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Home » Dessert » Pie

Published: Jun 30, 2015 · Updated: Jun 21, 2022 · May contain affiliate links

Grilled Fruit Pies in a Cornmeal Crust (Summer Desserts)

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Cornmeal crust grilled fruit pies with mascarpone filling, certainly qualifies as one of my favorite summer desserts!  

cornmeal crust fruit pies is a great summer dessert

Summer desserts aren't always ice cream. Often times they contain fruit-and this special pie is so worth it!

4th of July is always bittersweet for me.

I've always felt like it is the halfway point to marking summer's end. (You can definitely see I'm the glass half empty kind of person, eh?)

Maybe it is because my kids always started school around the third week of August.

Well, the kids aren't here anymore, my attitude is changing and I still love 4th of July!

Besides all the fireworks, (I am a fireworks kind of girl)  4th of July means food.

It means grill. It means water and cold beer.

And in the past it always meant parades and streamers and bikes and hikes and pie and watermelon. That's a lot to cram in, in one day!

 
cornmeal crust fruit pie summerdesserts

There are  an incredible number of great foods to grill.

Most folks think meat, or fish or kebabs or burgers or corn on the cob

. Not many think fruit, but just like I'm changing my attitude, it is high time to change your view on grilling fruit!

I love grilled pineapple and peaches.

And even putting your berries in a basket and grilling them for about two minutes intensifies those berry flavors.

On their own, or with a scoop of ice cream, those would also qualify as awesome summer desserts!

These cornmeal crust grilled fruit pies with mascarpone filling are the perfect adult dessert. Fill with your choice of fruit and a balsamic vinegar, touch of pepper cheese filling makes these pies rock!

Well, being the nut case that I am, I decided to grill some fruit and make grilled fruit pies.

Cornmeal makes for a rustic crust that totally rocks with grilled fruit.

(It is totally optional to grill the fruit, though it does give a distinctive flavor to your pie, but they are scrumptious either way.)

It bakes up crisp and flaky at the same time.

Before adding the fruit I smeared a couple tablespoons of mascarpone cheese on the crust.

This melts right in and only adds to the richness of the crust. It will not be detected when you are eating.

Add a scoop of ice cream or a pile of whipped cream and you have a way above average summer dessert.

Plus serving everyone their own individual pie is a sure way to keep the crowds smiling.

These individual pies aren't overly sweet, but if you want them sweeter, feel free to shake that sugar.

The choice of fruit is yours, but I liked the combo of apricots and blueberries or raspberries and blueberries.

However if you want to know the truth, I'm really not picky as long as I get to have dessert!

summer desserts

The hardest part about this dessert is making the crust and that's not that hard.

I made these the day before I served them and kept them very lightly covered on the counter.

I did pop them back in the oven to rewarm and they turned out great.

My pies were 8 inchers so one might say they were a bit man sized, but my girlfriend managed to devour hers all on her own.

And that even had a scoop of ice cream on it!

How many you make is up to you.

In fact this whole recipe is up to you. I'm just supplying the basic directions, so keep that in mind. 

I promise this may soon become one of your favorite summer desserts.

Not only does the cornmeal crust totally rock, the grilled fruit is amazing!

Other great 4th of July foods:
Buttery Garlic Parmesan Potato Chips
Onion Dip
Red Onion, Blueberry and Pesto Goat Cheese Tart
Pineapple and Chipotle Guacamole
Old Fashioned BBQ Chicken
Elote Corn in a Bowl
My Mom's Secret ColeSlaw
Cream Cheese Poundcake
Chocolate Texas Sheet Cake

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Recipe

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Grilled Fruit Pies in a Cornmeal Crust

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  • Author: Abbe Odenwalder
  • Prep Time: 45 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 Minutes*
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: 6 - 8 Servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
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Ingredients

Scale

Your choice of fruit-I used 1 ½ apricots per pie and dotted them with about 12 blueberries or use enough blueberries and raspberries to cover about a 6" diameter of pie

2 T melted butter

(Grilling is optional)

2 c flour

1 c yellow cornmeal

6 T sugar plus 1 T per pie for sprinkling

1 t salt

2 sticks chilled butter

2 eggs

1 t vanilla

1 container mascarpone cheese at room temperature

2 T honey

2 T balsamic vinegar

3 pinches ground black pepper

Fresh thyme or rosemary to sprinkle


Instructions

Combine flour, cornmeal,6 T of sugar and salt in a large bowl. Cut in butter until large crumbs form. Stir in eggs and vanilla and mix until you can gather dough into 2 large balls. Chill for a few hours. While dough is chilling grill your fruit.

