Deliciously Spicy Vegan Curry Recipe | Try It Today!
As I sit here in my kitchen, the scent of gingerbread and warm apples wafting through the air, I can’t help but feel excited to share this recipe with you. This is not your ordinary apple pie; this is a gingerbread apple pie that will take your taste buds on a journey they won’t soon forget.
If you love the classic apple pie, but want to spice things up a bit, then this recipe is for you. The combination of gingerbread and apple pie is beyond delicious, it’s a match made in culinary heaven. The gingerbread crust adds depth and richness to the dish, while the tartness of the granny smith apples balances out the sweetness of the gingerbread.
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between familiarity and novelty. It’s a dessert that will impress your guests and elevate your holiday gatherings. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be adapted to suit different dietary needs.
So let us dive in, shall we? Get ready for some serious comfort food vibes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Gingerbread Apple Pie recipe is a delectable combination of comforting flavors and mouth-watering aroma that will make you fall in love with it. It’s the perfect dessert for a cozy autumn evening or holiday dinner party. There are several reasons why you’ll love this recipe, and I’ll convince you of that.
First, the mix of gingerbread and apple pie filling creates a perfect harmony of sweet and spicy flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The combination of ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice gives this dessert an indulgent aroma reminiscent of Christmas, while the tartness of the Granny Smith apples balances out the sweetness.
Secondly, the recipe features a unique combination of ingredients, including tapioca starch, molasses, maple syrup, and margarine that will create a juicy and flavorful pie filling without oozing out excess liquids during baking. Tapioca starch or arrowroot is added to thicken the filling mixture and prevent it from becoming too watery.
Thirdly, this dessert recipe is versatile and can be customized according to your preferences. For instance, if you prefer a cakier texture instead of a crusty one, you can try making an apple gingerbread cake instead of a classic pie. You can add a bit of fresh ginger or crystallized ginger for extra flavor.
Fourthly, this recipe requires minimal effort to create an impressive outcome. You don’t need to be an experienced baker to make this dessert as it’s easy to prepare with basic ingredients that are readily available in most grocery stores. Furthermore, with handy tips on substitutions and variations provided below, you can experiment with different ingredients to make this dessert your own.
Lastly, the Gingerbread Apple Pie Recipe offers excellent nutrition values as it minimizes processed sugars and preservatives compared to store-bought desserts. Brown sugar is used as a natural sweetener in place of regular refined sugar. Canola oil or margarine reduces saturated fat intake while maintaining a moist crumb.
In summary, The Gingerbread Apple Pie Recipe is packed with enticing flavors and healthful ingredients that make it stand out. It’s perfect for sharing at any occasion or as an indulgent treat for yourself during those cold mornings or evenings.
Ingredient List
Below is a list of the ingredients you need to prepare this delicious Gingerbread Apple Pie recipe:
Crust ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup margarine or canola oil
Filling ingredients:
- 4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and sliced
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 3 tbsp tapioca starch or arrowroot
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
Topping ingredients:
- Gingerbread mix (choose your favorite brand)
Note: You may also add crystallized ginger if desired.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get to the good stuff! Here’s how you can create your very own Gingerbread Apple Pie recipe:
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup of canola oil or margarine
For the filling:
- 4 large granny smith apples, peeled and sliced (about 8 cups)
- 3/4 cup of brown sugar or muscovado sugar
- 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons of ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon of tapioca starch or arrowroot
- 2 tablespoons of molasses or maple syrup
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the crust
Mix together flour, baking powder, salt, and brown sugar/maple syrup in a bowl.
Gradually add in canola oil/margarine and stir until it forms a cohesive dough.
Take half the dough and press it onto the bottom and sides of a pie dish. Set aside the rest for the top crust.
Put the crust in the fridge to chill while you make the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the filling
In a large bowl, mix the apple slices with brown sugar/muscovado sugar, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, and molasses/maple syrup.
Add tapioca starch/arrowroot to thicken up your mixture.
Step 3: Assemble the pie
Take out your crust from the fridge and pour in your apple filling mixture.
Roll out your remaining dough into a large circle to cover up your filling then lay it over the top.
Use your fingers to crimp both layers together around the edges.
Brush some egg whites over the surface then sprinkle with additional cinnamon for that perfect aroma.
Step 4: Bake!
