Delicious Homemade Apple Pie Recipe that’s Perfect for Fall
Are you in the mood for a warm and satisfying dessert that will have your taste buds dancing with joy? Look no further than my decadent apple pie recipe.
As a culinary explorer, I’ve traveled the world seeking out new and exciting flavors to incorporate into my cooking. And, I can safely say that this apple pie recipe is one of the best I’ve ever tasted. Filled with sweet and juicy apples, spiced with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, and enveloped in a flaky crust made from a combination of butter and shortening, this pie is simply divine.
Growing up, my grandmother used to make an apple crumble pie that was so good you could practically feel the love she put into every bite. This recipe takes that classic dessert to the next level by adding in some unexpected flavors like lemon zest and salted caramel sauce. Trust me when I say that one bite of this decadent apple pie will transport you back to your childhood kitchen where you first fell in love with homemade desserts.
So, grab your apron and get ready to whip up a pie that would make your grandma proud. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you’ll be enjoying a slice of heaven in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Dear readers,
Are you a fan of all things apple pie? Do you love the rich, buttery taste of homemade pastry combined with sweet and tart apples, fragrant spices, and a spicy caramel drizzle? If so, I have the perfect recipe for you: Decadent Apple Pie!
This recipe is perfect for those that love traditional apple pie with an added twist of indulgence. With its perfectly flaky crust, gooey caramel apple filling, and sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion.
But why will you love this recipe? Let me give you a few reasons:
Firstly, the ingredients. Every ingredient used in this recipe is carefully selected to ensure maximum flavor and texture. From the crisp Granny Smith apples to the aromatic cinnamon and nutmeg, everything plays a role in creating an unforgettable experience.
Secondly, there’s nothing better than the smell of fresh baked goods wafting through your home. The smell of sweet apples mixed with warm spices will have your mouth watering before this pie even comes out of the oven.
Thirdly, there’s the indulgence factor. This isn’t your ordinary apple pie – it’s a Decadent Apple Pie! That means more buttery goodness, more caramel drizzle and more melt-in-your-mouth pastry. Each bite is guaranteed to be extra rich, satisfying and satisfyingly decadent.
Finally, this recipe is incredibly versatile. With a few tweaks here and there (such as adding in some homemade caramel sauce or switching up the types of apples) you can create new variations to suit your mood or occasion.
In summary, if you love apple pie and want to take it to the next level of decadence – this is your recipe. With its super-flaky crust and tender spiced apples in caramel sauce drizzled with salted caramel (or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream), each slice is guaranteed to be an indulgent delight that will make any day feel special.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your favorite apron and let’s get baking!
Ingredient List
Before you start baking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. This recipe for Decadent Apple Pie will require butter, shortening, flour, salt, cold water, and of course, apples. You will also need some lemon zest, nutmeg, cinnamon, and sugar to add to the filling to give it that extra flavor.
Here’s a full list of everything you’ll need:
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoons frozen unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 4 tablespoons frozen vegetable shortening, cut into small pieces
- 4-5 tablespoons cold water
For the Filling:
- 3 pounds apples, preferably Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4 inch thick
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
Don’t forget about the toppings! If desired, you can top your pie with a crumble or a lattice crust. You can also serve your pie slices with a drizzle of caramel sauce or salted caramel for an extra special touch.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and get ready to bake the decadent apple pie. For a perfect result, follow the instructions below step by step.
Preparing the Pie Crusts
Ingredients:
– 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp. salt
– 1 tbsp. granulated sugar
– 12 tbsp. cold butter, cut into cubes
– 1/2 cup shortening
– 6-8 tbsp. cold water
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Add the butter and shortening to the dry ingredients, using a pastry blender or fork to incorporate them properly.
3. Gradually add the cold water to the mixture and stir until dough forms.
4. Divide the dough into two balls and flatten them to form two discs.
5. Cover them with plastic wrap, then refrigerate for at least one hour.
Preparing the Apple Filling
Ingredients:
– 7 apples (Granny Smith work best), peeled and cored and sliced at 1/4-inch thickness
– 1 tbsp. lemon juice
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp. flour
– 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
– Zest of one small lemon
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice until well coated.
2. Combine sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon zest in a separate small mixing bowl.
3. Add this sugar mixture to the apples and stir them gently until they are evenly coated with the mixture.
Assembling the Pie
Ingredients:
– Prepared pie crusts
– Apple filling
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bring out one of the prepared crusts from the refrigerator and roll it out onto a floured surface using a rolling pin.
