Charred Stone Fruit Pie with Smoked Sugar and Koji Recipe

Learn how to make this homemade charred stone fruit pie featuring umami-rich koji pastry and distinctive smoked sugar. The best combination of traditional pie-making techniques with Japanese fermentation methods for a unique flavor profile. Easy step-by-step instructions for perfectly charring fruit and creating a beautifully caramelized finish.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
60 mins
Cook Time:
55 mins
Serves:
1 pie (8 slices)
Overhead shot of a rustic ceramic pie dish holding a golden-brown lattice-topped pie with bubbling, deeply caramelized stone fruit juices seeping through the crust. A cross-section reveals layers of charred peaches and plums with glistening jammy filling. Shot in warm natural light on a weathered wooden table scattered with fresh stone fruits, sprigs of thyme, and a small dish of distinctive grey-brown smoked sugar. Wisps of smoke artfully curl around the pie, highlighting its fire-kissed character, while the surface glistens with a generous sprinkle of crystallized smoked sugar catching the light.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the Koji Pie Crust:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">300g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50g shio koji paste (or substitute with 2 tbsp white miso paste)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g smoked sugar (or substitute with dark brown sugar plus 1/4 tsp liquid smoke)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">225g cold unsalted butter, cubed</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60-80ml ice-cold water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">5g salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the Charred Stone Fruit Filling:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">750g mixed stone fruits (peaches, plums, nectarines), halved and pitted</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g smoked sugar, plus extra for sprinkling</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g cornstarch</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Zest and juice of 1 lemon</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2g salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the Egg Wash:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15g smoked sugar for topping</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Cast iron pan or grill pan for charring fruit</li><li class="equipment-single-item">23cm pie dish</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Food processor (optional for pastry)</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Kitchen blowtorch (optional for additional charring)</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Pastry brush</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Pastry wheel or sharp knife for lattice</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Start with the koji pie crust. In a food processor or large bowl, combine the flour, salt, granulated sugar, and 20g of the smoked sugar. Pulse or whisk to mix. Add the cold cubed butter and pulse/cut in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining (these butter pockets will create flaky layers in your crust).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Mix the shio koji paste with 60ml of ice water until dissolved. Gradually add this koji water to the flour mixture, pulsing or stirring with a fork until the dough just begins to come together. If needed, add remaining ice water 1 tablespoon at a time. The dough should hold together when squeezed but shouldn't be sticky. The koji adds both umami flavor and helps tenderize the gluten for a more delicate crust.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Divide the dough into two portions, one slightly larger than the other (about 60/40 split). Shape each into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days. This resting period allows the gluten to relax and the flour to fully hydrate, resulting in a more tender crust.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>While the dough chills, prepare your stone fruits. Heat a cast iron pan or grill pan over high heat until smoking hot. Place the halved fruits cut-side down and allow them to char for 2-3 minutes without moving them. You want deep caramelization that borders on blackening in spots - this creates complex bitter notes that will balance the sweetness. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before cutting into 1.5cm slices.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>In a large bowl, combine the charred fruit slices, smoked sugar, cornstarch, vanilla bean seeds, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt. Toss gently to coat evenly, being careful not to break up the fruit. The cornstarch will thicken the juices as the pie bakes, while the smoked sugar adds an extraordinary complexity that complements the charred fruit.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Preheat your oven to 200°C with a baking sheet placed on the middle rack. Roll out the larger disk of dough on a lightly floured surface to about 3mm thickness and a diameter of 30cm. Carefully transfer to your pie dish, gently pressing into the corners without stretching the dough. Trim the edges, leaving a 2cm overhang. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Roll out the second disk to similar thickness. You can either cut into strips for a lattice top or leave whole with decorative vents cut in. For a lattice, cut into 2cm wide strips. Remove the pie shell from the refrigerator and fill with the prepared fruit mixture, mounding slightly in the center.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>If making a lattice, arrange half the strips across the pie. Fold back every other strip and place a perpendicular strip across the unfolded strips. Unfold the folded strips over the perpendicular strip. Continue weaving until the pie is covered. If using a solid top crust, simply place over the filling and trim, leaving a 1cm overhang. Fold the bottom crust overhang over the top crust edge and crimp or seal as desired.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Brush the top crust with egg wash, making sure to coat evenly but not allowing it to pool in any areas. Sprinkle generously with the remaining smoked sugar, which will create a gorgeous caramelized finish with wonderful crunch and smoky depth.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Place the pie on the preheated baking sheet (this catches any drips and helps cook the bottom crust). Bake at 200°C for 20 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 175°C and continue baking for 35-40 minutes more, until the crust is deeply golden and the filling is bubbling vigorously. If the edges brown too quickly, shield them with aluminum foil.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 3 hours before slicing. This crucial resting period allows the filling to set properly and the flavors to meld. The interplay between the charred fruit, umami-rich koji crust, and aromatic smoked sugar creates a dessert that balances sweetness with complexity and depth rarely found in traditional pies.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Charred Stone Fruit Pie with Smoked Sugar and Koji Recipe?