Preheat oven’s temperature to [insert temperature] then place in your pie dish for around [insert time] until golden brown!
Wait for at least [insert time] before cutting through. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream on top for added richness!
Enjoy your delicious creation!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous in the kitchen, there are plenty of ways to customize this gingerbread apple pie recipe to your liking. Here’s a few substitutions and variations that you can try:
– Crystallized Ginger: Instead of using ground ginger, swap it out for some finely chopped crystallized ginger for a chunkier texture and extra sweetness in your pie filling.
– Different Apples: While granny smith apples are the go-to choice for apple pie, you can switch it up by using other varieties like honeycrisp, pink lady, or braeburn apples. Just be aware that different types of apples have varying levels of sweetness and tartness, so you may need to adjust the sugar level accordingly.
– Gluten-Free Option: For those with gluten allergies, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. You can also use tapioca starch or arrowroot as a thickener instead of flour.
– Vegan Version: If you’re vegan, swap out the margarine for canola oil and use maple syrup instead of molasses.
– Gingerbread Crust: For a twist on the classic apple pie, make a gingerbread crust by adding gingerbread mix and brown sugar to your regular pie crust recipe.
– Slow Cooker Method: Don’t feel like turning on the oven? You can make apple pie in a slow cooker by layering apples and pie crust in the crockpot and cooking on low for 2-3 hours until tender.
No matter which substitution or variation you choose, remember to experiment and have fun in the kitchen!
Serving and Pairing
Once your gingerbread apple pie is baked to perfection, it’s time to serve it in style. The warm and spicy aroma of this pie is going to be the talk of the town, so why not present it with some finesse?
Serving a slice of gingerbread apple pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream will make this dessert even more satisfying. The coolness and sweetness from either topping cuts through the richness of the filling and adds a complementary texture that pairs exceptionally well with the warm spices.
If you’re feeling extra indulgent, drizzle some maple syrup on top of your slice for an extra hit of sweetness. The flavors of ginger, apple, and maple in this pie complement each other incredibly well, making every bite burst with fall flavor.
This pie is perfect for any holiday gathering, get together, or just as a special treat for your family. Pair it with some freshly brewed coffee or tea for a cozy winter afternoon snack. The warmth from the pie and beverage will keep you feeling cozy and warm no matter how cold it is outside.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with wine pairings too! Opt for something sweet like a Riesling or Muscat, which will balance out the spices without being too overpowering.
Now that you know how to serve and pair your gingerbread apple pie, get ready to impress your guests with its delicious flavor and enticing aroma.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to storing and reheating Gingerbread Apple Pie, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, this pie is best served fresh out of the oven while the crust is still warm and flaky. However, if you do need to store it for later, there are a few options.
If you’ve already baked the pie and have leftovers, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, be sure to cover the top with foil to prevent the crust from burning. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and reheat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
Another option is to prepare the pie ahead of time and freeze it for later. To do this, don’t bake it yet, but instead wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to three months. When ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before baking according to the recipe instructions.
For even more convenience, you can also prepare the pie crust and filling separately ahead of time and assemble when ready to bake. The crust can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the fridge wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, while the filling can be prepared one day ahead of time and stored in an airtight container.
No matter which option you choose, Gingerbread Apple Pie is a delicious dessert that can be enjoyed any time of year. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just want a sweet treat after dinner, this pie is sure to satisfy your cravings for something warm, soothing, and oh-so-comforting.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to baking a gingerbread apple pie, there are a few tricks you can use to ensure that your pie comes out perfectly each time. Here are some of my top tips for making the best gingerbread apple pie.
1. Mix different types of apples
Using a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, will give your pie a more complex flavor profile. The tartness of the Granny Smith apples will balance out the sweetness of the Honeycrisp, creating a delicious harmony in every bite.
2. Use tapioca starch or arrowroot to thicken your filling
Tapioca starch and arrowroot are ideal for thickening fruit fillings without making them too gummy or cloudy. These ingredients work magic in combination with fresh fruits such as apples and pears. They add thickness and hold everything together.
3. Incorporate fresh ginger
Adding freshly grated ginger to your pie filling will give it an extra zing and depth of flavor. It also pairs wonderfully with the warm spices typically found in gingerbread desserts.