3. Place it into a 9-inch pie dish by gently pressing it onto the bottom surface and up against its sides without stretching it.
4. Pour in your prepared apple filling onto your crust;
5. Roll out your second disc on top of your apple filling as the top crust and make sure that there are no air pockets underneath it.
6. Trim any excess dough on either side of your top crust or fold in under your bottom crust for an elegant look.
7. Make small slits about 2 tablespoons apart on top of the crust with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape during baking.
Baking Your Decadent Apple Pie
Ingredients:
– Your assembled apple pie
– Caramel sauce (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bake your assembled apple pie in your preheated oven (*375°F
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to baking, there are always many options to explore. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try on our decadent apple pie recipe:
– Crust: If you don’t have butter or shortening, you can make the crust with coconut oil or vegetable oil. You can also opt for a pre-made pie crust to save time.
– Apples: Granny Smith apples are best for pies because they have a firm texture and tart flavor that complements the sweet filling. However, you can use other kinds of apples like Braeburn, Honeycrisp, or Rome for a slightly different taste.
– Spices: This recipe calls for nutmeg and cinnamon, but feel free to experiment with other spices like ginger, allspice, or cardamom for additional depth of flavor.
– Sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich caramel flavor to the filling. If you prefer a less sweet pie, reduce the amount of sugar and add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance out the acidity.
– Toppings: You can top your pie with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, drizzle it with caramel sauce, sprinkle some chopped nuts or granola for a crunchy texture or add crumble topping if you prefer a more rustic look.
Remember that taste is subjective and what works best for one person may not work for another. Use these substitutions and variations as a starting point to create your perfect apple pie recipe that fits your preferences.
Serving and Pairing
Once your decadent apple pie has been baked to perfection, you’ll want to serve it in a way that does justice to the effort you’ve put in. A common serving option for apple pie is to allow it to cool slightly and pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, cinnamon-spiced apples and the cool, smooth ice cream is a match made in heaven.
If you prefer something more tangy, you can add a dollop of whipped cream as well as a drizzle of salted caramel sauce. The flavors and textures play off each other perfectly, creating an explosion of taste in your mouth.
If you’re feeling adventurous or want to offer alternative serving options, you can try adding some chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the pie. This offers a slight crunch factor and additional texture while complementing the overall flavor.
For those who prefer something simpler without any additional toppings, a classic combination would be a cup of tea or coffee. This warm beverage helps balance out the sweetness of the pie while accentuating its spicy tones.
No matter what type of pairing you choose, this decadent apple pie recipe is sure to impress even the most discerning palettes.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to make-ahead apple pies, there are some important things that one needs to keep in mind. Preparing the pie ahead of time can save so much time and hassle, especially when preparing for holidays or special events. After all, who wants to be stuck in the kitchen all day long? With this recipe, you can easily make the pie ahead of time without sacrificing taste and freshness.
To make-ahead, simply prepare the pie as outlined in the recipe instructions up to the baking stage. Instead of baking right away, pop the assembled pie into the freezer where it can stay for up to two months. This will give you more flexibility when it comes time to serve the pie. You can even double up and make several pies all at once!
When it’s time to bake, remove the frozen pie from the freezer and place it directly into a preheated oven that’s been heated to 400°F (205°C). Bake for 20 minutes on this temperature then reduce the heat to 375°F (190°C) and carry on baking for another 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Now, let’s talk about storing! The key to storing freshly baked pies is really very simple – keep them cool! Once your apple pie is baked and cooled down completely, cover it tightly with either plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in the fridge. This will help keep your apple pie fresh for up to four days.
Reheating your decadent apple pie is simple too. Preheat your oven at 325°F (165°C). Remove your chilled apple pie from the fridge and cover with tightly with foil. Reheat for about 15 minutes and you’re done! Your hot and delicious homemade apple pie is ready serving!
So there you have it! These tips will help ensure that every bite tastes as good as if you’d just baked it from scratch.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your decadent apple pie turns out perfectly every time, there are a few tips and tricks that will take your pie-making game to the next level. Here are my top tips for achieving the perfect pie:
1. Keep Your Ingredients Cold
When making your pie dough, it’s crucial to keep your ingredients as cold as possible. This means using cold water, cutting your butter and shortening into small cubes and refrigerating them until ready to use. By keeping everything chilled, you’ll end up with a flakier and more tender crust.
