Autumn apple pie

Autumn apple pie is a dessert that reminds us of the cool autumn days when apples are at their peak flavor. This recipe is not just a way to make the most of seasonal fruits, but also an opportunity to create joyful moments with loved ones. Whether you serve it with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of cream, the apple pie will bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Total time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 700 g flour (ideally bread flour for a soft texture)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- 1 egg + 1 egg white
- 250 ml milk (warmed, not hot)
- 100 g sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- A pinch of salt
- 50 g butter (or margarine, melted)
- Grated zest of one lemon (for extra flavor)

For the filling:
- 5 large apples (preferably Granny Smith or other tart apples)
- 4 tablespoons sugar (adjustable depending on the sweetness of the apples)
- Cinnamon (to taste)
- 1 egg + 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing)
- Sesame and poppy seeds (optional, for decoration)

Preparation

1. Preparing the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast cube with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mix until it becomes a smooth paste. This is essential for activating the yeast and achieving a fluffy dough.

2. Sifting the flour: In a large bowl, sift the flour and add a pinch of salt. This step helps aerate the flour for a finer and lighter texture.

3. Forming the dough: Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the yeast mixture, followed by the rest of the ingredients: warmed milk, egg, egg white, and grated lemon zest. Mix well with a spatula or wooden spoon until a dough begins to form.

4. Kneading: Add the melted butter and knead the dough for about 10 minutes. You should achieve an elastic, slightly sticky dough that doesn’t stick to your hands. If it’s too sticky, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

5. Letting it rise: Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Preparing the filling

1. Preparing the apples: Peel the apples and grate them. Meanwhile, in a pan, add the grated apples, sugar, and cinnamon. Sauté the mixture over low heat until the apple juice reduces and the mixture thickens. Let it cool.

Assembling the pie

1. Dividing the dough: Once the dough has risen, divide it into 3 equal parts. This will make rolling and assembling the pie easier.

2. Forming the sheets: On a surface lightly oiled or dusted with flour, roll each piece of dough into a thin sheet. Make sure each sheet is even for uniform baking.

3. Adding the filling: Evenly distribute the apple filling over each sheet of dough, leaving free edges to seal them.

4. Rolling: Roll each sheet with filling into a log. Place the logs in a rectangular baking dish lined with parchment paper.

5. Letting it rest: Cover the rolls with a cloth and let them rest for about 10 minutes.

6. Brushing and decorating: In a small bowl, mix an egg yolk with a tablespoon of milk. Brush each roll with this mixture, then sprinkle sesame and poppy seeds if you want a crunchy touch.

Baking

1. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Ensure it is well heated before placing the pie in for even baking.

2. Baking the pie: Place the dish in the oven and bake the pie for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown. Check constantly, as every oven bakes differently.

Serving

Once the pie is ready, let it cool slightly before cutting. It is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it plain or with vanilla ice cream, a dollop of cream, or a caramel sauce for added flavor.

Helpful tips

1. Choosing apples: Choose firm, tart apples to contrast with the sweetness of the dough. Granny Smith apples are perfect for this recipe.

2. Nut variation: You can add chopped nuts to the filling for extra crunch and distinct flavor.

3. Diet: Each slice of pie has about 250-300 calories, depending on size and ingredients used. It is a dessert that can be enjoyed in moderation, also having nutritional benefits due to the apples.

4. Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but the pie will have a different, denser texture.
- How can I store the pie? You can keep it in the fridge, covered, for 3-4 days.

Now that you have all the necessary details, start your kitchen adventure and let yourself be carried away by the aroma of caramelized apples and cinnamon. Enjoy!