We’ve all been there—those sad, forgotten fruits lingering in the back of your fridge, looking a little too ripe for their own good. But don’t toss them just yet! Instead of letting them go to waste, why not transform them into a beautiful, delicious pie? It’s a sweet way to give your fridge’s “leftovers” a second chance and enjoy a homemade treat that’s as comforting as it is resourceful.
The ingredients you can use for your pie:
Fruit Filling:
- 2 cups chopped leftover fruit (apples, pears, bananas, plums, grapes, berries—whatever you’ve got)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar (optional, but brightens the flavor)
- ¼ to ⅓ cup sugar (brown or white)
- 1 tsp cinnamon or mixed spice (see spice notes below)
- 1 tbsp flour or cornstarch (to thicken the filling)
- A pinch of salt
- 1 egg or splash of milk (for brushing the crust)
Basic Pie Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cold butter or margarine, cubed
- 2–4 tbsp cold water (or milk)
- A pinch of salt
How to Make Your Pie:
- Make the crust:
In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the cold butter and rub it in using your fingers or a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the water (or milk), one tablespoon at a time, just until the dough comes together. Shape into a disc, wrap it, and chill in the fridge for 20–30 minutes. - Prepare the filling:
Chop your leftover fruit—it doesn’t have to look perfect. Toss it in a bowl with the lemon juice, sugar, spices, flour or cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Let it sit and get juicy while your dough chills. - Assemble the pie:
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Roll out the chilled dough and press it into a pie dish or baking tin. Pour in the fruit mixture. If you have leftover dough, roll out a top crust or make a simple lattice. Crimp the edges and brush the top with egg or milk. - Bake:
Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. Let the pie cool slightly before serving—this helps the filling set and saves your mouth from lava-level heat.
Want to Dress It Up? (Optional Extras):
If you’re already popping into the store, consider picking up:
- A splash of vanilla or almond extract
- Orange or lemon zest
- A handful of chopped nuts, raisins, or rolled oats for extra texture
- Something creamy to serve it with: ice cream, whipped cream, or Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey
No “Mixed Spice”? No Problem.
Just use what you have. Cinnamon on its own is always a win, but you can also mix in a little nutmeg, clove, ginger, or cardamom. Even just a pinch or two can make the whole thing feel like autumn in a pie dish.
One Last Thing…
This pie is more than a way to use up leftovers—it’s a little celebration of resourceful, feel-good cooking. So the next time your fruit bowl looks a bit tragic, don’t bin it. Bake it.