Apple pie

Caramelized Apple Pie: A Classic Recipe with a Modern Twist

Preparation time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 70 minutes
Number of servings: 12-15

Welcome to the delicious world of apple pies! This recipe combines tradition with innovation and is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're preparing a dessert for a party, a family gathering, or just want to treat yourself, the caramelized apple pie will bring smiles to everyone's faces. Let's get started!

The History of Apple Pie:
Apple pie is a dessert that has accompanied us for centuries, with deep roots in cultures around the world. It is a symbol of comfort and warmth, often associated with pleasant childhood memories. Apples, versatile and flavorful fruits, have been used over time in various dishes, and pie remains one of the most beloved.

Necessary Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 450 g margarine (2 packages)
- 200 g full-fat yogurt (3% or 6%)
- A pinch of salt
- Flour, as needed (approximately 600 g, variable depending on the flour's humidity)
- A pinch of baking powder
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar

For the filling:
- 2 kg sour apples (we recommend Granny Smith, Jonagold, or Idared)
- Sugar to taste (6-8 tablespoons, depending on the sweetness of the apples)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar

Step by Step: Preparing the Apple Pie

1. Preparing the apples:
Wash the apples well, then peel and grate them. This step is essential for achieving a fine and homogeneous filling. Place the apples in a stainless steel pot, add the sugar, and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently. Let them sauté until they become soft and juicy, then remove the pot from the heat. Add the cinnamon and vanilla sugar, mixing well. Allow the filling to cool.

2. Preparing the dough:
Take the margarine out of the fridge and let it reach room temperature. In a large bowl, mix the margarine with the yogurt until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. In another container, combine the flour with the baking powder and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the bowl with margarine and yogurt, kneading by hand until the dough becomes elastic, non-sticky, and easy to handle. If the dough is too soft, add a little more flour.

3. Chilling the dough:
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will help solidify the margarine and make it easier to roll out the dough.

4. Assembling the pie:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium). Divide the dough into two equal parts. Use a rolling pin to roll out the first part of the dough, ensuring it is large enough to cover the bottom of a 40 cm x 28 cm baking tray and rise slightly up the sides.

5. Adding the filling:
Place the rolled-out dough in the prepared tray, covering it with parchment paper. Pour the cooled apple filling over the dough in the tray, spreading it evenly. Roll out the second sheet of dough and place it over the filling, piercing it in several places with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.

6. Baking:
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the pie for about 30 minutes. Be careful, as every oven bakes differently. When the pie turns golden and well-baked, it is ready.

7. Finishing:
After removing the pie from the oven, let it cool completely. Dust powdered sugar on top for an elegant and delicious appearance.

Serving:
The caramelized apple pie is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, cream, or whipped cream. This combination will transform your dessert into an unforgettable culinary experience!

Nutritional Benefits:
Apples are an excellent source of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. They contribute to digestive health and can help maintain weight. Using yogurt in the dough adds a note of freshness and texture, while margarine provides a rich taste and flaky texture.

Helpful Tips:
- You can experiment with different types of apples, each having its own flavor and aroma.
- If you prefer a more tart taste, add a little lemon juice to the filling.
- Instead of sugar, you can use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup to reduce sugar content.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- What types of apples can I use? Choose sour apples like Granny Smith or Jonagold for a pleasant contrast with the sweetness of the sugar.
- Can I substitute margarine with butter? Yes, you can use butter instead of margarine for a richer taste. Make sure it is at room temperature before combining it with the yogurt.
- How can I keep the pie fresh? It can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the fridge for a week.

Try this simple caramelized apple pie recipe and bring a touch of joy to your kitchen! Enjoy and happy cooking!