Star Fruit Pie Recipe

Master this homemade star fruit pie recipe with its perfectly flaky crust and sweet-tart tropical filling. The best way to showcase this exotic fruit in a dessert that's surprisingly easy to make. Learn how to properly prepare star fruit for baking and create a showstopping pie that balances sweetness with natural fruit flavor.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
45 mins
Cook Time:
50 mins
Serves:
1 pie (8 slices)
An overhead shot of a rustic star fruit pie with a lattice top crust, capturing the distinctive star-shaped fruit slices arranged in a spiral pattern beneath the golden-brown pastry. Natural window light casts a warm glow across the crisp, sugar-dusted crust that's baked to perfection. A cross-section view reveals layers of translucent caramelized star fruit nestled in a buttery crust, with a subtle syrupy glaze pooling at the edges. The pie sits on a weathered wooden serving board garnished with fresh mint leaves and a few raw star fruit slices nearby, highlighting the fruit's unique ridged shape. Fine grains of demerara sugar catch the light atop the pastry's flaky, multilayered surface.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the crust:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">300g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">225g cold unsalted butter, cubed</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">½ tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">80-100ml ice-cold water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 egg (for egg wash)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp demerara sugar (for sprinkling)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the filling:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">7-8 ripe star fruits (carambola)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50g light brown sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 tbsp cornstarch</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp ground cinnamon</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">¼ tsp ground nutmeg</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Pinch of salt</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">23cm (9-inch) pie dish</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Food processor (optional for pastry)</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Rolling pin</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Pastry brush</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Pie weights or dried beans</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Start by preparing your pie crust. In a large bowl or food processor, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold cubed butter and pulse or use your fingertips to work it in until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining. These butter pockets will create the flaky layers in your finished crust.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Gradually add the ice-cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. It should hold together when pinched but shouldn't be sticky. Divide the dough into two portions (one slightly larger than the other), shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling relaxes the gluten and firms the butter, resulting in a more tender crust.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Prepare your star fruits by washing them thoroughly. Trim the edges of each star fruit and slice them crosswise into 1cm thick star-shaped slices. Remove any seeds you find. You'll need about 600-700g of sliced star fruit. If your star fruits aren't very sweet, you may want to add a little more sugar to the filling.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>In a large bowl, combine the sliced star fruit, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gently toss until all fruit is evenly coated. Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the fruit to release some juices and the flavors to meld together.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the larger disc of dough to about 3mm thickness and a diameter of about 30cm. Carefully transfer it to your pie dish, gently pressing it into the corners without stretching the dough. Trim the edges, leaving about 2cm overhang.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Strain the star fruit filling, reserving the liquid. Arrange the star fruit slices in the pie crust, starting from the outside and working your way in, overlapping the slices slightly to create a beautiful pattern that showcases their star shape. Pour about half of the reserved liquid over the arranged fruit – adding too much liquid can make the bottom crust soggy.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Roll out the second disc of dough and either place it whole on top of the filling (with vents cut for steam) or cut it into strips to create a lattice top. If using a whole top crust, create a few star-shaped cutouts using a small cookie cutter to reveal the star fruit beneath. For a lattice, arrange strips in a crisscross pattern, weaving them over and under each other.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Trim and crimp the edges of the pie to seal. Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water and brush this egg wash over the top crust. Sprinkle with demerara sugar for a beautiful sparkle and extra crunch.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 180°C (350°F) and continue baking for 30-35 minutes until the crust is deeply golden and the filling is bubbling. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 3 hours before slicing. This resting time is crucial as it allows the filling to set properly. If you cut it too soon, the filling will be runny. Serve at room temperature, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This pie is best enjoyed the day it's made, but can be stored at room temperature for 2 days, loosely covered.</li></ol>

FAQs

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

What ingredients are used in Star Fruit Pie Recipe?

This tropical pie requires all-purpose flour, butter, sugar, and salt for the crust. The star fruit filling combines 7-8 ripe star fruits with granulated and brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Egg wash and demerara sugar finish the crust beautifully.

How to cook Star Fruit Pie Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Star Fruit Pie Recipe by first making a flaky butter crust and chilling it. Meanwhile, prepare the star fruit filling by slicing the fruit and mixing with sugars and spices. Arrange the star-shaped slices in the pie crust, top with a lattice or full crust with star cutouts, then bake at 200°C for 20 minutes before reducing to 180°C for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbling.

How do I select the best star fruits for baking?

Choose star fruits that are firm yet slightly soft when gently squeezed, with vibrant yellow to golden colour and minimal brown edges. Ripe fruits will have a sweet, tropical aroma. For baking, select fruits that are just-ripe rather than overripe, as they'll hold their shape better during cooking.

Why is my tropical fruit pie filling too runny?

Runny fillings usually result from insufficient cornstarch, adding too much juice, or not allowing the pie to cool completely. Star fruits contain high water content, so straining excess liquid before filling the pie is crucial. Also, ensure you bake until the filling is actively bubbling and then cool for at least 3 hours before slicing.

Can I use frozen star fruit for this exotic pie recipe?

While fresh star fruit is ideal for this tropical pie, frozen can work in a pinch. Thaw completely and drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture. You may need to increase the cornstarch by 1-2 teaspoons to compensate for additional liquid. The texture may be slightly softer, but the distinctive flavour will still shine through.

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Then reduce the temperature to 180°C (350°F) and continue baking for 30-35 minutes until the crust is deeply golden and the filling is bubbling. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Cool and serve", "text": "Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 3 hours before slicing. This resting time is crucial as it allows the filling to set properly. Serve at room temperature, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream." } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "ratingCount": "178" }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "author": "Mei Wong", "datePublished": "2024-05-01", "reviewBody": "The perfect balance of sweet and tart! I was hesitant about using star fruit in a pie but this recipe convinced me. The lattice pattern turned out beautiful and the filling set perfectly. A stunning dessert that impressed my entire family.", "name": "Tropical Perfection", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Isabella Rossi", "datePublished": "2024-05-05", "reviewBody": "Star fruit finally found its purpose in this amazing pie! The flavor combination with cinnamon and nutmeg was unexpected but delicious. The detailed instructions made the process so much easier than I anticipated. Will definitely make again!", "name": "Exotic and Delicious", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Amir Patel", "datePublished": "2024-05-08", "reviewBody": "The presentation alone is worth 5 stars! I've never seen my dinner guests so impressed by a homemade dessert. The star-shaped fruit creates the most beautiful pattern under the lattice. And the taste! Sweet, tangy, and that buttery crust was perfection.", "name": "Showstopper Dessert", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Sven Johansson", "datePublished": "2024-05-12", "reviewBody": "I've made this twice in one week! The first time was to test it out, and it was so delicious I had to make it again for a family gathering. Everyone wanted the recipe. The cornstarch ratio is perfect - no soggy bottom crust!", "name": "New Family Favorite", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Yasmin Al-Fayed", "datePublished": "2024-05-10", "reviewBody": "Worth hunting down star fruit for this recipe! I'd never baked with it before but the instructions were so clear. The demerara sugar on top adds the perfect crunch and the filling has just the right consistency. Better than traditional apple pie in my opinion!", "name": "Tropical Delight", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ], "url": "https://www.whatsbaking.co/recipes/star-fruit-pie-recipe" }
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