To grill fruit: Preheat grill to medium. Cut stone fruits in half. Brush each side with a bit of melted butter. Grill for just a few moments until grill marks appear. Cool before slicing. To grill berries, toss with a bit of melted butter.Place on a grill screen and grill for just a few minutes. You are not cooking these, only giving them flavor and this step is totally optional.

Make cheese mixture by combining cheese, honey, vinegar and pepper in a bowl. Whisk until combined. Set aside until ready to use.

To roll dough: I roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll about ½" thick. You may slice each ball into 3 or 4 slices depending on how many pies you want. These are free form pies. After pie crust is rolled, remove top piece of parchment and spread a few tablespoons of cheese mixture on center of pie. Top with your choice of fruit and sprinkle with about 1 T of sugar. Now using a sharp paring knife, scrape outer edges of dough towards the middle on to the fruit. Pinch crust together if it comes apart. It is very forgiving.

Now using a large spatula, lift your pies, still on the parchment, on to a rimmed baking sheet. Chill for about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 425. After pies have chilled, bake them for 30 minutes until crust is golden and fruit is bubbly. Sprinkle with fresh rosemary or thyme while warm. It really makes the pie's flavors pop! Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.


Notes

*Does Not Include Chill Time

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Comments

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  1. Sandra K321 says

    July 25, 2015 at 12:13 am

    My favorite is Strawberry shortcake.

    Reply
  2. Unknown says

    July 24, 2015 at 2:43 pm

    I liked on FB (Judith Rontal)

    Reply
  3. Unknown says

    July 24, 2015 at 2:43 pm

    I love to make fruit kabobs (Red white and blue)

    - Judith

    Reply
  4. Katie Heath says

    July 24, 2015 at 12:55 am

    I followed you on FB.

    Reply
  5. Katie Fought says

    July 24, 2015 at 12:53 am

    I subscribed. [email protected]

    Reply
  6. Katie Fought says

    July 24, 2015 at 12:52 am

    Blackberry Cheesecake for the 4th!

    Reply
  7. Nicki Joseph says

    July 23, 2015 at 9:45 pm

    Apple pie is my favorite

    Reply
  8. Dee says

    July 19, 2015 at 9:25 pm

    I follow via pinterest as deeg131.

    deeg131 at gmail dot com

    Reply
  9. Dee says

    July 19, 2015 at 9:23 pm

    I subscribe via email as deeg131 at gmail dot com

    Reply
  10. Dee says

    July 19, 2015 at 9:22 pm

    Thanks for the chance! My favorite 4th of July dessert is strawberry pie! 🙂

    deeg131 at gmail dot com

    Reply
  11. latanya t says

    July 17, 2015 at 7:32 pm

    pinterest follower

    Reply
  12. latanya t says

    July 17, 2015 at 7:32 pm

    email subscriber

    Reply
  13. latanya t says

    July 17, 2015 at 7:31 pm

    I like fruit tarts

    Reply
  14. Carol at Wild Goose Mama says

    July 10, 2015 at 9:47 pm

    You are such a WONDERFUL cook! Look at these delicious pies with such a fun crust!!!
    I can almost taste them. Does that mean I am going to have to cope with almost calories?

    Reply
  15. a. maren says

    July 09, 2015 at 4:38 am

    grilled fruit pies, wow! these sound incredible! happy late 4th 🙂

    Reply
  16. Cali Cuisine says

    July 08, 2015 at 2:13 pm

    It's amazing how something so rustic turns out so beautiful. Nicely done!

