4 Fruit-Filled Bakes Bursting with Freshness

In the world of baking, there is nothing quite like the natural sweetness and brilliant colors of fresh fruits. From tart berries to sweet peaches, incorporating fruits into your bakes can add an incredible burst of freshness and flavor. In this guide, we will explore 4 fruit-filled bakes that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and make the most of nature's bounty.

Fruit-filled bake #1: The classic apple pie

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup chilled unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup iced water
• Pinch of salt
• 5 to 6 medium-sized fresh apples
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse bread crumbs. Gradually add iced water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together.
3. Roll out the dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim and crimp the edges as desired.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the apples, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Spoon this mixture into the pie crust.
5. Bake for about 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the apples are tender.

Fruit-filled bake #2: Raspberry lemon muffins

These muffins are perfect for a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack. The tart raspberries and tangy lemon create a refreshing flavor profile that will leave you reaching for another.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the raspberries, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil and eggs. Gradually add this to the dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened.
4. Divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups. Bake for 17-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean.

Fruit-filled bake #3: Blueberry crumble bars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter
• 1 large egg
• 4 cups fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 teaspoons cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of sugar, flour, and baking powder. Cut in the butter and egg until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press half of the dough into the prepared pan. In a separate bowl, stir together 1/2 cup sugar and cornstarch. Gently mix in the blueberries, and spread this mixture over the crust. Crumble the remaining dough over the blueberry layer.
4. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is slightly brown.

Fruit-filled bake #4: Peach cobbler

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup milk
• 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Ground cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Place the butter in a 9x13 inch baking dish and melt it in the preheating oven.
3. In a medium bowl, combine flour, 1 cup of sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk, just until dry ingredients are moistened. Pour the batter over the melted butter, but do not stir.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the peaches, lemon juice, and remaining 1/2 cup of sugar. Spread this mixture over the batter, but again, do not stir.
5. If desired, sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg.
6. Bake for about 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and the peaches are bubbly.