Apple cottage cheese pie

Ingredients

Pastry

150 grams (5.3 ounces) flour

70 grams (2.5 ounces) cold butter

pinch of salt

1 egg yolk

1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) cold water

Filling

200 grams (7 ounces) cottage cheese

1 egg

50 grams (1.8 ounces) sugar

1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract

1 tablespoon (8 grams) cornstarch

5 apples

For topping

Sugar for sprinkling

Honey for greasing apples

Instructions

Step 1

Combine the flour, salt, and pre-cut butter cubes. Grind into crumbs. Add the egg yolk and, if needed, the ice-cold water, then quickly knead the dough. Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the butter to firm up and makes the dough easier to handle.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 392°F (200°C). Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it with butter and sprinkle with flour. Preheating is crucial for even cooking and getting the right texture on your pie crust.

Step 3

Mix the cottage cheese with the egg, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and sugar until well combined. Ensure there are no lumps for a smooth filling.

Step 4

Cut the apples in half, remove the core, and peel them. Cut the apple halves into thin slices, but not all the way through. Optionally, sprinkle the apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning. Making thin slices helps the apples cook evenly.

Step 5

Roll out the dough and transfer it to the baking sheet, making sure to create sides to hold the filling. Spread the cheese filling over the dough evenly. Place the apple halves on top of the cheese filling. Brush the apples with honey if desired.The honey adds a lovely glaze and sweetness to the apples.

Step 6

Bake the pie for 25-35 minutes or until golden brown. The pie should be golden and the apples tender. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.

Servings

Once your Apple Cottage Cheese Pie is out of the oven, the real fun begins. 🎉 The warm, cozy scents of baked apples and vanilla will fill your kitchen, making everyone eager for a slice. 🍏 To serve, cut the pie into generous slices and pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. 🍦 If you're feeling fancy, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top. For a more casual gathering, serve the pie with a pot of hot coffee or tea. ☕ This pie also makes a perfect addition to a brunch spread—consider it alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and granola for a balanced meal. Breakfast, dessert, or snack, this pie fits right in! 🥧✨

Equipment

Mixing Bowls

Use different sizes to keep your ingredients separate and organized.

Pastry Blender

Perfect for cutting butter into the flour, ensuring a crumbly, flaky crust.

Rolling Pin

This tool is essential for rolling out the dough smoothly and evenly.

Baking Sheet

Choose a non-stick baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Pastry Brush

Ensure even application of honey on the apples for that extra glossy finish.

Variations

Gluten-Free Apple Cottage Cheese Pie 🍎🌾
Swap out the regular flour for 150g of gluten-free all-purpose flour. Make sure to chill the dough well as gluten-free flours can be a bit delicate. Vegan Apple Cottage Cheese Pie 🥧🍏
For a vegan twist, replace the butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) instead of the egg yolk, and substitute 200g of dairy-free cottage cheese. Replace the honey with agave syrup or maple syrup. Voilà, a completely animal-friendly delight! 🌱❤️

Faq

Why is my pastry dough too sticky?
This often happens if your butter wasn't cold enough. Make sure to use very cold butter and add water sparingly.
How do I store leftover pie?
Cover the pie with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What can I do if my apples are too tart?
Add a bit more sugar to the topping or mix in a sweeter apple variety to balance the flavors.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
How do I get a more golden-brown crust?
Brush the edges of the crust with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water) before baking.
What can I add for an extra flavor kick?
Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the apple topping for a warm, spice flavor. A splash of lemon juice could also heighten the flavors!