Goumi berries are a hidden gem in the world of fruit. Known for their tangy flavor and nutrient-rich profile, they’re becoming a popular choice for health-conscious bakers. Packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, goumi berries bring a unique twist to classic fruit pies.
Here, we’ll explore three simple and healthy goumi berry pie recipes that highlight this underrated berry’s sweet, tart essence. Whether you’re looking for a traditional baked pie, a no-bake option, or a vegan-friendly twist, there’s a recipe here for every taste and occasion.
1. Classic Goumi Berry Pie
Our first recipe is a straightforward, classic goumi berry pie that’s perfect for those who want a simple, wholesome dessert that lets the natural flavor of the goumi berries shine. It’s made with a lightly sweetened filling and a whole-wheat crust for added fiber.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups goumi berries, washed and pitted
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (for brightness)
- 3 tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot powder as a thickener)
- 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional, for extra texture and fiber)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pre-made whole-wheat pie crust (or your favorite crust recipe)
Instructions:
Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine goumi berries, honey or maple syrup, lemon juice, cornstarch, chia seeds, and vanilla extract. Stir until the berries are well-coated, and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes. This allows the cornstarch and chia seeds to start thickening the berry juices.
Assemble the Pie: Pour the berry mixture into the pie crust and spread evenly. Optionally, you can place a lattice or full crust on top for a classic pie look.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown. If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool before serving to allow the filling to set. Enjoy with a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream for an extra treat!
This classic pie is a crowd-pleaser, offering a balance of sweetness and tartness that showcases goumi berries in their best form.
2. No-Bake Goumi Berry Yogurt Pie
For a light, creamy, and refreshing dessert, this no-bake goumi berry yogurt pie is ideal. Made with Greek yogurt, this pie is packed with protein, probiotics, and a touch of sweetness, perfect for a warm day or a quick dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups goumi berries, pitted
- 1/4 cup honey or agave syrup
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (choose vanilla or plain, depending on sweetness preference)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (optional, for brightness)
- 1 1/2 cups granola (for crust)
- 3 tbsp melted coconut oil
Instructions:
Prepare the Crust: In a food processor, blend granola and melted coconut oil until they stick together. Press the mixture into a pie dish to form the crust and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, honey or agave, and lemon zest. Gently fold in the goumi berries, being careful not to crush them too much.
Assemble the Pie: Pour the yogurt mixture into the prepared crust, spreading evenly.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours or until set. Slice and serve chilled.
This pie is creamy, slightly tangy, and refreshingly light, perfect for a warm day when you want something fruity but not too sweet.
3. Vegan Goumi Berry and Almond Pie
This vegan goumi berry and almond pie is a delightful option for plant-based eaters. Made with almond flour crust and sweetened with natural ingredients, it’s a wholesome, vegan-friendly twist on traditional pie that’s both rich in flavor and nutrient-dense.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups goumi berries, pitted
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp chia seeds (for thickening)
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup oat flour
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional, for added warmth)
Instructions:
Make the Crust: In a bowl, mix almond flour, oat flour, melted coconut oil, and a pinch of salt until a dough forms. Press this mixture evenly into a pie dish to form the crust. Bake the crust at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to set, then let cool.
Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine goumi berries, maple syrup, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the chia seeds to absorb some of the juices, creating a jam-like texture.
Assemble and Bake: Pour the goumi berry mixture into the pre-baked crust and spread evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the crust edges are golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool for a few hours to let the filling fully set. Serve with a dollop of coconut cream for a fully vegan treat.
This vegan goumi berry pie is rich, naturally sweet, and has a slightly nutty flavor from the almond flour crust, making it perfect for those who want a healthier dessert.
Why Goumi Berries?
Goumi berries, though not as common as blueberries or strawberries, are a fantastic addition to the world of fruit-based desserts. They’re small, red berries that pack a powerful punch of tartness, often compared to cranberries or sour cherries. They’re also highly nutritious, providing antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and essential fatty acids. Their unique flavor makes them perfect for baking, as they balance out sweetness beautifully.
If you’re lucky enough to have a goumi bush in your garden, these recipes are a great way to showcase the berries in all their glory. And even if you have to seek them out at specialty stores or farmers' markets, it’s worth the effort to bring a new flavor into your kitchen.
Final Thoughts
Goumi berry pies might not be a staple in most households, but they deserve a spot on the dessert table. With these easy recipes, you can create delicious and healthy desserts that are sure to impress. Whether you’re looking for a traditional baked pie, a no-bake treat, or a vegan-friendly dessert, goumi berries offer a unique twist that makes each pie special.
Enjoy experimenting with these recipes, and don’t be afraid to get creative. You might just discover a new family favorite!
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