Homemade apple pie

Apple pie - a simple and comforting delight

Who doesn’t love the aroma of baked apples wafting through the house? Apple pie is a classic dessert, perfect for cool autumn days, bringing a touch of warmth and nostalgia with every bite. This recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious, combining textures and flavors that complement each other. I invite you to discover the simple steps to create this delicacy at home, sharing with you some useful tips and tricks to ensure a perfect result.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients:

For the dough:
- 200 g cream cheese with sour cream
- 1/2 pack of butter (about 100 g), at room temperature
- 100 g sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 sachet of baking powder
- Flour as needed (about 400 g, to achieve an elastic dough that does not stick to hands)
- A little lemon juice
- A pinch of salt

For the apple filling:
- 1 kg apples (preferably grated, but you can also use diced apples)
- 200 g cherry jam (or any other preferred jam)
- A teaspoon of cinnamon (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)
- Semolina (for sprinkling in the tray)

Preparing the filling:

1. Preparing the apples: Start by washing the apples well, then grate them. If you prefer cubes, make sure they are of suitable size to cook evenly. Once grated, squeeze them a little to remove excess water. This step is essential to avoid a watery filling.

2. Sautéing the apples: In a pan, add a little oil and sauté the grated apples over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes. This step will help intensify the flavors and make the apples more tender. Once sautéed, add the cherry jam and, if desired, cinnamon. Mix well until all ingredients are combined and let the filling cool.

Preparing the dough:

3. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, place 200 g of flour and make a well in the center. Add the eggs, salt, and start mixing gently with a spatula or with your hands. It is important not to overmix at the beginning; you want to achieve a soft dough, not a paste.

4. Adding the wet ingredients: Incorporate the softened butter and sugar, then the cream cheese. Continue mixing, gradually adding the remaining flour until you get an elastic dough that does not stick to your hands. Finally, extinguish the baking powder with lemon juice and add it to the dough. This step will ensure a fluffy texture.

5. Resting the dough: Let the dough rest for 10-15 minutes covered, to relax the gluten and make it easier to roll out.

Assembling the pie:

6. Preparing the tray: Line a tray with parchment paper, ensuring you cover it well to prevent sticking.

7. Dividing the dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll out the first sheet on a floured surface, making sure it is large enough to cover the bottom of the tray. Place the sheet in the tray and sprinkle a little semolina on the bottom, which will help absorb moisture from the filling.

8. Adding the filling: Spread the apple filling evenly over the first sheet. Roll out the second sheet of dough and cover the filling. You can make a few cuts in the top sheet to allow steam to escape during baking.

9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the pie for about 45 minutes, or until golden and well-baked. Once the pie is ready, let it cool slightly in the tray, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving the pie:

10. Cooling and serving: The apple pie can be served warm or at room temperature. It can be dusted with powdered sugar for a more elegant look or accompanied by a dollop of sour cream or vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.

11. Storing the pie: If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also freeze it if you want to enjoy it later.

Nutritional benefits:

This pie not only brings a wonderful taste but also nutritional benefits. Apples are an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, contributing to overall health. Additionally, cream cheese adds a boost of protein and calcium.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, you can replace apples with pears, peaches, or even berries, adjusting the jam according to the fruits used.

2. How can I make the pie less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the dough or choose a less sweet jam for the filling.

3. What can I do if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can use Greek yogurt or ricotta as an alternative, providing a similar texture.

At the heart of this recipe are the pleasant memories of childhood, when the aromas of apples and cinnamon filled the house. Apple pie is more than just a dessert – it’s an invitation to enjoy simple moments, to share joy with loved ones, and to savor every bite. So, I encourage you to try this simple recipe and enjoy the final result, with a cup of warm tea by your side!