4. Add some crunch
To add a little bit of texture to your gingerbread apple pie, try adding chopped nuts or crystallized ginger to your filling. This will give each bite a satisfying crunch and burst of flavor.
5. Chill your pastry before rolling
Pastry that is too warm is hard to handle and prone to tearing, especially if the kitchen is warm. To prevent this, chill your pastry before rolling it out so that it remains firm enough to work with without cracking or tearing.
6. Cover the edges
To prevent the edges of your pie from over-browning or burning, cover them with foil or a specialized pie crust shield while baking.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating an absolutely delicious gingerbread apple pie that will impress everyone at the table!
FAQ
Before we wrap up this recipe article on Gingerbread Apple Pie, let’s go through frequently asked questions (FAQs) that many people may have. Don’t worry; we got you covered!
Should I cook apples before putting in pie?
When it comes to crafting a delicious apple pie, there’s a secret to achieving a flawless filling. Precooking the apples is the key to success. By doing so, you’ll end up with a filling that has the perfect balance of sweetness and a consistent texture. Plus, you’ll avoid the dreaded gap between the crust and the filling that can sometimes occur.
How do you make an apple pie without soggy bottom crust?
One of the most common problems when making pies is ending up with a soggy bottom crust. Fortunately, I have a tried and true method to avoid this pesky issue. Before adding your filling, sprinkle a little bit of cornstarch on the bottom of your pie crust. This creates a barrier that prevents moisture from seeping into the crust, resulting in a perfectly crisp bottom. I learned this trick from my Aunt Nancy, who is known as the ultimate authority when it comes to all things pie-related in our family. Trust me, this simple tip can make all the difference in the final result of your baked goods.
Does canned apple pie filling need to be cooked?
The filling of an apple pie that comes in a can doesn’t require any cooking before consumption as it’s already pre-cooked during the canning process. This means that it’s safe to eat directly from the can.
How do you thicken apples for pie filling?
Sometimes, using flour as a thickener for apple pie may not suffice. In case you encounter this situation, it’s best to explore other options to achieve the desired consistency. You can experiment with other fruit pie thickeners such as cornstarch, tapioca, and arrowroot. These alternatives have an excellent reputation in thickening pies, and you may find them more effective.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this gingerbread apple pie recipe is the perfect dessert for any occasion. With its combination of spicy gingerbread and sweet apple pie filling, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. The ingredient list may seem long but don’t let that intimidate you – most of the ingredients can be found in your pantry already! This recipe also allows for substitutions and variations, so you can make it your own.
The key to a perfect gingerbread apple pie is tapioca starch or arrowroot to thicken the filling; a combination of ground cloves, ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon to add that signature “gingerbread” flavor; and granny smith apples for a tart contrast to the sweet gingerbread. Finally, serve it warm with some whipped cream or vanilla ice cream and you’ve got a dessert that will impress anyone!
So why not give this recipe a try? It’s an easy-to-follow recipe that will yield delicious results every time. Plus, with options for making it ahead of time or storing it for later, it’s perfect for busy schedules. Trust me, after just one bite of this gingerbread apple pie, you’ll be hooked!
Gingerbread Apple Pie Recipe
Ingredients
FOR THE CRUST
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup margarine, softened
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 2 tablespoons cold water
FOR THE FILLING
- 2 lbs granny smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 8)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 pinch ground cloves
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 2 tablespoons tapioca starch or 2 tablespoons arrowroot
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- MAKE THE CRUST: Sift together the flour, sugar, spices, salt, and baking powder.
- Add the margarine one tablespoonful at a time and cut in with a pastry cutter, knife, or your fingertips.
- Drizzle hte molasses and water over the dough, mixing with your fingertips until the crumbs of dough begin to cling together.
- Set aside 1/2 cup of the dough. Gather together the rest of the dough and knead it into a ball. Press it evenly into the bottom and sides of a pie pan and bake for 10 minutes.
- MAKE THE FILLING: While the crust bakes, combine in a mixing bowl all the filling ingredients except the tapioca starch.
- Sprinkle the tapioca over the apple mixture and mix until the starch is dissolved.
- ASSEMBLE THE PIE: Fill the pie crust with the apple mixture, and crumble the remaining 1/2 cup of dough over the filling.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 more minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake 30 minutes more; the filling should be bubbling and the apples should be tender.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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.