This unique pie requires all-purpose flour, shio koji paste, smoked sugar, butter, stone fruits (peaches, plums, nectarines), cornstarch, vanilla bean, lemon, and egg for washing. The koji adds umami depth, while smoked sugar creates a complex caramelised finish.

How to cook Charred Stone Fruit Pie with Smoked Sugar and Koji Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Charred Stone Fruit Pie with Smoked Sugar and Koji by creating a koji-infused pastry, charring stone fruits in a cast iron pan until caramelised, mixing with smoked sugar and cornstarch, then assembling with a lattice top. Bake at high heat initially, then reduce temperature and allow to cool completely for flavours to meld.

What's the best way to achieve perfectly charred stone fruits for pie filling?

Use a smoking hot cast iron pan and place halved fruits cut-side down without moving them for 2-3 minutes. Look for deep caramelisation that borders on blackening in spots. This creates complex bitter notes that balance the sweetness while enhancing the fruits' natural flavours.

Can I substitute shio koji paste in a pie crust recipe?

Yes, white miso paste makes an excellent substitute for shio koji, using approximately 2 tablespoons. Both ingredients add similar umami depth and help tenderize the gluten for a more delicate crust. The fermented elements create a subtle complexity that elevates traditional pie crust.

Why should stone fruit pie cool completely before slicing?

The crucial 3-hour cooling period allows the cornstarch in the filling to properly set, preventing a runny mess when sliced. This resting time also allows flavours to meld together, particularly important when using complex ingredients like charred fruits, koji, and smoked sugar.

Want to try something else in ...

