Ultimate Maple Walnut Pie Recipe: A Sweet & Nutty Delight
Maple walnut pie is a classic dessert that combines the rich, warm flavors of maple syrup with the crunchy texture of walnuts. This pie is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion. It’s relatively easy to make, and the result is a truly decadent and satisfying treat. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of creating the perfect maple walnut pie, from making the crust to achieving that golden-brown, caramelized finish. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unforgettable dessert!
Why Maple Walnut Pie?
Maple walnut pie stands out as a unique and flavorful alternative to traditional pies like apple or pumpkin. The nutty, slightly earthy flavor of walnuts perfectly complements the sweet, distinctive taste of maple syrup. The combination creates a complex yet comforting flavor profile that is sure to please even the most discerning palates. Moreover, the pie’s texture, a delightful contrast between the creamy filling and the crunchy walnuts, adds another layer of enjoyment. It’s a pie that truly engages all the senses.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start baking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s a detailed list for both the pie crust and the filling:
For the Pie Crust:
* 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the crust.
* 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the crust.
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces: Adds richness and flakiness to the crust. Make sure the butter is very cold to prevent it from melting too quickly.
* 1/4 cup cold vegetable shortening, cut into small pieces: Contributes to the tenderness and flakiness of the crust.
* 4-6 tablespoons ice water: Binds the ingredients together. Use ice water to keep the butter and shortening cold.
For the Maple Walnut Filling:
* 1 cup pure maple syrup: The star of the show! Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. Avoid pancake syrup, which is often corn syrup-based.
* 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor and moisture to the filling.
* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps to bind the filling.
* 3 large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the filling.
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds a touch of warmth.
* 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness of the filling.
* 1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped walnuts: Adds nutty flavor and crunchy texture. Toasting the walnuts beforehand can enhance their flavor even further (optional).
* 1 tablespoon bourbon or dark rum (optional): Enhances the maple flavor and adds a subtle complexity. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can omit it.
Equipment You’ll Need
* 9-inch pie plate: For baking the pie.
* Mixing bowls: For preparing the crust and filling.
* Pastry blender or food processor: For cutting the butter and shortening into the flour.
* Rolling pin: For rolling out the pie dough.
* Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurements.
* Whisk: For mixing the filling ingredients.
* Parchment paper and pie weights or dried beans: For blind baking the crust (optional).
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get to the baking! Follow these detailed instructions to create your own delicious maple walnut pie.
Part 1: Making the Pie Crust
1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Cut in the butter and shortening: Add the cold butter and shortening to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the fats into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can also use a food processor for this step, pulsing until the mixture reaches the desired consistency. Be careful not to over-process.
3. Add ice water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Continue adding water until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to add too much water, as this can make the crust tough.
4. Form the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently form it into a disc. Wrap the disc tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender crust.
5. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Be sure to roll from the center outwards, rotating the dough as you go to maintain a circular shape. If the dough sticks to the surface, add a little more flour underneath.
6. Transfer to the pie plate: Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to your 9-inch pie plate. Gently press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the plate. Trim any excess dough, leaving about 1/2 inch overhang.
7. Crimp the edges: Crimp the edges of the crust using your fingers or a fork to create a decorative border. This also helps to seal the crust and prevent it from shrinking during baking.
8. Blind bake the crust (optional): For a crispier crust, you can blind bake it before adding the filling. To do this, prick the bottom of the crust several times with a fork. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes. Remove the parchment paper and weights and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown. Let the crust cool completely before adding the filling.
Part 2: Making the Maple Walnut Filling
1. Combine wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
2. Add walnuts: Stir in the chopped walnuts and bourbon or dark rum (if using) until evenly distributed.
3. Pour filling into the crust: Pour the maple walnut filling into the prepared pie crust.
4. Bake the pie: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. To prevent the crust from browning too quickly, you can cover the edges with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
5. Cool completely: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly.
Tips for the Perfect Maple Walnut Pie
* Use high-quality maple syrup: The flavor of the maple syrup is crucial to the overall taste of the pie. Use pure maple syrup for the best results. Look for Grade A Dark Color or Grade B maple syrup for a richer, more intense flavor.
* Keep your ingredients cold: Cold butter and shortening are essential for creating a flaky pie crust. Make sure your ingredients are well-chilled before you start baking.
* Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten, resulting in a tough crust. Mix the dough just until it comes together.
* Toast the walnuts: Toasting the walnuts before adding them to the filling enhances their flavor. To toast the walnuts, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until they are fragrant and lightly golden brown. Let them cool completely before chopping and adding them to the filling.
* Protect the crust: To prevent the crust from browning too quickly, cover the edges with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking. You can also use a pie shield.
* Let the pie cool completely: It’s important to let the pie cool completely before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly and prevents it from being runny.
* Add a touch of spice: For a warmer, more complex flavor, consider adding a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling.
* Get creative with the crust: Instead of a traditional crimped crust, you can create a lattice top or use cookie cutters to create decorative shapes. Just be sure to brush the crust with an egg wash before baking to give it a golden-brown shine.
Serving Suggestions
Maple walnut pie is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also drizzle it with extra maple syrup or sprinkle it with chopped walnuts for an extra touch of sweetness and crunch. A warm cup of coffee or tea is the perfect accompaniment to this decadent dessert.
Variations
* Pecan Maple Pie: Substitute pecans for walnuts for a slightly different flavor and texture.
* Maple Bourbon Pie: Increase the amount of bourbon in the filling for a more pronounced bourbon flavor.
* Chocolate Maple Walnut Pie: Add chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the filling for a chocolate twist.
* Vegan Maple Walnut Pie: Use a vegan pie crust and substitute the eggs in the filling with a mixture of cornstarch and non-dairy milk.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover maple walnut pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. You can also freeze the pie for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Maple Walnut Pie Recipe Card
Here’s a printable recipe card for your convenience:
Yields: 8 servings
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 55 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Pie Crust:
* 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
* 1/4 cup cold vegetable shortening, cut into small pieces
* 4-6 tablespoons ice water
For the Maple Walnut Filling:
* 1 cup pure maple syrup
* 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 3 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped walnuts
* 1 tablespoon bourbon or dark rum (optional)
Instructions:
Make the Pie Crust:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Cut in the butter and shortening using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition, until the dough just comes together.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently form it into a disc. Wrap the disc tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle.
6. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to your 9-inch pie plate. Gently press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the plate. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges.
7. Blind bake the crust (optional): Prick the bottom of the crust several times with a fork. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes. Remove the parchment paper and weights and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown. Let the crust cool completely.
Make the Maple Walnut Filling:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
2. Stir in the chopped walnuts and bourbon or dark rum (if using) until evenly distributed.
3. Pour the maple walnut filling into the prepared pie crust.
4. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. To prevent the crust from browning too quickly, you can cover the edges with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
5. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Conclusion
Maple walnut pie is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich maple flavor, crunchy walnuts, and flaky crust, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a delicious result. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake the ultimate maple walnut pie! Enjoy!