There’s something irresistibly delightful about a warm dessert filled with juicy strawberries and crisp apples, all enveloped in a buttery golden crust. This Strawberry Apple Golden Crust is a true showstopper, perfect for any occasion. Having made it countless times for family gatherings, I can say it’s always met with rave reviews, and it’s become a staple at my dinner table.
Why Make This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet and tangy mix of strawberries and apples creates a flavor explosion that tantalizes your taste buds.
- Nutritional Value: Both strawberries and apples are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making this dessert a guilt-free indulgence.
- Convenience: This recipe comes together quickly, making it a perfect choice for both weeknight desserts and special occasions.
- Versatility: Serve it warm as a dessert or enjoy it cold for breakfast; it’s delightful any time of day.
- Personal Touch: I absolutely love this recipe because it reminds me of my childhood summers spent picking fruit, and it brings that nostalgia into every bite.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Cooking Method: Baking
This recipe involves mixing fresh fruits with sugar and spices, then wrapping them in a simple homemade crust before baking to golden perfection.
My Experience Making This Recipe
When I first attempted this Strawberry Apple Golden Crust, I struggled a bit with the dough. I learned that letting the butter soften, but not melt, is crucial for achieving a flaky texture. Since then, perfecting this recipe has become an enjoyable challenge, and it’s with pride that I share my tips!
How to Make Strawberry Apple Golden Crust
Making Strawberry Apple Golden Crust is straightforward and rewarding. Start by preparing the fruit filling with fresh strawberries and apples, tossing them with sugar and spices to enhance their natural sweetness. Then, create a buttery crust that you will roll out and place into your baking dish. Fill it with the fruit mixture, cover it with more crust, and bake until golden. You’ll love the aroma as it bakes!
Expert Tips for Success
- Choose Ripe Fruit: Use ripe strawberries and firm apples for the best flavor; they should be sweet but not overripe.
- Chill the Dough: After mixing your dough, chill it for at least 30 minutes. This step ensures a flaky crust.
- Don’t Skimp on Spice: A hint of cinnamon or nutmeg brings depth to the fruit filling—don’t hesitate to add a pinch.
- Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Brush with Egg Wash: For a shiny finish, brush the top crust with beaten egg before baking.
How to Serve Strawberry Apple Golden Crust
Serve this dessert warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream for a decadent touch. For a breakfast treat, enjoy it cold alongside Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola. Presentation is key; serve it in a beautiful pie dish with fresh strawberries or mint leaves on the side for a pop of color.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re looking to enjoy it later, you can freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator then warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes for best results.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make the crust.
- Dairy-Free Variation: Use coconut oil or dairy-free butter in the crust for a dairy-free version.
- Mixed Berries: Incorporate blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry variation.
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the fruit filling for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Highlights
Strawberries are high in vitamin C and fiber while apples offer additional antioxidants and dietary fiber. Serving size guidance is one slice, which keeps calorie counts reasonable without skimping on flavor. Be mindful of added sugar if you’re watching your intake.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Soggy Bottom Crust: To prevent a soggy crust, pre-bake the bottom layer for 5-10 minutes before adding the filling.
- Filling Overflow: Ensure your baking dish has the right size; too small and the juices can spill over. Use a deep dish if needed.
- Crust Not Browning: If the crust isn’t browning, cover it loosely with foil during the last minutes of baking to prevent it from burning while still allowing it to cook through.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use frozen fruit?
Yes, frozen strawberries and apples work well, but you may need to adjust the sugar, as they can be sweeter. Make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before using. -
How can I tell when it’s done?
The golden crust is a good indicator, along with bubbling filling. A skewer inserted into the center should come out clean, but keep an eye on the top to avoid burning. -
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a larger baking dish and adjust baking time if necessary, checking for doneness periodically. -
What should I do if my crust is too crumbly?
If your crust is crumbling, consider adding a tablespoon of cold water or milk. This can help bring the dough together without making it wet.
Strawberry Apple Golden Crust
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful warm dessert featuring juicy strawberries and crisp apples enveloped in a buttery golden crust.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 cups apples, peeled and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine strawberries, apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to coat and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour and butter until crumbly. Gradually add ice water until the dough comes together.
- Roll out half of the dough and press into a baking dish.
- Fill the crust with the fruit mixture and roll out the remaining dough to cover the top.
- Brush the top crust with the beaten egg wash.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Let cool slightly before serving, optionally with ice cream or yogurt.
Notes
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to achieve a flaky crust. Use parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg