Apple pie

Apple pie is a classic dessert loved by everyone, evoking memories of childhood and family evenings. This recipe is not only simple and quick but also represents an excellent way to utilize fresh, flavorful apples. Get ready to turn the apples into a delicious filling, complemented by a fluffy and airy crust that will make every slice unforgettable.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

For the filling:
- 6 medium apples (choose sweet and aromatic apples for an enriched taste)
- 3 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- 4 tablespoons sugar (you can adjust the amount depending on the sweetness of the apples)
- 3 tablespoons cinnamon (cinnamon adds a warm and fragrant note)
- A few raisins (optional, but recommended for a pleasant texture)

For the crust:
- 4 eggs (separate the whites from the yolks)
- 8 tablespoons sugar (sugar will provide sweetness and moisture)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence (for a richer flavor)
- Grated zest of 1 lemon (this ingredient will enhance the flavors)
- 12 tablespoons oil (for a moist crust)
- 4 tablespoons milk (adds a pleasant creaminess)
- A pinch of salt (helps balance the flavors)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (to make the crust fluffy)

Preparing the filling

1. Preparing the apples: Start by washing the apples under cold running water. Peel them and grate finely. This step will help achieve a more uniform filling.

2. Sautéing the apples: In a pan, add the 3 tablespoons of oil and heat over medium heat. Add the grated apples and 4 tablespoons of sugar. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples become soft and release their juice.

3. Finalizing the filling: Once the apples are softened, turn off the heat and add the cinnamon and raisins. Mix well and let the filling cool slightly before using it.

Preparing the crust

1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Ensure that the bowl for the egg whites is clean and dry; otherwise, they won't whip well.

2. Whipping the egg whites: In a bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until frothy. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a firm, glossy meringue.

3. Preparing the yolks: In another bowl, beat the yolks with the 12 tablespoons of oil and vanilla essence. Add the lemon zest and milk, mixing well.

4. Combining the ingredients: Gently fold the yolk mixture into the meringue using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the mixture. Then, add the baking powder and mix again gently.

Baking the pie

1. Preparing the pan: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a pan with oil, ensuring it is well covered.

2. Pouring the mixture: Pour half of the crust mixture into the prepared pan. Bake for about 10 minutes – don’t worry if it’s not completely baked; it will finish baking together with the filling.

3. Adding the filling: Remove the pan from the oven and spread the apple filling evenly over the crust. Cover with the remaining crust mixture, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

4. Finalizing the baking: Put the pan back in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the crust is golden and firm to the touch.

Serving and tips

Once the pie is ready, let it cool slightly before cutting it into portions. It can be served warm, alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of cream. This apple pie is perfect for a winter evening or as a weekend dessert.

Variations and tricks

- Vary the filling: Instead of raisins, you can use chopped nuts or almonds for a crunchy texture. You can also experiment with other fruits, such as pears or peaches.
- Additional spices: In addition to cinnamon, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a more exotic flavor.
- Keeping natural ingredients: If you want to reduce the amount of sugar, you can use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.

Nutritional benefits

Apples are an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C, while cinnamon has antioxidant properties. This pie can be a good choice to satisfy your sweet tooth without sacrificing health.

Frequently asked questions

- How can I store the pie for longer? The pie keeps well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for a few days.
- Can I freeze the pie? Yes, the pie can be frozen. It is recommended to portion it before freezing, so you can easily take it out as needed.
- What drinks pair well with the pie? A cup of fruit tea or a sweet wine can perfectly complement the apple pie.

Now that you have all the necessary details, all that’s left is to start cooking! This apple pie recipe will surely become a favorite in your home, bringing joy and flavor to every meal. Enjoy!