Tender apple and cinnamon cake
Apple and cinnamon pie – a delightful dessert that will enchant your senses and fill your home with an irresistible aroma! This simple and delicious recipe is perfect for those moments when you want to treat your family or friends to a warm and comforting dessert that brings unforgettable memories.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 400 g flour (plus a handful for dusting the surface)
- 230 g butter (82% fat), cold
- 100 g sour cream
- 175 g sugar
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 egg and 1 yolk
- 1 packet vanilla
- Grated zest of one orange
- 3 tablespoons orange juice
For the filling:
- 10 large apples (preferably tart, like Granny Smith)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 packet vanilla
- 1-2 tablespoons cinnamon (to taste)
The history of apple and cinnamon pie is fascinating, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. This pie has often been made in households as a way to use fresh apples from the orchard, and the combination of apples and cinnamon has become a symbol of warmth and family comfort. Whether enjoyed at breakfast or as dessert, this recipe will bring a smile to your face.
Let's get started!
Step 1: Prepare the dough
Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This will help aerate the flour, making the dough lighter and flakier.
Grate the cold butter using a large grater and add it to the flour. It's important to use cold butter, as this will contribute to achieving a flaky texture in the dough.
Add the egg, yolk, sour cream, sugar, vanilla, zest, and orange juice, along with the baking powder. Mix the ingredients well with a spatula or your hands until you obtain a homogeneous dough. If necessary, add a little more flour to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Chill the dough
Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This process will allow the butter to firm up again and make the dough easier to roll out.
Step 3: Prepare the filling
Meanwhile, wash the apples and grate them using a large grater, keeping the skin on. This will add texture and flavor.
Place the apples in a bowl and add the brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Mix well to combine the flavors, then set the mixture aside for a few minutes.
Step 4: Roll out the dough
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and divide it into two roughly equal parts.
On a well-floured surface, roll out the first piece of dough using a rolling pin until it reaches the size of your baking dish (a rectangular ceramic dish is ideal).
Sprinkle flour on the parchment paper and the rolling pin to prevent sticking. Carefully transfer the dough to the dish, greasing the dish with butter before placing the dough to ensure easy removal after baking.
Step 5: Assemble the pie
Place the apple filling over the dough in the dish, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
Roll out the second piece of dough in the same way and place it on top of the filling. Prick the dough sheet in several places with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
Step 6: Bake
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, until golden and well-baked. The air in the kitchen will be filled with the aromas of apples and cinnamon – it’s a true delight!
Step 7: Cool and serve
Once the pie is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the dish for 15-20 minutes. Then, you can slice it and serve it warm or at room temperature. It is especially delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Practical tips:
- If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can also add a bit of grated ginger to the apple filling.
- Instead of apples, you can use pears or peaches for a seasonal variation of this pie.
- If you want to make a healthier pie, you can replace the sugar with natural alternatives like honey or maple syrup.
Nutritional benefits:
This pie contains apples, which are rich in fiber and vitamins, helping with healthy digestion and boosting the immune system. Additionally, cinnamon is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen apples?
Yes, but make sure to fully defrost and drain them well before using to avoid excess water in the filling.
2. How can I tell if the pie is baked?
Check if the pie is golden at the edges, and if you poke it with a toothpick in the center, it should come out clean.
3. Can the pie be stored in the fridge?
Yes, you can store the pie in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
This apple and cinnamon pie is an excellent choice for any occasion, whether it’s a family meal or a gathering with friends. Let yourself be carried away by its warm and comforting aromas and enjoy every slice! We hope you love this recipe as much as we did. Enjoy!
Ingredients: 400 g flour (plus a handful for dusting) 100 g sour cream 230 g butter (82%) 175 g sugar 1 packet baking powder vanilla grated orange peel plus 3 tablespoons of juice 1 egg and 1 yolk Filling: 10 large apples half a cup of brown sugar vanilla cinnamon
