There is something irresistibly charming about a dessert that feels like it was lovingly made in a cozy kitchen on a crisp afternoon. This Rustic Plum Biscuit Pie Recipe perfectly captures that warmth and simplicity with juicy, sweet plums nestled beneath a tender, crumbly biscuit topping that’s both golden and comforting. If you adore the blend of fresh fruit and biscuit textures, this pie will quickly become your new favorite for any season when plums are ripe and ready.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this Rustic Plum Biscuit Pie Recipe are simple pantry staples, yet each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this pie so special. From the fresh plums that offer natural sweetness and juice to the fine cornmeal adding a subtle crunch in the biscuit topping, every element has its moment.
- 2 lbs ripe plums (pitted and quartered): The star of the pie, bringing juicy sweetness and gorgeous color.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of plums with just enough sweetness.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for filling): Helps thicken the plum juices to create a lovely filling.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, subtle spice that complements plums beautifully.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (for biscuit topping): The base for the biscuit crust, giving structure and tenderness.
- 1/3 cup fine yellow cornmeal: Introduces a gentle, rustic crunch and a hint of sweetness in the topping.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the biscuit dough just enough without overpowering.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Gives the biscuit topping a light and airy rise.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances flavors by cutting through the sweetness.
- 1 1/2 sticks (12 Tbsp) cold unsalted butter, cut into 12 pieces: Creates the biscuit’s flaky, buttery texture.
- 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream: Binds the biscuit dough and adds richness.
- 1 9 or 10-inch wide deep dish pie pan with 2-inch tall walls: To hold all the wonderful layers together.
How to Make Rustic Plum Biscuit Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Plum Filling
Start by tossing the pitted and quartered plums with 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup flour, and the ground cinnamon in a large bowl. This mixture will thicken as it bakes, preventing the juices from turning the pie soggy while infusing the plums with a gentle cinnamon warmth. Set this aside to let the sugar soften the plums while you prepare the biscuit topping.
Step 2: Make the Biscuit Dough
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup cornmeal, 1/3 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces, then use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is the step that will create a flaky, crumbly texture that is so satisfying in every bite.
Step 3: Combine the Dough with Cream
Pour in the cold heavy cream, stirring gently just until the dough holds together when pressed. Be careful not to overwork the dough to keep it tender and flaky. It should feel soft and slightly sticky; this ensures the biscuit topping will bake into the perfect golden crust.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Generously spoon the plum filling into your deep dish pie pan, spreading it out evenly. Next, dollop the biscuit dough over the plums using a spatula or spoon, covering the filling as much as possible but allowing some peeks of plum to show through, embracing the rustic look. The biscuit topping doesn’t have to be perfectly smooth—this charming imperfection is what makes this pie so lovely.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pie pan on the middle rack and bake for about 45 to 55 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden and the filling is bubbly and fragrant. Keep an eye on it toward the end so it doesn’t overbrown. Once out of the oven, allow the pie to cool slightly, so the filling sets up beautifully.
How to Serve Rustic Plum Biscuit Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic way to crown this Rustic Plum Biscuit Pie Recipe. The cooling creaminess pairs perfectly with the warm, slightly spiced plums and tender biscuit topping. For an extra pop, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or grate some lemon zest on top to brighten the flavors.
Side Dishes
This pie can stand tall as a centerpiece dessert, but it also pairs wonderfully with a light cup of tea or coffee on the side, balancing the richness of the pie. For brunch spreads, serve alongside fresh fruit or a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette to contrast the dessert’s sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice this Rustic Plum Biscuit Pie Recipe into wedges for a traditional slice presentation, or get playful by serving it as individual mini pies in ramekins for a charming touch. You can also crumble leftover biscuit topping over the warm pie for an added crunch layer, giving it that delightful rustic appeal!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Rustic Plum Biscuit Pie Recipe keeps beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container or cover the pie pan tightly with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and freshness.
Freezing
If you want to save this deliciousness for later, wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It should keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked feeling, warm slices of the pie in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. This will revive the flaky biscuit topping and luscious plum filling without drying it out. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the biscuit topping crisp and delightful.
FAQs
Can I use frozen plums for the Rustic Plum Biscuit Pie Recipe?
Yes, frozen plums can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess liquid that could make the pie soggy. Toss them with a bit more flour to help absorb juices during baking.
Is there a substitute for cornmeal in the biscuit topping?
If you don’t have cornmeal, you can substitute it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour. The biscuit won’t have that subtle crunch, but it will still be tender and delicious.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free Rustic Plum Biscuit Pie Recipe, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum, and ensure your cornmeal is certified gluten-free. The texture might vary slightly but the flavors will still shine.
Do I need to peel the plums for the filling?
Peeling the plums is optional. The skins add a lovely texture and deepen the color, contributing to the rustic appeal. Just make sure to wash them well before preparing.
What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk or a mix of milk and melted butter to add richness. The biscuit topping might be slightly less tender but still turns out tasty.
Final Thoughts
There is something deeply satisfying about baking the Rustic Plum Biscuit Pie Recipe and sharing it with people you care about. Its comforting textures, sweet-tart plum filling, and buttery biscuit topping make every bite feel like a celebration of simple pleasures. I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a go and make it your own cozy tradition!
