Apple pie

Apple pie is a classic dessert that reminds us of the days spent in the kitchen with loved ones, where the aroma of baked apples and cinnamon envelops our souls. This recipe is not only simple but also offers an explosion of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Let's embark on our culinary adventure and discover together how to prepare this delicacy!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 200 g butter (at room temperature for easy incorporation)
- 150 g sugar (you can use brown sugar for a more caramelized taste)
- 375 g yogurt (preferably natural, but Greek yogurt can also be used)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2 packets of vanilla (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- 2 large eggs (the quality of the eggs will influence the texture)
- 750 g flour (you can combine white flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (about ½ packet)

For the filling:
- 15 beautiful apples (choose sweet and aromatic apples, such as Golden or Fuji)
- 1 cup of sugar (adjust the amount according to the sweetness of the apples)
- 1 packet of cinnamon (adds a warm and comforting note)
- 1 packet of vanilla

For decoration:
- Powdered sugar (for an elegant finish)

Preparing the Apple Pie

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the butter is soft and the apples are peeled and grated. I recommend using a large grater to obtain thin strips of apples that will bake evenly.

2. Beating the butter: In a large bowl, add the soft butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat them together at medium speed until the mixture becomes fluffy and light blonde (about 3-5 minutes). This step is essential, as the incorporated air will make the layers lighter.

3. Adding the eggs and flavors: Add the eggs, vanilla, and salt, continuing to mix until everything is well combined. Here, the vanilla plays a crucial role in bringing the flavors to life.

4. Incorporating the yogurt: Add the yogurt and mix slowly. The yogurt will add moisture and make the dough even tastier.

5. Mixing the dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon until you obtain a homogeneous dough. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop gluten and result in tough layers.

6. Forming the layers: Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll each part between two sheets of parchment paper until you obtain thin layers. Using parchment paper will prevent the dough from sticking to the surface and make it easier to handle.

7. Assembling the pie: Place the first layer of dough in a baking dish lined with parchment paper. Evenly sprinkle the grated apples, then add the sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. These spices will provide a deep flavor to the apples and turn them into the perfect filling.

8. Covering with the second layer: Roll out the second layer of dough and carefully flip it over the filling. This simple trick will help you avoid breaking the dough layer. Make sure the edges are well sealed to keep the filling inside.

9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the pie for 40 minutes or until it becomes golden and beautifully browned. In the meantime, the aroma of fresh apples and cinnamon will fill the entire kitchen.

10. Cooling and decorating: Once the pie is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. When completely cooled, dust with powdered sugar and, if desired, an extra sprinkle of cinnamon for an elegant touch.

Serving suggestions: The apple pie is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a caramel sauce to add extra flavor. A cup of tea or coffee will perfectly complement this dessert, turning any meal into an unforgettable experience.

Variations: If you want to experiment, you can add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for added texture. You can also replace the apples with pears or peaches, adapting the recipe to the season.

Nutritional benefits: Apples are full of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, while yogurt adds probiotics that support digestive health. This pie offers a delicious yet beneficial combination, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other fruits?: Of course! You can experiment with pears, peaches, or even berries.
2. How do I store the pie?: You can keep it at room temperature in an airtight container for 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for a week.
3. What can I do with leftover dough?: If you have leftover dough, you can use it for cookies or muffins.

In conclusion, the apple pie is a dessert that will not only delight your taste buds but also bring back beautiful memories with loved ones. So don't hesitate and prepare this delicacy! Enjoy!