Tender apple pie

The perfect dessert for the soul: tender apple pie

Who doesn't love a delicious cake with a dough so tender that it simply melts in your mouth? This apple pie recipe is perfect for turning leftover apples from the fridge into something truly special. Even though summer tempts us with seasonal fruits, this apple pie brings a touch of nostalgia, reminding us of cool autumn days. It is a dessert that combines the sweetness of apples with the warm aroma of cinnamon, and the result is simply irresistible.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients:

For the dough:
- 550 g flour
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 1 packet baking powder
- 250 g cold butter (cut into cubes)
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the filling:
- 1.5 kg apples (preferably sweet-sour varieties)
- 6 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)
- Ground cinnamon (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons semolina

A bit of history

Apple pie is a dessert that has crossed generations, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. Apples, versatile and beloved fruits, have been used for centuries in making pies and tarts. This dessert not only delights our taste buds but also brings us the joy of sharing beautiful moments with loved ones. Whether we enjoy it warm alongside a scoop of ice cream or cold, dusted with sugar, apple pie will always be a favorite.

Step by step: How to prepare the apple pie

1. Preparing the dough: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. Add the baking powder and powdered sugar. Mix the dry ingredients well to ensure they are homogeneous. This is the perfect moment to enjoy the pleasant aroma of freshly sifted flour.

2. Adding the butter: Begin incorporating the cold butter, cut into small cubes. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until you achieve a consistency similar to breadcrumbs. It is important for the butter to be cold to achieve a tender dough.

3. Wet ingredients: Add the egg yolks, sour cream, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Use a spatula to mix everything, then knead the dough until it comes together. Don’t be afraid to put a little energy into it, but be careful not to over-knead! The dough should be non-sticky and easy to shape.

4. Chilling the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step is essential to allow the dough to firm up, making it easier to roll out later.

5. Preparing the apples: Meanwhile, peel the apples and grate them on a large grater. Make sure to squeeze them well to remove excess juice. Mix the grated apples with sugar and cinnamon. Taste the filling and adjust the sugar to your liking.

6. Assembling the pie: I recommend using parchment paper to roll out the dough more easily. Cut two sheets of paper to the size of the baking tray you will use. Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll out one part of the dough on the first sheet of parchment paper, then transfer it along with the paper into the tray. Sprinkle a tablespoon of semolina over the dough; this will absorb the apple juice and prevent the pie from becoming too wet.

7. The filling: Place the apple filling over the semolina layer, then sprinkle another tablespoon of semolina on top. Roll out the second sheet of dough and use the parchment paper to easily transfer it over the filling. Don’t forget to poke the pie in several places with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the oven and bake the pie for about 45 minutes, or until it turns golden and beautifully browned.

9. Finishing: After the pie has cooled slightly, dust it with vanilla sugar. Cut it into squares and enjoy its unique aroma and taste. It is delicious both warm and cold, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside will turn it into a truly unforgettable dessert.

Useful tips:
- If you want to add a touch of originality, you can incorporate some chopped nuts or almonds into the apple filling.
- If you don’t have semolina on hand, you can use crushed cookies or oats.
- You can experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or ginger, to give the pie a different flavor.

Delicious pairings:
This apple pie pairs wonderfully with a cup of black tea or aromatic coffee. You can also try serving it with a caramel sauce or chocolate glaze for an extra touch of decadence.

Nutritional information:
This pie is a good source of fiber due to the apples, which are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. When consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, you can experiment with pears or peaches, but you will need to adjust the amount of sugar based on their sweetness.

2. How can I store the pie?
The pie stores well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 4-5 days.

3. Can I freeze the pie?
Yes, you can freeze the pie before cutting it. Make sure it is well wrapped to prevent ice crystals from forming.

In conclusion, this apple pie will not only delight your taste buds but will also become a family favorite. So gather the ingredients and let’s enjoy a piece of happiness!