When you think of Florida, the first thing that may come to mind is its beautiful orange groves, bursting with ripe, juicy oranges. This Florida Orange Grove Pie brings those flavors to your kitchen in the form of a sweet, tangy, and creamy pie that will transport you straight to the Sunshine State. With a refreshing citrus filling and a buttery, flaky pie crust, this dessert is perfect for summer afternoons, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to enjoy a taste of Florida sunshine.

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The Inspiration Behind Citrus Pies

Citrus pies, particularly key lime and lemon meringue, have long been a part of Southern and Floridian cuisine. However, the orange, Florida’s most famous fruit, takes center stage in this delightful pie. This pie not only highlights the bright, sweet flavors of orange but also includes a touch of cream cheese for extra richness and depth. The orange zest adds a fragrant aroma, while the lemon juice provides the perfect balance of tanginess. This Florida Orange Grove Pie offers a refreshing twist on traditional citrus pies, making it a must-try for any pie lover.

Why Florida Orange Grove Pie is a Must-Make

This pie stands out because of its bold citrus flavors and creamy texture. The sweetness of the oranges is perfectly balanced with a hint of tartness from the lemon juice, while the cream cheese adds a smooth and luxurious texture to the filling. The homemade pie crust, or store-bought for convenience, provides a flaky and buttery base that pairs beautifully with the bright and tangy filling. This dessert is easy to make yet delivers a stunning and impressive result. It’s a perfect way to enjoy fresh oranges and bring a little taste of Florida into your home.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings):

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Protein: 5g
• Sugar: 40g
• Sodium: 200mg

This pie is rich and indulgent, with a creamy filling and a sweet, tangy flavor. It’s best enjoyed in small slices, allowing the citrus flavors to shine without being overwhelming.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Florida Orange Grove Pie is best served chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together and the filling to set beautifully. For an extra touch of indulgence, you can garnish the pie with whipped cream or serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the cold, creamy filling and the flaky, buttery crust is sure to delight your taste buds.

For drink pairings, a simple cup of tea or coffee works well, balancing the sweetness of the pie with a warm, comforting beverage. If you want to enhance the citrus theme, serve the pie with a glass of chilled orange juice or sparkling water with a splash of lemon. For those looking to elevate the experience, a light, citrusy cocktail like a mimosa or a lemon spritzer will complement the pie’s fresh flavors.

Storage Instructions

Florida Orange Grove Pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, cover the pie with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This pie is best served cold, so be sure to refrigerate it for at least 2 hours before slicing. Freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture of the creamy filling.

If you’re making this pie ahead of time, it’s a great option for preparing the day before serving. The flavors will have time to deepen, and the crust will remain crisp, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for gatherings or special occasions.

Fun Fact: Florida and Its Orange Groves

Florida is one of the world’s largest producers of oranges, with its citrus industry dating back to the mid-19th century. The state’s warm climate and fertile soil make it an ideal environment for growing oranges. Today, Florida is famous for its juicy and sweet oranges, which are used in everything from juice to marmalade to delicious desserts like this Florida Orange Grove Pie.

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Cooking Tips:

- Zesting the Oranges: Be sure to zest the oranges before cutting them. The zest adds an intense burst of orange flavor to the filling, and it’s much easier to zest a whole orange than a sliced one.

- Homemade or Store-Bought Crust: While homemade crust adds an extra level of flakiness and richness, a store-bought pie crust works perfectly well for this recipe if you’re short on time.

- Balancing Sweetness: Taste the orange juice before adding it to the filling. If the oranges are particularly sweet, you may want to reduce the amount of sugar slightly, or if they’re more tart, you can add a bit more sugar to balance the flavors.

Optional Variations:

- Orange Marmalade Glaze: For an extra layer of flavor and shine, you can brush a light orange marmalade glaze over the top of the pie after it has cooled. Simply warm up some marmalade and spread it evenly over the orange slices for a glossy finish.

- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pie crust or substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour in the crust for a gluten-free version of this pie.

- Add Meringue: For a meringue twist, top the pie with a light layer of meringue before baking the pie for a few minutes. The meringue will add a beautiful contrast to the creamy orange filling and provide a fluffy texture.

Drink Pairings:

- Alcoholic: A refreshing mimosa, made with orange juice and champagne, pairs wonderfully with this pie, enhancing the citrus flavors and adding a celebratory touch.

- Non-Alcoholic: Try serving the pie with a glass of iced tea with a splash of lemon or a refreshing citrus-infused sparkling water for a light and refreshing complement to the rich flavors of the pie.

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Florida Orange Grove Pie Recipe

Pie Crust (Or Store Bought):

• - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• - 1 stick (½ cup) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• - ¼ cup cold water (add ice to chill and remove before pouring)
• - 1 teaspoon salt
• - 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (or use cooking spray)

Pie Filling:

• - 2 medium oranges, thinly sliced
• - 1 cup water
• - 2 tablespoons orange zest (zest the oranges before cutting them)
• - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• - 2 cups sugar
• - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (half of an 8-ounce package)
• - ¼ teaspoon salt
• - 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
• - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• - 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about ½ lemon)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). For the pie crust, combine the flour and salt in a medium bowl. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and transfer it to a pie dish. Trim any excess dough from the edges and crimp the edges for a decorative finish. Use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust. Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly golden.

3. In a large saucepan, combine the orange slices, water, and sugar. Cook over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved and the orange slices are softened. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, lemon juice, and orange zest. Slowly stir this mixture into the saucepan with the oranges.

4. Add the cream cheese, vanilla extract, and salt to the orange mixture, stirring until smooth. Gradually add the beaten eggs, stirring constantly to prevent them from curdling. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the mixture thickens.

5. Pour the orange filling into the pre-baked pie crust. Smooth the top and arrange the orange slices decoratively on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the filling is set.

6. Allow the pie to cool completely before serving. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop. Enjoy!

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Florida Orange Grove Pie is a celebration of bright, fresh flavors with a creamy texture that will remind you of a sunny day in a Florida orange grove. The combination of sweet oranges, tangy lemon, and a buttery crust makes this dessert a must-try for citrus lovers. Whether you’re enjoying it on a warm afternoon or bringing it to a gathering, this pie is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and gorgeous presentation.