Preparation Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes Servings: 8 Complexity: Moderate
With a sweet caramelized crust and a crunchy base, this plum pie is the perfect treat for fall, especially when served with a scoop of plum-flavored ice cream. Beyond its delicious taste, this pie has an interesting backstory that demonstrates how a simple, easy-to-make dessert can become a culinary legend.
The Story of the American Plum Pie
The recipe for this plum pie first appeared in The New York Times in 1983, thanks to culinary columnist Marian Burros. Little did she know that this simple pie would become one of the most beloved desserts in America for decades. The recipe was originally shared by Lois Levin, a childhood friend of Burros, and was included in their 1960 cookbook, Elegant But Easy.
After its initial publication, The New York Times was flooded with letters from readers requesting the recipe to be reprinted. Responding to popular demand, the editors decided to reprint the recipe annually until 1989. That year, a slightly revised version was published with less sugar, accompanied by a suggestion to finally cut the recipe out and save it. Burros jokingly warned that it might be the last time the recipe was printed.
However, the readers were relentless. They continued to write in, praising the pie and even composing poems about it. The dessert was hailed as a true symbol of autumn, as essential as back-to-school shopping. In 1991, a “New Age” version of the plum pie appeared, featuring different fruits and berries. Yet, the original recipe remained the all-time favorite.
This is how a simple plum pie became the most popular recipe in The New York Times history. Now, you have the chance to experience the pie that won the hearts of so many.
Secrets to Making the Perfect American Plum Pie
The secret to this recipe lies in the spices. In the original version, spices were only added to the filling, slightly pressing the plum halves. We’ve taken it a step further by incorporating cinnamon and oregano into the dough itself, enhancing the flavor and aroma. The result? A truly exceptional pie!
How to Make American Plum Pie
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 150 g sugar
- 100 g butter
- 200 g flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp oregano
- 2 eggs
- Pinch of salt
- 500 g plum-flavored ice cream (for serving)
For the Filling:
- 20 plums
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp oregano
Step-by-Step Recipe for American Plum Pie
Step 1: Prepare the IngredientsPreheat your oven to 180°C. Gather all the necessary ingredients to make the American Plum Pie.
Step 2: Make the DoughIn a large bowl, combine 200 g of flour, a pinch of salt, 150 g of sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp oregano, and 1 tsp cinnamon. In a small saucepan, melt 100 g of butter and pour it into the dry ingredients. Add 2 beaten eggs to the bowl and mix thoroughly until a smooth dough forms.
Step 3: Assemble the BaseLine a baking dish (we used a rectangular one, 30×19 cm) with parchment paper. Transfer the dough to the dish, spreading it evenly with your hands or a spoon until it is about 1-1.5 cm thick.
Step 4: Add the PlumsWash 20 plums, cut them in half, and remove the pits. Arrange the plum halves, cut side up, on top of the dough.
Step 5: Prepare the ToppingIn a small bowl, mix 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 tsp oregano. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the plums. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes.
Step 6: ServeAllow the pie to cool slightly before cutting it into pieces. Serve with a scoop of plum-flavored ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Cooking is easy!