Apple pie

Apple Pie: a classic and comforting recipe

When it comes to desserts, apple pie is one of those recipes that reminds us of beautiful moments spent with family. This pie is not only delicious but also versatile, as it can be served warm or cold, alongside ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Moreover, it is an excellent choice to take advantage of seasonal apples, rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Let’s embark on this delicious recipe, step by step!

Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 servings

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 450-500 g flour
- 200 g cold butter (cut into cubes)
- 100 g sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 4 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 pinch of salt
- Zest of one lemon (optional)
- 1 packet baking powder
- Vanilla essence (optional)

For the filling:
- 2 kg apples (preferably from sweet-sour varieties, such as Golden or Granny Smith)
- 150 g sugar
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- Cinnamon (to taste)

Preparation

1. Preparing the apples:
Start by peeling the apples. Once peeled, grate them or cut them into cubes, depending on your preference. Place them in a large bowl, add sugar and cinnamon. Mix well so that the apples are evenly coated.

2. Sautéing the apples:
Put the apples in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to reduce the juice that the apples release until the mixture becomes denser. Once enough water has evaporated, remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool.

3. Preparing the dough:
In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder and a pinch of salt. Add the cubed butter and, using your fingers or a dough mixer, knead until you achieve a crumbly texture. Add the sugar, egg yolks, sour cream, and lemon zest (if using), along with your preferred essences. Knead well until the dough becomes homogeneous. If it’s too sticky, you can add a little more flour.

4. Dividing the dough:
Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll out the first piece of dough on a floured surface, forming a thin sheet that will cover the bottom of the pan. Make sure it is large enough to cover the sides of the pan as well.

5. Assembling the pie:
Line a baking dish with parchment paper and place the first sheet of dough. Spread the apple filling evenly over the sheet. Then, roll out the second sheet of dough and cut it into thin strips, which you will arrange in a lattice pattern over the apples. You can get creative here! If you prefer a rustic look, it doesn’t need to be perfect.

6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes or until it becomes golden and crispy on the surface. During this time, the aroma of apples and cinnamon will fill the entire house, bringing you a warm and cozy feeling.

7. Cooling and serving:
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan before transferring it to a cooling rack. Before serving, you can sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for an elegant look. This pie is excellent served warm or cold, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream will perfectly complement this dessert.

Practical tips:
- You can add some chopped nuts or raisins to the apple filling for an extra texture.
- If you like stronger flavors, add a few drops of rum essence to the apple filling.
- Make sure the apples are well drained after sautéing to avoid a soggy pie.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 300
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use canned apples? Yes, but make sure to drain them well.
- How can I store the pie? Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also freeze it for later use.
- Is it possible to use other types of fruit? Absolutely! You can try peaches or cherries, and the combination of apples with berries is also delicious.

This apple pie is not just a simple dessert, but a true culinary treasure, full of memories and fantastic flavors. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, this recipe will make you feel like a true professional chef. Enjoy!