To prepare a delicious apple pie, we start by preheating the oven to 180°C (350°F). The apples, the main ingredient, are essential for the recipe, so choosing them is very important. Softer-fleshed apples, such as Golden Delicious or Granny Smith, are recommended, as they will provide a pleasant texture and a sweet-tart flavor. Once we have chosen the apples, we peel and core them, then slice them thinly, between 8 and 12 slices, depending on the size of the apples.
The apple slices are placed in a large bowl, where sugar, melted butter, the zest and juice of a fresh lemon, and a pinch of cinnamon are added. This mixture will not only enhance the flavors but will also prevent the apples from oxidizing, keeping them a nice color. After all the ingredients are well combined, the mixture is transferred to a baking dish, which will also be used for baking. The dish is covered with aluminum foil to create a moist environment in which the apples can soften and caramelize. It is placed in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until the apples become soft but not completely mushy.
While the apples are baking, we prepare the dough. In another bowl, the two types of flour are mixed, which are sifted to remove any lumps. Cold butter, cut into cubes, is added to the flour, and it is gently rubbed with the palms to obtain a crumbly texture. This process is essential to ensure a fluffy pie. Once the butter is well incorporated, sugar is added, and a small well is made in the middle of the flour, where the beaten egg mixed with milk is poured. Everything is mixed gently, and if the dough is too dry, a few tablespoons of milk can be added to achieve a softer consistency.
Once the apples are ready, they are taken out of the oven, and dumplings are formed from the obtained dough, which are placed on top of the apples with a spoon. It is important that these dumplings evenly cover the entire surface to create a delicious crust. A little unrefined sugar is sprinkled on top, which will caramelize and give a crunchy note to the pie. The dish is returned to the oven and baked at a moderate heat for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the dough comes out clean.
The pie is served warm, ideally alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which will gently melt on the warm surface, creating a delicious contrast. A dollop of whipped cream can also be added to decorate the plate. It should not be cut with a knife; instead, it should be broken with a spoon, ensuring that a bit of the juice collected in the dish is added, which will enhance the flavors of each serving. This combination of textures and flavors will make this apple pie an unforgettable dessert.
The apple slices are placed in a large bowl, where sugar, melted butter, the zest and juice of a fresh lemon, and a pinch of cinnamon are added. This mixture will not only enhance the flavors but will also prevent the apples from oxidizing, keeping them a nice color. After all the ingredients are well combined, the mixture is transferred to a baking dish, which will also be used for baking. The dish is covered with aluminum foil to create a moist environment in which the apples can soften and caramelize. It is placed in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until the apples become soft but not completely mushy.
While the apples are baking, we prepare the dough. In another bowl, the two types of flour are mixed, which are sifted to remove any lumps. Cold butter, cut into cubes, is added to the flour, and it is gently rubbed with the palms to obtain a crumbly texture. This process is essential to ensure a fluffy pie. Once the butter is well incorporated, sugar is added, and a small well is made in the middle of the flour, where the beaten egg mixed with milk is poured. Everything is mixed gently, and if the dough is too dry, a few tablespoons of milk can be added to achieve a softer consistency.
Once the apples are ready, they are taken out of the oven, and dumplings are formed from the obtained dough, which are placed on top of the apples with a spoon. It is important that these dumplings evenly cover the entire surface to create a delicious crust. A little unrefined sugar is sprinkled on top, which will caramelize and give a crunchy note to the pie. The dish is returned to the oven and baked at a moderate heat for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the dough comes out clean.
The pie is served warm, ideally alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which will gently melt on the warm surface, creating a delicious contrast. A dollop of whipped cream can also be added to decorate the plate. It should not be cut with a knife; instead, it should be broken with a spoon, ensuring that a bit of the juice collected in the dish is added, which will enhance the flavors of each serving. This combination of textures and flavors will make this apple pie an unforgettable dessert.
Ingredients
For the filling: 1 kg/2 lb apples 60 g/1/4 cup sugar 25 g/3/4 oz unsalted butter, softened lemon zest juice of one lemon cinnamon (to taste) For the dough: 85 g/2/3 cup self-raising flour (with salt and baking powder in it) 40 g/1/3 cup plain white flour 50 g/1 3/4 oz unsalted butter (cold) 2 tablespoons sugar 2-3 tablespoons milk (you may need more depending on the flour, I usually use about 6 tablespoons) 1 egg unrefined sugar