Apple pie with a crispy crust

Apple pie with a crunchy crust – a delicious and comforting recipe

Who can resist a fragrant apple pie with a crunchy crust that delights the senses? This simple and quick apple pie recipe is perfect for those moments when you crave something sweet but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. Moreover, it’s an excellent way to use seasonal apples, transforming them into a dessert that will bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 125 g of flour
- 25 g of butter (soft)
- 1 pinch of yeast
- 20 g of sugar
- 60 ml of warm milk
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 400 g of tart apples, sliced thinly (green apples are ideal)
- 40 g of sugar
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 tablespoon of breadcrumbs (to absorb the apple juice and prevent a soggy base)

For the crunchy crust:
- 50 g of flour
- 30 g of butter (cold, cubed)
- 30 g of sugar
- 1 pinch of ground cinnamon

Step by step for a perfect pie

1. Preparing the dough
Start by activating the yeast: in a bowl, mix the crushed yeast with warm milk and a pinch of sugar. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until the yeast dissolves completely. This is an essential step to achieve a fluffy dough.

In another bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and soft butter. Gently rub the butter into the flour with your fingers until you have a mixture resembling fine crumbs. Add the yeast mixture and the egg yolk, then knead the dough well until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 45-60 minutes.

2. Preparing the filling
While the dough is rising, you can prepare the apples. Wash, peel, and slice them thinly. Place the apple slices in a bowl and add the sugar and lemon juice. Mix well so that the apples are coated in this sweet-tart mixture. Add the breadcrumbs and mix again to ensure a pleasant texture for the pie.

3. Assembling the pie
After the dough has risen, grease a baking dish with a little butter and spread the dough evenly on the bottom using your fingers or a rolling pin. Make sure the dough covers the edges of the dish well.

Arrange the apple slices over the dough in the dish, distributing them evenly. Sprinkle the remaining sugar over the apples and let the pie rise for another 30 minutes.

4. Preparing the crunchy crust
In the meantime, you can prepare the crunchy crust. In a bowl, combine the flour, cold cubed butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Use your fingertips to combine the ingredients until you have a sandy mixture. This will add a crunchy texture to your pie.

5. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (medium-high heat). Sprinkle the crunchy crust mixture over the apples in the dish and bake the pie for about 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy.

6. Serving
Once the pie is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. You can dust the pie with a little cinnamon for added flavor. It’s delicious both warm and cold, and pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Helpful tips

- Choosing apples: Choose tart apples for a pleasant contrast with the sweetness of the pie. Granny Smith apples are an excellent choice.
- Variations: You can add chopped nuts or hazelnuts to the apple filling for extra texture and flavor.
- Enhancements: For an even more intense flavor, you can add a splash of vanilla extract to the apple filling.

Nutritional benefits
This apple pie is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. Apples are rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants that help maintain heart health. Whole wheat flour, which you can use instead of white flour, adds extra fiber and nutrients.

Calories
A serving of pie contains approximately 220-250 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It’s a good choice for a dessert without exceeding the daily calorie limit.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other fruits?
Yes, this recipe can be adapted with other fruits, such as peaches, plums, or cherries, depending on the season.

2. How can I store the pie?
The pie can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual portions.

3. How can I make the pie less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or use a natural sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup.

The apple pie with a crunchy crust is more than just a dessert; it’s a culinary experience that brings nostalgia and joy with every bite. A simple yet impressive recipe, perfect for any occasion or just to treat your family. Try it and let yourself be carried away by its flavors!