Apple pie

Apple Pie - A classic delight, full of flavors and nostalgia

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

Who doesn't fondly remember the moments spent in childhood, when the aroma of baked apples filled the entire house? Apple pie is a classic dessert that brings a touch of warmth and comfort at any time of the day. With a delicious crust and a filling of sweet and fragrant apples, this dessert is perfect for festive meals as well as a simple afternoon snack.

A brief history of apple pies

Apple pies have a long history, being prepared in various forms and variations over time. Apples, a versatile fruit, have been used in pastry for centuries due to their sweet-tart flavor and pleasant texture. Whether used in fillings, pies, or cakes, apples are the ideal ingredient that brings a touch of naturalness and health.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 700 g of flour
- 250 g of soft butter (take it out of the fridge about an hour before)
- 5 eggs (preferably free-range for a richer taste)
- 250 g of sugar
- 1 packet of baking powder
- A pinch of baking soda
- Vanilla essence
- Grated zest of one lemon or orange (for an extra touch of flavor)

For the apple filling:
- 2-3 kg of apples (choose sweet and fragrant apples, with skin)
- 100 g of sugar (adjust according to the sweetness of the apples)
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon (for a warm and comforting aroma)

Preparation techniques

1. Preparing the dough

The first step is to prepare the dough. In a large bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder and baking soda. Then, add the soft butter, cut into cubes. Using your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until you achieve a consistency similar to breadcrumbs. This technique helps achieve a flaky crust.

In another bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until it dissolves completely and the mixture becomes frothy. Add the grated lemon zest and vanilla essence, mixing gently. Finally, incorporate the egg mixture into the flour and knead lightly until you obtain a smooth dough. It's important not to knead too much to maintain the fluffy texture of the dough.

Once you have the dough, divide it into three equal parts, wrap it in cling film, and refrigerate for 3 hours. This step is essential as it helps firm up the butter, leading to a better texture of the pie.

2. Preparing the apple filling

Meanwhile, it's time to take care of the apple filling. Peel the apples if desired, and cut them into small cubes. In a pan, add the cut apples along with the sugar and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples start to release their juice and become slightly soft. This process should take no more than 10-15 minutes. Once the juice has evaporated, remove the pan from heat and let the filling cool.

3. Assembling the pie

After the dough has cooled, prepare a large baking tray (30x40 cm) and line it with baking paper. Place one sheet of dough in the tray, then add half of the apple filling. Cover with another sheet of dough and add the remaining apples. Finish with the last portion of dough, which you can cut into strips to form a lattice on top. This technique not only looks impressive but also allows steam to escape during baking.

4. Baking

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the pie for about an hour, but check occasionally, as baking time may vary depending on the oven. The pie is ready when it is evenly browned on top and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let the pie cool completely before cutting it into pieces.

Useful tips

1. Choosing apples: Summer apples are excellent for this recipe. Try to combine sweet varieties with some slightly tart ones for a pleasant contrast.

2. Texture: If you want a fluffier pie, remember not to knead the dough too much.

3. Absorbing juice: You can sprinkle a few crushed plain cookies on each sheet, as mentioned. This will help absorb the juice from the apples, preventing the pie from becoming too wet.

4. Serving: Serve the pie with a scoop of sour cream or vanilla ice cream for a perfect contrast between hot and cold.

Possible variations

- Add nuts: You can incorporate chopped nuts into the apple filling for an extra crunch.
- Extra cinnamon: If you love flavors, add a bit more cinnamon or even a dash of nutmeg.
- Dried fruits: Add raisins or dried cherries to the apple filling for a fruity note.

Nutritional information

This apple pie provides a good source of carbohydrates from the flour and fruits. Apples are rich in fiber and vitamins, contributing to healthy digestion. However, considering the amount of sugar and butter, it is recommended to enjoy this dessert in moderation. A serving contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the portion size and ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other fruits? Yes, this recipe can easily be adapted. You can try pears, peaches, or even berries.
- How do I store the pie? Keep the pie in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it.
- Is this pie suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe using plant-based butter and replacing the eggs with a vegan substitute, such as banana puree or vegan yogurt.

Now that you've discovered this apple pie recipe, all that's left is to try it! Enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and savor the delicious results. Each slice of pie is sure to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones!

 Ingredients: Dough: 700 g of flour, 250 g of butter, 5 small eggs, 250 g of sugar, 1 packet of baking powder, a pinch of baking soda, vanilla essence, zest from one lemon/orange, salt. Filling: 2-3 kg of summer apples, with skin on, 100 g of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.