christmas pie* turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips to help you along the way:

Chill your ingredients: Keeping your butter and water chilled is key for a flaky pie crust. If it’s a warm day, you can even pop your flour in the fridge for a bit!
Don’t overwork the dough: Once your dough comes together, handle it as little as possible. Overmixing can lead to a tough crust, and nobody wants that!
Let the dough rest: Resting your dough in the fridge not only helps it relax but also makes it easier to roll out. Patience is a virtue in baking!
Taste your filling: Before pouring it into the crust, give your fruit filling a little taste test. If you like it sweeter, add a touch more sugar. Adjusting to your taste is part of the fun!
Watch the baking time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your pie during the last 10 minutes. If it’s browning too quickly, cover the edges with foil to prevent burning.
Cooling is crucial: Let your pie cool before slicing. This helps the filling set up nicely, preventing it from being too runny. I know it’s hard to wait, but trust me, it’s worth it!
Serve with love: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes this pie to the next level. Don’t skimp on the toppings—they’re the cherry on top of your festive creation!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to bake a *Christmas pie* that will have everyone asking for seconds. Happy baking!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making this delightful *Christmas pie*? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that pop up, along with my trusty answers:

Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried fruits?

Absolutely! While dried fruits add a lovely chewiness and concentrated sweetness, you can switch things up with fresh fruits. Just be sure to reduce the sugar a bit, as fresh fruits tend to be juicier. Think apples, pears, or even a mix of berries for a vibrant twist!

How do I store leftover pie?

To keep your *Christmas pie* fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll last about 3-4 days. Just remember, you might want to let it come to room temperature or give it a quick pop in the microwave before serving to revive that warm, cozy goodness!

Can I freeze the pie?

Yes, you can! Just wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and it’ll be good in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up in the oven for that freshly-baked vibe!

What can I serve with this pie?

This pie is a star on its own, but it loves company! Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. You could also sprinkle some toasted nuts on top for added crunch and flavor. Get creative!

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

For sure! This pie is perfect for making a day or two in advance. Just bake it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. It’s a great way to save time on those busy holiday days and still impress everyone with your baking skills!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now that you’ve got a delicious *Christmas pie*, let’s talk about how to keep it fresh and ready for enjoyment later! Storing and reheating properly can really make a difference in maintaining that lovely flavor and texture.

To store your leftover pie, make sure it’s completely cooled down first. Once it’s cool, cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep out any unwanted air and moisture. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you’re anything like me, you might just find yourself sneaking a slice every day!

If you want to keep it for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap, then cover it with aluminum foil for extra protection against freezer burn. It can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just label it with the date so you know when you made it—trust me, you’ll want to remember when to indulge again!

When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply take it out of the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. For that freshly-baked taste, pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This will warm it up nicely and bring back that delightful aroma that fills your kitchen. If you’re in a hurry, you can warm individual slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds, but I do love the oven method for that crisp crust!

So there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, your *Christmas pie* will be ready and waiting whenever that festive craving hits. Happy snacking!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.