Raspberry Pie with Nut Streusel: A Perfectly Sweet and Nutty Dessert

There’s something incredibly comforting about enjoying a freshly baked pie, especially one that combines the bright, tart flavor of raspberries with the richness of a buttery, nut-studded streusel topping. A Raspberry Pie with Nut Streusel is a perfect treat to bake when you want a dessert that feels indulgent yet surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether you’re planning a special gathering, a family dinner, or simply a cozy evening at home, this pie will quickly become a favorite.

This recipe brings together two wonderful elements: a tangy raspberry filling that bursts with flavor, and a crunchy nut streusel topping that adds a delightful texture and sweetness. The combination of the soft fruit filling with the crisp, nutty topping makes each bite a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Plus, the nut streusel topping can be customized with your favorite nuts, making this recipe as versatile as it is delicious.

In this article, we will walk you through the steps to create the perfect Raspberry Pie with Nut Streusel, provide tips for perfecting your pie crust, and offer serving suggestions to make this dessert even more special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Raspberry Pie with Nut Streusel, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Pie Filling:

• 4 cups of fresh raspberries (you can use frozen raspberries as well, but fresh ones give a better texture)
• 3/4 cup of granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (to thicken the filling)
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (to balance the sweetness)
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

For the Nut Streusel Topping:

• 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup of rolled oats
• 1/3 cup of brown sugar (light or dark, depending on your preference)
• 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup of cold unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 batch of homemade pie crust or 1 pre-made pie shell (store-bought or homemade, whichever you prefer)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pie Crust

If you’re using homemade pie crust, roll it out on a floured surface to fit into your pie dish. Make sure the dough is even, with no thick spots. After transferring the rolled-out dough into the pie dish, trim any excess dough around the edges and crimp the edges to form a decorative border. If you’re using a store-bought crust, simply unroll it and fit it into your pie dish.

Once the crust is ready, place the pie dish in the fridge while you prepare the filling. Chilling the crust helps prevent it from shrinking during baking.

2. Make the Raspberry Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Gently toss the ingredients together, being careful not to crush the raspberries. The cornstarch will help thicken the filling as it cooks, and the lemon juice adds brightness to balance the sweetness of the raspberries.

Once the filling is mixed, set it aside while you prepare the streusel topping.

3. Prepare the Nut Streusel Topping

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, chopped nuts, and cinnamon. Stir the ingredients together until well combined. Add the cold butter cubes and, using your fingers, a pastry cutter, or a fork, work the butter into the dry ingredients. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter. The butter will melt as the pie bakes, creating a beautifully golden and crunchy streusel topping.

4. Assemble the Pie

Take the chilled pie crust from the fridge and pour the raspberry filling into the crust, spreading it out evenly. Once the filling is in place, sprinkle the nut streusel topping generously over the entire surface of the pie, making sure it’s well-covered.

5. Bake the Pie

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake it for about 45-50 minutes, or until the streusel is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Keep an eye on the pie as it bakes. If the crust edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

6. Let the Pie Cool

Once the pie is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for at least an hour. The filling will firm up as it cools, making it easier to slice. It’s tempting to dive right in, but giving the pie time to set will ensure that you get a clean slice and the best texture.

7. Serve and Enjoy

After the pie has cooled, slice it into wedges and serve it on its own or with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The sweet, tart raspberry filling pairs beautifully with the crunchy, buttery nut streusel topping, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and refreshing.

Tips for Perfecting Your Raspberry Pie with Nut Streusel

• Use Fresh Raspberries: Fresh raspberries give the best texture and flavor in this pie. If you’re using frozen raspberries, be sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid to prevent a soggy pie.
• Make Your Own Pie Crust: While store-bought pie crusts are convenient, a homemade crust will elevate your pie to the next level. If you're short on time, use a simple butter or shortening-based pie crust recipe.
• Customize the Streusel: Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts in the streusel topping. Pecans, walnuts, or slivered almonds all add their own unique flavor and texture.
• Add a Spice Twist: Try adding a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg to the streusel for a warm, spiced twist.
• Check for Doneness: The pie is done when the streusel topping is golden brown, and the filling is bubbly. If the crust edges are getting too dark, cover them with foil until the rest of the pie is done.

Health Benefits of Raspberry Pie with Nut Streusel

While this dessert is undeniably indulgent, it does offer a few health benefits:

1. Raspberries Are Rich in Antioxidants: Raspberries are packed with antioxidants, which can help fight inflammation and support overall health.
2. Nuts Provide Healthy Fats: The nuts in the streusel topping add a healthy dose of fats, protein, and fiber, making this dessert slightly more nourishing than others.
3. High in Vitamin C: Raspberries are a great source of vitamin C, which is essential for immune function and skin health.

While it’s a treat, you can enjoy this pie knowing that it has a bit of a healthy edge, thanks to its fresh fruit and nut content.

Conclusion

This Raspberry Pie with Nut Streusel is a showstopper dessert that combines the tart sweetness of raspberries with a crunchy, nutty topping. It’s a delightful treat for any occasion, from family dinners to holiday celebrations, and it’s easy to make with just a few ingredients. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this pie will be a crowd-pleaser, offering the perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and texture.

By following this recipe, you’ll be able to create a stunning pie that will impress your guests and leave everyone asking for seconds. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and enjoy a slice of this beautiful, flavorful pie that’s sure to become a family favorite.