    Reply
  17. Biz says

    July 07, 2015 at 2:48 pm

    I've never thought of a corn meal crust for a fruit pie, but it's genius! Can't wait to try this now that blueberries are only .99 a pint by me now 😀 I already follow you on all of your social media sites 😀

    Reply
  18. dedy oktavianus says

    July 06, 2015 at 2:50 pm

    Never had any cornmeal crust before, this recipe is worth to try!!!
    Dedy@Dentist Chef

    Reply
  19. Joanne says

    July 05, 2015 at 11:38 am

    In NYC, kids don't go back to school until September, so 4th of July still feels like plenty of summer to me! These fruit pies look amazing - so impressed that they were made on the grill!

    Reply
  20. Amy (Savory Moments) says

    July 04, 2015 at 3:25 pm

    A grilled fruit pie! What a great idea and a lovely summer treat.

    Reply
  21. ♡♥♬ Carolsue ♡♥♬ says

    July 03, 2015 at 11:40 pm

    I subscribe to your newsletter via e-mail.
    Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

    Reply
  22. ♡♥♬ Carolsue ♡♥♬ says

    July 03, 2015 at 11:39 pm

    I follow you on Pinterest as cezovski9
    Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

    Reply
  23. ♡♥♬ Carolsue ♡♥♬ says

    July 03, 2015 at 11:39 pm

    I always make something called a Red White & Blue Brownie Pizza!
    Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

    Reply
  24. SavoringTime in the Kitchen says

    July 03, 2015 at 8:26 pm

    Normally, I feel the same way about the 4th, but this year our June has been quite cool so it really does seem like the start of summer, rather than the middle to me. What a gorgeous fruit pie!

    Reply
  25. Amy Michaels says

    July 03, 2015 at 3:56 pm

    I love ice-cream cake and sugar cookies for 4th of July! I also followed your boards on pinterest - my username is michaelsamy on there!

    Reply
  26. Anna and Liz Recipes says

    July 03, 2015 at 1:18 pm

    We follow you on facebook and twitter!

    Reply
  27. Anna and Liz Recipes says

    July 03, 2015 at 1:04 pm

    we're already subscribed to your blog!

    Reply
  28. Anna and Liz Recipes says

    July 03, 2015 at 1:02 pm

    These looks so delicious! I would love these pies with a scoop of ice cream on top! Favorite 4th of July dessert is homemade banana pudding my friend makes. I have to get the recipe someday. Have a great 4th weekend!

    Reply
  29. Kristen says

    July 03, 2015 at 9:05 am

    I follow on Twitter
    @rubylorikeet

    Reply
  30. Kristen says

    July 03, 2015 at 9:04 am

    My favorite is shortcake with strawberries and blueberries.

    Reply
  31. GiGi Eats Celebrities says

    July 03, 2015 at 2:20 am

    OH SNAP! I am going home this weekend and I know my dad would ADORE THIS!! I am showing him this recipe the second I get there!

    Reply
  32. HS says

    July 02, 2015 at 8:11 pm

    Email subscription not working, I subscribe to feed. kraftmaking at gmail dot com

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      July 15, 2015 at 8:15 pm

      It is working now! Thanks for the heads up!

      Reply
  33. HS says

    July 02, 2015 at 5:06 pm

    I subscribe to your emails.

    Reply
  34. HS says

    July 02, 2015 at 5:05 pm

    I follow on Pinterst.

    Reply
  35. HS says

    July 02, 2015 at 5:05 pm

    I like Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Layer Cake .

    Reply
  36. Sippity Sup says

    July 02, 2015 at 12:51 pm

    I though I'd made every crust out there, but not cornmeal crust! I can't wait to try it. Here in LA July 4 marks the beginning of Summer for me. No more June gloom. GREG

    Reply
  37. La Table De Nana says

    July 02, 2015 at 10:53 am

    Love your clics Abbe..I always know it's you..I mean I would know it was you:)

    Reply
  38. Holly @ abakershouse.com says

    July 01, 2015 at 10:43 pm

    Yes, I would eat the whole pie...and I'd be sure to pick the biggest one! I love all things pie and your idea of grilling the fruit first must makes these extra special.

    Reply
  39. Missy says

    July 01, 2015 at 9:51 pm

    We make sour cherry icecream every year. It is delicious.

