Pie and Tart Recipes

Welcome to our Pie and Tart Recipes hub at Mangoes and Palm Trees, where we celebrate the art of baking from around the world! Crafted by our family—Oliver, Natalia, and Victor—this is your guide to creating everything from rustic, comforting pies to elegant, delicate tarts.

Our passion for baking is rooted in Oliver’s childhood, learning from his Great Aunty Gabbi’s Austrian pastry traditions and the classic pies of his British heritage. These recipes are inspired by our travels and perfected in our family kitchen for you to enjoy.

Our Signature Baked Creations

Discover our family’s favorite recipes, each one a memory from our adventures:

At Mangoes and Palm Trees, we believe every dessert tells a story. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just craving something sweet, our recipes are sure to delight.

Explore more in our parent Dessert Recipes category or find inspiration in our Travel Destinations.

Featured Baking & Authority Resources

To ensure your baking is a success, we consult trusted culinary and scientific authorities. We’ve tiered these resources to build your skills—from foundational nutrition to crust science and history—making every pie a flaky triumph.

Tier 1: Elite Government Guides (Ultimate Nutrition & Health Boost)
Official .gov tips on balanced baking, slashing sugars for heart health while anchoring your page with top trust.

  • FDA Food Labels for Baked Goods: Decode nutrition facts on flours/sugars to choose whole grains—aim for <10g added sugar per serving in tarts. (Updated 2025)
  • USDA MyPlate: Grains in Baking: Half your grains whole for fiber/vitamins in pie crusts—swap refined for whole wheat to cut calories 20%. (2020-2025 Guidelines)
  • FDA Updated Nutrition Labels 2025: New rules highlight added sugars in desserts—track for vegan apple cakes under 200 cal/slice. (Revised Jan 2025)

Tier 2: Trusted Medical & Edu Leaders (Evidence-Based Science Insights)
Reviewed guides from pros on crust chemistry and sugar’s role, tying into your Austrian/British roots with wellness.

Tier 3: Expert Baking Resources (Techniques & History Tips)
Pro-vetted hacks for flaky results and origins, inspiring your travel-baked signatures.

  • King Arthur: Ultimate Pie Crust Guide: Classic double crust formula (2.5c flour, 10T cold butter); fold/chill 30min for layers—vegan swaps with shortening. (No date; core resource)
  • Serious Eats: Pie Dough Science: Vodka for moisture without gluten; roll between parchment to prevent sticking—ideal for strawberry kiwi bases. (Updated 2025)
  • Kitchn: Brief History of Pie: From Roman “placenta” to medieval coffyns—enriched with fruit in 16th c; ties to your British heritage. (Reviewed 2024)

Scientific Citations & References

We base every claim on peer-reviewed or expert research. Tap any citation to verify—our bakes prioritize science and balance.

Tier 1 – Government & Institutions
Tier 2 – Medical & Edu Sources
Tier 3 – Peer-Reviewed & Expert Orgs

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a flaky pie crust?

Use cold butter/shortening to coat flour and limit gluten; chill dough 30min+, roll gently—vodka adds moisture without toughness. King Arthur & Serious Eats 2025

Can I bake pies with less sugar?

Yes—cut 25-50% and boost fruit/spices; use applesauce for moisture—stays under 25g/serving per AHA for heart health. AHA & FDA 2025

What’s the history of pies?

From Roman savory “placenta” (150 BC) to medieval British coffyns (meat-filled), fruit-enriched in 16th c—evolved to your upside-down cakes. Kitchn & ICE 2024

How to blind bake a tart crust?

Prick base, line with foil/beans, bake 375°F 15min; remove weights, bake 10-15min golden—prevents soggy bottoms. ICE & Edvotek 2025

Are whole grains good for pie crusts?

Yes—half whole wheat adds fiber/nutrients without toughness if hydrated well; boosts nutrition per MyPlate. USDA & FDA 2025

Why does my pie crust shrink?

Overworking develops excess gluten; chill 1hr+ and trim 1/2″ overhang—Maillard at 350°F sets structure. Serious Eats & Edvotek 2025

Vegan pie crust tips?

Coconut oil/vegan butter for fat; ice water for binding—chill thoroughly for flaky layers like your apple cake base. King Arthur & AHA 2025

Join our community! Share your pie and tart creations on social media with @mangoes_and_palm_trees on Instagram. Let’s bake the world a better place, one slice at a time!