Apple pie

Apple pie is a classic dessert that has brought joy and beautiful memories to many homes over time. Its inviting aroma of caramelized apples and cinnamon reminds us of family moments, festive meals, or peaceful autumn evenings. This simple and quick recipe will transform fresh apples into the perfect delight for any occasion. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicious pie!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 700 g flour
- 250 g butter (preferably cold, cut into cubes)
- 150 g sugar (if you prefer a sweeter pie, you can add more)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 3 eggs
- 100 ml milk

For the filling:
- 2 - 2.5 kg apples (uncleaned weight, about 1.7 kg cleaned)
- 4 tablespoons of sugar (adjust according to the sweetness of the apples)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 tablespoon of grated lemon zest
- 1-2 tablespoons of cinnamon (to taste)
- A few tablespoons of semolina to absorb the apple juice

Preparing the pie

1. Preparing the dough
Start by preparing the dough, which will form the base of the pie. In a large bowl, add the cold butter cut into cubes, sugar, vanilla sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use a food processor or mixer to combine the ingredients until you achieve a crumbly texture. This step is important because the cold butter will help achieve a flaky pie.

2. Adding the eggs and milk
Add the whole eggs and milk to the mixture of dry ingredients. Use a whisk or spatula to mix everything until you obtain a smooth dough. Make sure not to overmix, otherwise the pie will become dense.

3. Resting the dough
Once the dough is ready, wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about an hour. This step is crucial as cooling the dough will make it easier to roll out and will help achieve a flaky and fluffy pie.

4. Preparing the apples
In the meantime, peel the apples and grate them using a large grater. You should get about 1.7 kg of cleaned apples. Place them in a pan and add 4 tablespoons of sugar, 1 packet of vanilla sugar, grated lemon zest, and cinnamon. Sauté the apples over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes until they soften slightly and release their juice. Let them cool.

5. Assembling the pie
After the dough has chilled, divide it into two equal parts. On a floured surface, roll out the first part of the dough into a thin sheet large enough to cover the bottom of a 34x25 cm tray. Place the sheet of dough in the tray and sprinkle a thin layer of semolina on the bottom. This will help absorb the apple juice and prevent the dough from becoming too wet.

6. Adding the apple filling
Evenly distribute the sautéed apples over the semolina layer. Then, roll out the second part of the dough and cover the apple filling. Make a few holes in the dough with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.

7. Baking the pie
Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and place the pie in the oven. Bake for about 40 minutes or until the dough turns golden and crispy. The inviting aromas of apples and cinnamon will fill your kitchen!

8. Serving
Once the pie is ready, let it cool slightly in the tray, then dust it with powdered sugar before cutting it into servings. It is wonderful served warm, but can also be enjoyed cold, alongside a scoop of ice cream or a cup of fragrant tea.

Practical tips

- Apple variety: Choose sweet and tart apples, such as Jonagold or Fuji, to achieve a balanced and flavorful filling.
- Customization: You can add chopped nuts or raisins to the apple filling for extra texture. Additionally, a splash of rum or vanilla will enhance the flavor.
- Serving: Try the pie with a scoop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. A warm drink, such as mint tea or a cappuccino, perfectly complements the dessert.

Nutritional information

This apple pie brings not only flavor but also nutritional benefits. Apples are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, contributing to digestive health and strengthening the immune system. Each serving contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of sugar and butter used.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other fruits? Yes! You can replace apples with pears, peaches, or cherries, adjusting the sugar quantities according to the sweetness of the chosen fruits.
- What is the secret to a flaky dough? Using cold butter and chilling the dough before baking are essential for achieving a flaky pie.
- Can the pie be frozen? Yes, the pie can be frozen. We recommend cutting it into portions and wrapping it well to prevent freezer burn.

Apple pie is more than just a dessert; it is an experience that brings us together, evoking memories and emotions. Savor every bite and share this recipe with your loved ones. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Dough:* 700 g flour * 250 g butter * 150 g sugar (if you like sweet pastries, you can add more) * 1 packet of vanilla sugar * 1 teaspoon baking powder * a pinch of salt * 3 eggs * 100 ml milk Filling:* 2 - 2.5 kg apples (amount unpeeled) * 4 tablespoons of sugar (more or less depending on how sweet the apples are and your preference) * 1 packet of vanilla sugar * 1 tablespoon of grated lemon zest * cinnamon * a few tablespoons of semolina