Apple Pie

Apple pie is a classic dessert that combines the sweet and tart flavors of apples with a delicious crumbly pastry texture. This recipe is not only simple, but it also offers an opportunity to bring a touch of nostalgia into your kitchen, evoking childhood memories. Let's explore together how to prepare this pie step by step, with all the tricks and details needed to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50-60 minutes
Total time: 90 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the pastry:
- 500 grams of flour
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 250 grams of butter (cold, from the fridge)
- 1 cup of sugar (about 200 grams)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon

For the filling:
- 7-8 apples (preferably a mix of sweet and tart apples)
- 1 cup of sugar (about 200 grams)
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon

For decoration:
- Powdered sugar (optional, for an elegant look)

Preparing the pastry

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by ensuring all ingredients are at hand. It is important that the butter is cold to achieve a crumbly texture. You can cut the butter into small cubes before putting it in the bowl, which will make mixing easier.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. Add the sugar and cinnamon, mixing well to combine the ingredients.

3. Incorporating the butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter, or if you prefer the traditional method, two forks to work the butter into the flour. Mix until you achieve a consistency similar to wet sand or fine powder. Don’t worry if the dough isn’t completely homogeneous; this is an indicator that it is prepared correctly.

4. Adding the egg: Crack the egg and incorporate it into the flour mixture. Knead gently until the ingredients bind. The dough will be soft and crumbly, which is perfect for this recipe. If it is too dry, you can add a tablespoon of cold water.

Preparing the filling

5. Cleaning the apples: Wash the apples well and peel them. Use a large grater to grate them. This will allow the apples to cook evenly and release their juice during baking.

6. Mixing the filling: In a bowl, mix the grated apples with the sugar and cinnamon. It is best to prepare the filling immediately after finishing the dough to avoid the apples releasing too much juice.

Assembling the pie

7. Preparing the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius. Grease a baking dish measuring 25 x 30 cm with butter. This step is essential to prevent the pie from sticking.

8. Forming the base: Take half of the prepared dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the baking dish. You can use your hands or a glass to spread it well.

9. Adding the filling: Place the apple filling on top of the dough base, distributing it evenly.

10. Covering with dough: With the other half of the dough, crumble small pieces and sprinkle them evenly over the apples. This will create a delicious crust.

Baking and serving

11. Baking the pie: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake the pie for 50-60 minutes or until the top is golden and the pie pulls away easily from the edges of the dish.

12. Cooling and decorating: Allow the pie to cool in the dish for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. Before serving, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an attractive appearance.

Tips and variations

- Types of apples: You can experiment with different types of apples. Granny Smith apples provide a tart note, while Gala apples are much sweeter. A combination will give you an extra layer of flavor.
- Adding nuts or raisins: You can enrich the filling with chopped nuts or raisins for added texture and flavor.
- Serving: Apple pie is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it with a scoop of sour cream or vanilla ice cream for a contrast of temperatures and flavors that will make the culinary experience unforgettable.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: One serving (about 100g) contains approximately 250 calories, being a good source of fiber due to the apples. This pie also provides essential vitamins, such as vitamin C.

Frequently asked questions

- Why is the dough crumbly?: A crumbly dough is ideal for this recipe, as it creates a crispy crust during baking.
- Can I use canned apples?: While it is possible, fresh apples provide superior texture and flavor. If using canned apples, make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
- How can I store the pie?: The pie can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also freeze it for later use.

Apple pie is not just a dessert, but also a cooking experience filled with memories and joy. So, embark on this culinary adventure and let your creativity shine in the kitchen!

 Ingredients: dough: 500 g flour, 1 baking powder, 250 g cold butter, 1 cup of sugar, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon; filling: 7-8 apples, 1 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon; decoration: powdered sugar