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BakingChristmasRecipesSarah Butler

Apricot and Sultana Christmas Pies

25 mins Cook
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These Apricot and Sultana Christmas Pies are a festive twist on a classic favourite. Filled with juicy fruit simmered in tea, warm cinnamon and orange zest, and topped with buttery shortcrust pastry stars, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings. Simple to make and beautifully seasonal, they bring a touch of homemade charm to your Christmas table.

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Apricot and Sultana Christmas Pies

Apricot and Sultana Christmas Pies

agnesgempackfoods-ie
prep time
20 mins
cooking time
25 mins
servings
6
total time
45 mins

Equipment

  • Tart tins

  • Star cutters

  • Mixing bowl

  • Wooden spoon

  • Saucepan

  • Rolling pin

Ingredients

  • For the Shortcrust Pastry:

  • 250g Gem plain flour

  • 1 tsp Gem baking powder

  • 1 tbsp Gem caster sugar

  • 1 egg

  • 90g cold butter, cubed

  • 2–3 tbsp cold water

  • 1 egg, beaten (for glazing)

  • For the Filling:

  • 130g Gem Gourmet sultanas

  • 70g Gem Gourmet dried apricots, chopped

  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon

  • 50g Gem light muscovado sugar

  • Zest of 1 orange

  • 250ml tea

  • 1 tsp vanilla essence

  • 2 small bay leaves

  • To Serve:

  • Gem icing powder (icing sugar)

  • 150ml whipped cream

Instructions

1

Make the Pastry

In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, caster sugar, egg, and butter.
2
Add cold water a little at a time and bring together into a dough.
3
Roll out on a lightly floured surface, then chill in the fridge for 20 minutes.
4
Once chilled, press the pastry into tart tins and trim any excess.
5
Re-roll leftover pastry and cut out 6 stars. Chill until needed.
6

Blind Bake the Pastry

Preheat the oven to 200°C / 180°C fan / Gas 6.
7
Line the pastry cases with parchment paper and fill with baking beans, dried pasta, or rice.
8
Bake for 8–10 minutes.
9
Remove the parchment and beans, brush with egg wash and bake for a further 5 minutes.
10

Make the Filling

Add all filling ingredients to a saucepan an simmer for about 5 minutes, until the fruit is plump and the mixture is juicy and fragrant.
11
Do not let the liquid dry out and remove the bay leaf.
12

Assemble and Bake

Spoon the filling into the pastry cases.
13
Top each pie with a pastry star.
14
Brush with beaten egg and bake for 15 minutes, or until golden.
15

Serve

Dust with icing sugar and serve warm with whipped cream.

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