Tender cake with apples and pumpkin

Tender Apple and Pumpkin Pie: A Delicacy for All Seasons

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Who doesn't love the aroma of a warm pie filled with apples and pumpkin? This tender pie, with a melt-in-your-mouth crust and a sweet-tart filling, is perfect for any occasion. Whether it's a gathering with friends or a family afternoon, this recipe will bring smiles to faces.

A brief history of fruit-filled pies takes us back in time when people preserved their harvests using simple methods like baking. Apples and pumpkin, readily available and nutritious ingredients, were often used to create delicious desserts, and filled pies quickly became favorites among homemakers.

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 400 g flour
- 250 g margarine or butter (choose butter for a richer taste)
- 2 eggs (at room temperature)
- 3 tablespoons sugar (you can adjust to taste)
- a pinch of baking powder
- a pinch of baking soda
- vanilla essence (1 teaspoon)
- a pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 500 g apples (peeled, grated, and sautéed with a few tablespoons of sugar)
- 300 g pumpkin (peeled, grated, and sautéed similarly to the apples)
- vanilla essence (1 teaspoon)

Preparation steps

1. Preparing the crust: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. In another bowl, mix margarine or butter with sugar until creamy. Add the eggs, vanilla essence, and mix well. Then, incorporate the flour mixture. Knead the dough gently, being careful not to over-knead to avoid elasticity. If the dough feels too soft, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of flour, but don’t overdo it. Once you have a smooth dough, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.

2. Preparing the filling: While the dough cools, you can prepare the filling. In a pan, add the grated apples and pumpkin. Sauté them over medium heat, adding sugar to taste. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. When the mixture becomes soft and fragrant, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly. Add the vanilla essence for extra flavor.

3. Assembling the pie: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray of about 30x20 cm with parchment paper. Divide the dough into two roughly equal parts. On a floured surface, roll out the first piece of dough to fit the size of the tray. Carefully transfer the dough to the tray, ensuring it covers the corners as well.

4. Adding the filling: Pour the apple and pumpkin filling over the first layer of dough, leveling it evenly. Roll out the second layer of dough and carefully place it over the filling. You can make a few cuts on the surface of the pie to allow steam to escape during baking.

5. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the pie for 50 minutes, until golden.

6. Cooling and serving: After removing the pie from the oven, let it cool in the tray for a few hours. It will become more tender as it cools. If desired, you can dust the pie with powdered sugar before serving for a special touch.

Practical tips:
- Ensure that the ingredients are at room temperature for an even dough.
- If you want to add a hint of spice, you can use cinnamon or nutmeg in the filling, giving the pie an even richer flavor.
- You can substitute pumpkin with other seasonal fruits, such as peaches or plums, to create interesting variations.
- The pie becomes even more delicious after being left to sit for a whole day, so don’t hesitate to prepare it a day in advance of serving.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This pie has approximately 250 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. Apples and pumpkin are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, providing considerable nutritional value. Pumpkin, in particular, is a good source of beta-carotene, which is beneficial for eye health.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of flour? Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture of the pie will change.
- How can I store the pie? Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for a longer duration.
- What drinks pair well with this pie? A cup of mint tea or a glass of sweet white wine pairs perfectly with the flavor of this aromatic pie.

This tender apple and pumpkin pie is not just a dessert, but also a story of culinary tradition that brings us together. I hope you try it and share it with your loved ones! Enjoy!