Apple pie is a timeless favorite that beautifully combines the sweetness of apples with the warmth of spices. This delightful dessert has a special place in many hearts, often bringing back memories of family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or cozy evenings at home. With its golden crust and gooey filling, there’s nothing quite like the comforting taste of a homemade apple pie. Whether enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or at room temperature with a dusting of powdered sugar, apple pie never fails to impress.
What You’ll Need for Apple Pie
To create this mouthwatering apple pie, gather the following ingredients:
- 80 g soft butter or margarine (approximately 2.8 oz)
- 80 g all-purpose flour (approximately 2.8 oz)
- 120 g ground nuts (hazelnuts or almonds, approximately 4.2 oz)
- 8 g vanilla sugar (approximately 0.28 oz)
- 60 g granulated sugar (approximately 2.1 oz)
- 800 g apples (about 5 medium-sized, peeled and diced, approximately 28 oz)
- 5 g ground cinnamon (approximately 0.18 oz)
- 10 g sugar (approximately 0.35 oz)
- 130 g butter or margarine (at room temperature, approximately 4.6 oz)
- 16 g vanilla sugar (approximately 0.56 oz)
- 80 g granulated sugar (approximately 2.8 oz)
- 2 eggs (at room temperature)
- 150 g all-purpose flour (approximately 5.3 oz)
- 4 g baking powder (approximately 0.14 oz)
- 5-6 drops of vanilla flavor
- Butter or margarine for greasing the pan
- Breadcrumbs or flour for dusting
- Powdered sugar for dusting at the end
Step-by-Step Apple Pie Recipe
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Prepare the Crumble Topping: In a bowl, mix together 80 g of soft butter, 80 g of flour, 120 g of ground nuts, 8 g of vanilla sugar, and 60 g of granulated sugar. Use your fingers to crumble the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, then refrigerate.
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Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small cubes. Toss the apple pieces with 5 g of ground cinnamon and 10 g of sugar in a mixing bowl.
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Make the Base of the Dough: In another bowl, beat together 130 g of softened butter, 80 g of granulated sugar, and 16 g of vanilla sugar until creamy and fluffy.
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Add the Eggs: Gradually incorporate the eggs, adding one at a time and mixing well after each addition.
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Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Mix in 150 g of flour, 4 g of baking powder, and the vanilla flavor. Stir until the dough is smooth and well combined.
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Combine Dough and Apples: Spread the dough evenly into a greased and lined baking dish. Top with the seasoned apple cubes and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over them.
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Add the Crumble Topping: Sprinkle the chilled crumble topping over the apples evenly.
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Bake the Pie: Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C (350 °F) for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
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Cooling: Allow the pie to cool completely in the pan before removing it to slice.
How to Serve Apple Pie
Slicing into a warm slice of apple pie is one of life’s simple pleasures. Serve it on a dessert plate and consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. You can also sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for a touch of sweetness and decorative flair. For a more festive presentation, garnish the slice with a dollop of whipped cream or some caramel drizzle to elevate your serving.
Expert Tips for Apple Pie
- Choosing Apples: For the best flavor and texture, use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Fuji.
- Extra Crunch: Add some oats or additional chopped nuts to the crumble topping for added texture and flavor.
- Flavor Boost: Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or ginger in the filling for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
Apple Pie FAQs
What type of apples are best for apple pie?
The best apples for apple pie are usually a combination of sweet and tart varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji. This will balance the flavors perfectly.
Can I make apple pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pie ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it in the oven before serving for the best taste.
How do I store leftover apple pie?
Store any leftover apple pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for about 3-4 days.
Homemade apple pie is a delightful dessert that can bring warmth and comfort to any occasion. With its sweet, spiced filling and crumbly topping, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the deliciousness of your fresh apple pie!