    Reply
  40. Ali says

    July 01, 2015 at 2:51 pm

    I follow you on twitter @sockmonkeydiva

    Reply
  41. Ali says

    July 01, 2015 at 2:50 pm

    I subscribe to your emails [email protected]

    Reply
  42. Ali says

    July 01, 2015 at 2:50 pm

    My favorite 4th of July dessert is homemade ice cream!

    Reply
  43. Libby Weiner says

    July 01, 2015 at 8:46 pm

    Do you have one for me when I come ? They look delicioussssss !

    Reply
  44. Rose-Marie says

    July 01, 2015 at 8:27 pm

    I follow you on Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook!!! Wowie! I make pizza on the grill, I must try these!!

    Reply
  45. Rose-Marie says

    July 01, 2015 at 8:24 pm

    I'm already subscribed to your blog!!!! yummy!!!

    Reply
  46. Rose-Marie says

    July 01, 2015 at 8:23 pm

    These look spectacular!!! I must try these! My favorite dessert for the 4th are homemade ice creams, homemade pops, homemade sorbets!!!

    Reply
  47. DeniseL says

    July 01, 2015 at 3:58 pm

    and I follow you on pinterest! deniseleb

    Reply
  48. DeniseL says

    July 01, 2015 at 3:58 pm

    I'm an email subscriber!
    dmarie824 at aol dot com

    Reply
  49. DeniseL says

    July 01, 2015 at 3:57 pm

    While I don't grill the fruit, I do make pies very much like this for the 4th. Last year, everyone chose my pie over the traditional double-crust kind that someone else made 🙂

    Reply
  50. Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says

    July 01, 2015 at 12:32 pm

    I already subscribe 🙂 Have a fantastic 4th of July! Love these and yes I could eat a whole one myself with ice cream on top. Lovely!

    Reply
  51. Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says

    July 01, 2015 at 12:31 pm

    I follow you on Facebook and Pinterest!

    Reply
  52. Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says

    July 01, 2015 at 12:31 pm

    Favorite 4th of July dessert - my mom's homemade ice cream!

    Reply
  53. Emanuele @ guyslovecooking says

    July 01, 2015 at 8:09 am

    I love reading food blogs these days, everyone has different recipes for 4th July. I should organize a trip one day, just to be there during this period. If what I get is what I see in your recipe, it will be well worth the visit.
    Happy 4th July then 🙂

    Reply
  54. Karen Harris says

    July 01, 2015 at 3:40 am

    What a great recipe for the 4th! Warm fruit pies with a big scoop of ice cream, I could eat the whole thing too. You have some smart friends that know good food.

    Reply
  55. Angie Schneider says

    July 01, 2015 at 2:43 am

    Beautiful! I love these rustic tarts and the combo of flavour is just unbeatable, Abbe.

    Reply
  56. traveler says

    July 01, 2015 at 2:32 am

    I subscribe to your newsletter. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  57. traveler says

    July 01, 2015 at 2:32 am

    Delectable and ideal for summer.What lovely pies. Lemon squares are light and my 4th treat. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  58. Kitchen Riffs says

    July 01, 2015 at 2:03 am

    I've roasted blueberries, but haven't tried grilling them. Need to do that! Love the looks of these. Really perfect idea for the 4th -- thanks!

    Reply
  59. Elena says

    July 01, 2015 at 1:31 am

    Follow you on Pinterest: pinterest.com/elena8

    [email protected]

    Reply
  60. Elena says

    July 01, 2015 at 1:30 am

    I subscribe to your emails

    [email protected]

    Reply
  61. Elena says

    July 01, 2015 at 1:30 am

    My favorite 4th of July dessert is cupcakes with red, white and blue frosting

    [email protected]

    Reply
  62. Pam says

    July 01, 2015 at 1:02 am

    These fruit pies are great! Fruit pies for the 4th work here! I make apple slices.

    Reply
Abbe Odenwalder - The Great American Recipe Season 2

Welcome!

You may have spotted me on Season 2 of the PBS series “The Great American Recipe.” Being part of a group labeled “the best home cooks in America” is a lot to live up to, but I’m up for the challenge! I'm glad you are here and hope I can set a place for you at my table!

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