Apple pie

Apple pie – a classic and beloved dessert that evokes childhood memories and the scent of baked apples filling the house. This recipe, with tender crust and sweet-sour filling, is perfect to enjoy at any time of the year, but especially in autumn when apples are at their peak flavor. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicacy, step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 170 g butter (preferably high quality for an intense flavor)
- 150 g sugar (you can use brown sugar for added aroma)
- 5 egg yolks (fresh for a rich texture)
- 100 ml milk (warm to help activate the ingredients)
- 700 g flour (type 000 for a fine dough)
- 15 g baking powder (to give a little volume to the crust)

For the filling:
- 2 kg apples (choose sweet-sour varieties like Granny Smith or Golden)
- 100 g sugar (adjust the amount based on the sweetness of the apples)
- 50 g butter (for a creamy taste)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (or more if you like the aroma)
- Juice of 1 lemon (to prevent the apples from oxidizing and add a touch of acidity)

Instructions

Preparing the crust

1. Creaming the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, add the softened butter (let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes). Using a mixer, cream the butter with the sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and the sugar starts to dissolve (about 5-7 minutes). This will give the crust a slightly airy texture.

2. Adding the egg yolks: Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated. This step is essential for achieving a uniform consistency.

3. Incorporating the milk: Add the warm milk and homogenize the mixture. This will help activate the baking powder and make the dough softer.

4. Mixing the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. This will eliminate any lumps and ensure a fine texture. Add the flour mixture to the wet composition and mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until you obtain a homogeneous dough.

5. Chilling the dough: Form a ball of dough, cover it with plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help firm up the butter and make rolling out the crust easier.

Preparing the filling

6. Preparing the apples: Peel the apples and grate them using a large grater. Place them in a pot, immediately drizzling with lemon juice (this will prevent oxidation).

7. Adding the ingredients: Add the sugar, butter, and cinnamon over the grated apples. Mix well and place the pot over medium heat. Sauté the apples for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become slightly soft. Turn off the heat and let them cool.

Assembling the pie

8. Dividing the dough: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and divide it into two equal parts. Use a lightly floured surface to roll out the first crust, ensuring it is large enough to cover the bottom of the baking tray.

9. Placing the crust in the tray: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the first crust in the tray, making sure it is evenly spread.

10. Adding the filling: Drain the apples of any syrup and spread them evenly over the crust.

11. Covering with the second crust: Roll out the second crust and carefully place it over the apple filling. You can make a few cuts in a cross or square pattern to allow steam to escape during baking.

Baking

12. Baking the pie: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium-low temperature). Bake the pie for about 45 minutes or until golden and beautifully browned on the surface. Check occasionally to avoid burning.

13. Cooling and serving: Once removed from the oven, let the pie cool for 15 minutes in the tray, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. Before serving, dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant appearance.

Serving suggestions

Apple pie is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a dollop of sweet cream. Additionally, a cup of flavored tea or coffee pairs perfectly with this dessert, adding an extra touch of comfort.

Possible variations

- Adding nuts: You can add chopped walnuts or almonds to the apple filling for a crunchy twist.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg: Experiment with adding other spices like nutmeg or ginger to diversify the flavor.
- Mixed fruits: Replace some of the apples with pears or plums for a different flavored filling.

Nutritional benefits

Apples are known for their rich vitamin content (especially vitamin C) and fiber, which supports a healthy digestive system. Eating apples may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve heart health.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use canned apples?
While fresh apples are best, you can also use canned ones. Just make sure to drain them well before use.

2. How can I store the pie?
You can store the pie covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven to restore its crispy texture.

3. Is it possible to make gluten-free crust?
Yes, you can replace wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure you use gluten-free baking powder.

In conclusion, apple pie is a versatile dessert, full of tradition and love, that can quickly become your favorite. With every bite, you'll feel the warmth and nostalgia. So, gather your ingredients and start creating delicious memories in the kitchen! Enjoy!