2. Use the Right Apples
Not all apples are created equal when it comes to baking. For a pie that holds its shape while still being tender and juicy, I recommend using granny smith apples. They have a tart flavor that holds up well against the sweetness of the caramel sauce, and their firm texture ensures they don’t turn to mush during baking.
3. Precook Your Apples
To prevent a soggy bottom crust, try precooking your apple filling on the stovetop before pouring it into the pie shell. This will help to release some of the excess moisture from the apples and give you a crispier crust.
4. Add Some Spice
A good apple pie is all about balance, and adding some warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg can really elevate the flavors. Try adding a teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg to your filling for an extra cozy fall vibe.
5. Keep an Eye on Timing
One of the most common mistakes people make when making pies is overcooking them. To avoid this, keep an eye on your pie as it bakes and start checking it around 40-45 minutes in. If you notice that the edges of the crust are getting too brown but the filling isn’t quite done yet, cover the edges with foil to prevent burning.
By following these tips and staying patient throughout the baking process, you’re sure to end up with a decadent apple pie that’s worth all of the effort!
FAQ
Now, let’s move on to item (9) FAQ, where I’ve got you covered with the most commonly asked questions about this decadent apple pie recipe.
Whats the trick to a great apple pie?
As a culinary adventurer, I’ve discovered a few tried and true tips for baking the perfect apple pie. To start off, it’s crucial to keep all ingredients, including butter, flour, and apples, as cold as possible. This will ensure that the crust stays flaky and the filling doesn’t become mushy.
For the crust, I highly recommend using an all-butter recipe. Not only does this create a rich flavor, but it also helps the crust to brown evenly. Don’t forget to make a butter-flour paste to help bind the crust together.
Next up, there’s a bit of debate on whether to use vodka in the crust recipe. Some swear by it, while others insist it’s not necessary. Regardless, it’s important to fold in liquid with a spatula rather than a mixer to avoid overworking the dough.
Now let’s talk apples. It’s important to choose tart varieties such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to balance the sweetness of the filling. Don’t go too heavy on the seasoning either – cinnamon and nutmeg are enough to enhance the apple flavor.
Before adding the filling to the crust, it’s best to par-cook the apples to avoid a soggy bottom. This can be done on the stovetop with a bit of sugar, butter, and lemon juice.
Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to baking the perfect apple pie – flaky, flavorful, and sure to impress!
Should you cook apples before putting in pie?
When it comes to making a scrumptious apple pie filling, there’s a crucial step that shouldn’t be ignored. Taking the time to precook the apples before assembling the pie will make a world of difference. This simple technique guarantees that the filling will be perfectly cooked and sweetened, resulting in a pie with no unsightly gaps between the crust and the filling. So, let’s dive into the details and discover how to achieve the best apple pie filling.
Is it better to Prebake pie crust for apple pie?
For those looking to ensure that their pie’s crust is perfectly golden brown, crispy and appetizing, prebaking it is the ultimate solution. This involves baking the bottom crust first, prior to adding the filling.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Decadent Apple Pie Recipe is a must-try for all apple pie enthusiasts. The perfect balance of sweet and tartness of the apples combined with the warm spices and buttery crumbly crust creates an irresistible dessert that is sure to impress your family and friends.
This recipe allows for various substitutions and variations, so feel free to experiment until you find the perfect combination for your taste buds. Whether you prefer a caramel apple pie or a Dutch apple crumble pie, the possibilities are endless.
With the tips and tricks provided in this article, you have everything you need to create a perfectly baked pie every time. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle it with salted caramel sauce for an extra decadent touch.
So next time you have guests over or just want to treat yourself with a warm slice of homemade apple pie, remember this recipe. It is truly the best homemade apple pie recipe out there. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Decadent Apple Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 7 apples, peeled, cored and sliced
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest, finely grated
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
Pastry for double crust pie
- 2 cups flour
- 2/3 2/3 cup butter or 2/3 cup shortening
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- cold water
Instructions
- Pastry for double crust pie-------------.
- Combine flour, lard and salt with a pastry blender or fork until balls are the size of a large pea.
- Add cold water by the spoonful and blend until the bowl starts to clean itself as you work the dough.
- Then it is ready for rolling.
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Combine sliced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg and lemon rind.
- Line pie plate with unbaked pie crust, trim pastry, crimp to edge of pie plate. Fill pie crust with apple mixture and dot with softened butter.
- Brush crust edge with water and place pie crust top on top of pie, crimp to the bottom crust. Make some slits in the top crust for steam to escape. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Turn oven down to 350°F and bake for 45 minutes longer.
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Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.