Ingredients
Filling
Crust
Crumble Topping
Instructions
Step 1
Start by placing the *chopped apples*, sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, lemon zest, and butter into a saucepan. Heat over medium heat.
Cook, stirring periodically, for about 8-10 minutes until softened. After cooking, drain the mixture using a strainer to remove excess liquid.
Step 2
Add the *cold butter*, sugar, and sifted flour into a mixer bowl. Using a paddle attachment, mix until it forms a crumb-like consistency.
Pour in the cold water and mix until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
Press the dough into an 18 cm (7-inch) pie tin to form the base and sides. Refrigerate this base for 15 minutes to firm up.
Step 3
In a mixer bowl, combine *flour*, sugar, and cold butter. Mix until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Step 4
After the crust has chilled, remove it from the freezer and fill it with the cooled apple filling. Sprinkle the prepared crumble topping evenly over the filling.
Bake in an oven preheated to *170°C (340°F)* for 40-50 minutes or until golden brown. Once baked, allow to cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy your homemade apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a cup of tea for a cozy autumn treat.
Servings
Romantic Dessert Night? 🍨 Pair this apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy texture against the warm, spiced apples is like a waltz for your taste buds. Light some candles, serve a slice, and watch the magic unfold.
Family Gathering? 🍎 Wow your guests by serving the pie with a variety of toppings like whipped cream, caramel sauce, or even a sprinkle of toasted nuts. Let everyone personalize their piece and create an engaging dining experience!
Classic Tea-Time Treat! ☕ Simply slice and serve alongside freshly brewed tea or coffee. The comforting aroma and delightful flavors are sure to bring back nostalgic memories and create new ones. Throw in some comfy slippers, and you're set!
Equipment
A quality pie pan is key to ensuring that your crust bakes evenly and crisps up nicely.
Use the paddle attachment to mix your dough quickly and efficiently without overworking it.
This is essential for pre-cooking the apple filling, enhancing the flavors and caramelization.
Straining the filling prevents a soggy crust by removing excess liquid.
Variations
Gluten-Free Delight! 🌾❌ Swap out regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend of your choice for an equally tasty pie.
Vegan Vibes! 🥥 Replace butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute, and ensure sugar is a vegan-friendly option. The flavor stands strong with a delightful nod to sustainability.
Faq
- Why is my crust not flaky?
It's possible the butter wasn't cold enough or that the dough was overmixed. Ensure to keep ingredients chilled and handle them swiftly.
- Can I use different apples?
Absolutely! Mix tart and sweet varieties like Granny Smith and Fuji for a balanced taste.
- How do I get more flavor from my apples?
Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to enhance the warmth and depth of the apple filling.
- Why did my filling overflow?
Be sure to strain your filling well and leave some space at the top of your crust to accommodate any expansion while baking.
- What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Cover the pie with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. Enjoy it chilled or warmed up to taste.
- Can I freeze the pie?
Certainly! Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.