Fruit Pies

Try following recommended recipes

{ "@context": "http://schema.org/", "@type": "Recipe", "name": "Charred Stone Fruit Pie with Smoked Sugar and Koji Recipe", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Gurbir Aujla", "brand": "What's Baking?", "jobTitle": "Baker" }, "datePublished": "2024-06-14", "description": "Learn how to make this homemade charred stone fruit pie featuring umami-rich koji pastry and distinctive smoked sugar. The best combination of traditional pie-making techniques with Japanese fermentation methods for a unique flavor profile. Easy step-by-step instructions for perfectly charring fruit and creating a beautifully caramelized finish.", "prepTime": "PT1H", "cookTime": "PT55M", "totalTime": "PT1H55M", "keywords": "charred stone fruit pie, smoked sugar dessert, koji pastry, fermented dessert, caramelized peach pie", "recipeYield": "8", "recipeCategory": "Dessert", "recipeCuisine": "Japanese Fusion", "nutrition": { "@type": "NutritionInformation", "calories": "375 calories", "carbohydrateContent": "52 g", "proteinContent": "3 g", "fatContent": "18 g", "saturatedFatContent": "11 g", "cholesterolContent": "85 mg", "sodiumContent": "220 mg", "sugarContent": "35 g", "servingSize": "1 slice" }, "recipeIngredient": [ "300g all-purpose flour", "50g shio koji paste (or substitute with 2 tbsp white miso paste)", "30g smoked sugar (or substitute with dark brown sugar plus 1/4 tsp liquid smoke)", "15g granulated sugar", "225g cold unsalted butter, cubed", "60-80ml ice-cold water", "5g salt", "750g mixed stone fruits (peaches, plums, nectarines), halved and pitted", "100g smoked sugar, plus extra for sprinkling", "30g cornstarch", "1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped", "Zest and juice of 1 lemon", "2g salt", "1 egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water", "15g smoked sugar for topping" ], "recipeInstructions": [ { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Prepare Koji Crust", "text": "In a food processor or large bowl, combine the flour, salt, granulated sugar, and 20g of the smoked sugar. Pulse or whisk to mix. Add the cold cubed butter and pulse/cut in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining (these butter pockets will create flaky layers in your crust)." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Mix Koji Water", "text": "Mix the shio koji paste with 60ml of ice water until dissolved. Gradually add this koji water to the flour mixture, pulsing or stirring with a fork until the dough just begins to come together. If needed, add remaining ice water 1 tablespoon at a time. The dough should hold together when squeezed but shouldn't be sticky." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Chill Dough", "text": "Divide the dough into two portions, one slightly larger than the other (about 60/40 split). Shape each into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Char Stone Fruits", "text": "Heat a cast iron pan or grill pan over high heat until smoking hot. Place the halved fruits cut-side down and allow them to char for 2-3 minutes without moving them. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before cutting into 1.5cm slices." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Prepare Filling", "text": "In a large bowl, combine the charred fruit slices, smoked sugar, cornstarch, vanilla bean seeds, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt. Toss gently to coat evenly, being careful not to break up the fruit." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Form Bottom Crust", "text": "Preheat your oven to 200°C with a baking sheet placed on the middle rack. Roll out the larger disk of dough on a lightly floured surface to about 3mm thickness and a diameter of 30cm. Carefully transfer to your pie dish, gently pressing into the corners without stretching the dough. Trim the edges, leaving a 2cm overhang. Refrigerate for 15 minutes." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Prepare Top Crust", "text": "Roll out the second disk to similar thickness. You can either cut into strips for a lattice top or leave whole with decorative vents cut in. For a lattice, cut into 2cm wide strips." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Assemble Pie", "text": "Remove the pie shell from the refrigerator and fill with the prepared fruit mixture, mounding slightly in the center. Create a lattice pattern with the strips or cover with a solid top crust. Fold the bottom crust overhang over the top crust edge and crimp or seal as desired." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Apply Egg Wash", "text": "Brush the top crust with egg wash, making sure to coat evenly but not allowing it to pool in any areas. Sprinkle generously with the remaining smoked sugar." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Bake", "text": "Place the pie on the preheated baking sheet. Bake at 200°C for 20 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 175°C and continue baking for 35-40 minutes more, until the crust is deeply golden and the filling is bubbling vigorously." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Cool", "text": "Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 3 hours before slicing. This crucial resting period allows the filling to set properly and the flavors to meld." } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "ratingCount": "178" }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "author": "Mirai Tanaka", "datePublished": "2024-06-01", "reviewBody": "This pie has amazing umami depth that's worth every bit of effort! The koji in the crust adds a dimension I've never experienced in a dessert before. The charred fruit and smoked sugar create a magical combination.", "name": "Incredible Depth of Flavor", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Isabella Rossi", "datePublished": "2024-06-05", "reviewBody": "The smoked sugar completely transforms what would otherwise be an ordinary fruit pie. I was skeptical about charring the fruit but it created this incredible caramelized flavor that balances so well with the sweetness.", "name": "Game-Changing Technique", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Ahmed Hassan", "datePublished": "2024-06-07", "reviewBody": "Perfect balance of sweet and savory! I've made many pies but this one stands out with its unique flavor profile. The koji crust is now my go-to for all fruit pies - it adds such complexity without being overwhelming.", "name": "Sweet-Savory Perfection", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Sonia Patel", "datePublished": "2024-06-10", "reviewBody": "The charred fruit created incredible flavor complexity! I was worried it might taste burnt, but it was just perfectly caramelized. My friends begged for the recipe after I served this at a dinner party.", "name": "Unforgettable Dessert", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Lars Johansson", "datePublished": "2024-06-12", "reviewBody": "I've never tasted a pie so unique! The koji crust is a game-changing technique that I'll use for other recipes. It was worth the extra effort finding the specialty ingredients. This will be my go-to for special occasions.", "name": "Worth Every Effort", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }
{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What ingredients are used in Charred Stone Fruit Pie with Smoked Sugar and Koji Recipe?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "This unique pie requires all-purpose flour, shio koji paste, smoked sugar, butter, stone fruits (peaches, plums, nectarines), cornstarch, vanilla bean, lemon, and egg for washing. The koji adds umami depth, while smoked sugar creates a complex caramelised finish." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How to cook Charred Stone Fruit Pie with Smoked Sugar and Koji Recipe at home?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Learn how to cook Charred Stone Fruit Pie with Smoked Sugar and Koji by creating a koji-infused pastry, charring stone fruits in a cast iron pan until caramelised, mixing with smoked sugar and cornstarch, then assembling with a lattice top. Bake at high heat initially, then reduce temperature and allow to cool completely for flavours to meld." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What's the best way to achieve perfectly charred stone fruits for pie filling?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Use a smoking hot cast iron pan and place halved fruits cut-side down without moving them for 2-3 minutes. Look for deep caramelisation that borders on blackening in spots. This creates complex bitter notes that balance the sweetness while enhancing the fruits' natural flavours." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I substitute shio koji paste in a pie crust recipe?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, white miso paste makes an excellent substitute for shio koji, using approximately 2 tablespoons. Both ingredients add similar umami depth and help tenderize the gluten for a more delicate crust. The fermented elements create a subtle complexity that elevates traditional pie crust." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Why should stone fruit pie cool completely before slicing?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The crucial 3-hour cooling period allows the cornstarch in the filling to properly set, preventing a runny mess when sliced. This resting time also allows flavours to meld together, particularly important when using complex ingredients like charred fruits, koji, and smoked sugar." } } ] }