Apple pie is a classic dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. Whether it’s a holiday celebration or just a cozy family dinner, this delicious treat offers a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors from the apples, with a hint of cinnamon to warm your soul. The golden crust, filled with lovingly caramelized apples, creates a homemade comfort that everyone will adore. Making apple pie from scratch may sound intimidating, but with a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a heavenly dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds!
What Goes into This Apple Pie
To create this delightful apple pie, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Eggs: 3
- Sugar: 100 g (1/2 cup)
- Oil: 80 ml (1/3 cup)
- Lemon Zest: zest of 1 lemon
- Lemon Juice: juice of half a lemon
- Vanilla Sugar: 5 g (1 teaspoon)
- Wheat Flour: 250 g (2 cups)
- Baking Powder: 10 g (2 teaspoons)
- Apples: 3 (sliced)
- Butter (for filling): 50 g (3.5 tablespoons)
- Brown Sugar: 60 g (1/4 cup)
- Cinnamon: 3-5 g (to taste, about 1 teaspoon)
- Raisins: 80 g (1/2 cup)
- Walnuts (chopped): 50 g (1/2 cup)
- Butter (for topping): 50 g (3.5 tablespoons)
- Breadcrumbs: 50 g (1/2 cup)
- Sugar (optional): 50 g (1/4 cup)
Step-by-Step Apple Pie Recipe
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt. Add the sugar and whisk for 3-5 minutes until the mixture becomes fluffy and light in color.
- Pour in the oil, add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla sugar. Mix everything well until combined.
- Sift the flour with the baking powder, then mix it into the liquid mixture until you have a smooth batter.
- Pour the batter into a 20-30 cm (8-12 inch) diameter baking pan, making sure it spreads evenly.
- For the filling, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar, sliced apples, cinnamon, and raisins. Stir gently to caramelize the apples for about 5 minutes.
- Spread the apple filling evenly over the batter in the pan.
- For the topping, combine the chopped walnuts, butter, and breadcrumbs in a bowl until they form a crumbly mixture. Sprinkle this over the apple filling in the pan.
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 30 minutes, or until the cake turns golden brown. Once done, let it cool slightly before serving.
The Best Way to Serve It
Serving apple pie is all about enhancing its delightful flavors. Slice the pie into generous portions and serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The creamy ice cream melts slightly against the warm pie, creating a delicious contrast. Drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the top for an extra touch of sweetness, or sprinkle a dash of ground cinnamon for that classic flair. Enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea, and you’ll have a dessert that pairs wonderfully with any occasion!
Helpful Tricks for Apple Pie
- Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor and texture, use a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the filling a day ahead to save time on the day you plan to bake. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon to your taste. You can even add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a different flavor profile.
Apple Pie FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of making the batter?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a store-bought pie crust can save you some effort.
How do I store leftover apple pie?
Cover the pie and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven for a few minutes to enjoy it warm again.
Can I freeze apple pie?
Yes, you can freeze apple pie either before baking or after. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to ensure it stays fresh.
Baking your own apple pie might just be the highlight of your week. With its wonderful flavors and comforting aroma, it’s definitely worth a try! So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and indulge in this homemade goodness. Happy baking!