apple pie

Apple Pie - a delicious and comforting recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8

The history of apple pie has its roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures, being an emblematic dessert that has brought joy to family tables for generations. This pie is not just a simple dessert, but a symbol of warmth and comfort, perfect for an afternoon spent with loved ones. The aromas of caramelized apples and cinnamon will fill your home with an irresistible fragrance and turn any moment into a celebration.

In this recipe, I will show you step by step how to make a delicious apple pie. We will start with the dough, then move on to the filling, and finally, we will bake this masterpiece. It is a simple recipe, but with an impressive result. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 300 g flour
- 250 g Rama margarine (or butter if you prefer)
- 150 g sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- A pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons cold milk

For the filling:
- 1 kg apples (preferably tart apples like Granny Smith)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 200-300 g sugar (you can adjust to taste)
- Juice of one lemon

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the dough

1. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cubed margarine (or butter) and sugar. Use a mixer or spatula to mix until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy.

2. Adding the yolk: Incorporate the egg yolk and continue mixing until fully integrated.

3. Incorporating the flour: Gradually add the flour and salt. Mix gently with a spatula or your hands until the dough resembles fine breadcrumbs.

4. Adding the milk: Finally, incorporate the two tablespoons of cold milk. Mix gently until the dough forms a ball. If it is too dry, you can add a little more milk.

5. Resting the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour. This step is essential as it helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out.

Step 2: Preparing the filling

1. Preparing the apples: Peel the apples and cut them into cubes. These will be the delicious base of your pie.

2. Caramelizing the apples: In a pan, add the chopped apples, sugar, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples become soft and the sugar caramelizes, about 10-15 minutes.

3. Adding the lemon juice: Finally, add the lemon juice and mix well. The lemon will give a fresh taste and balance the sweetness of the apples. Allow the filling to cool.

Step 3: Assembling the pie

1. Preparing the pan: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it reaches a thickness of about 5 mm. Use a rolling pin and ensure the dough does not stick to the surface.

2. Lining the pan: Place the dough in the pie pan (preferably with removable edges), making sure to evenly cover the bottom and sides. Trim the excess dough from the edges.

3. Filling the pie: Pour the cooled apple filling into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly.

4. Optional - Dough lid: If desired, you can roll out a second piece of dough and place it over the filling to create a lid. You can decorate it with a fork or make a few cuts to allow steam to escape.

Step 4: Baking

1. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). This step is essential for achieving a perfectly browned crust.

2. Baking the pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the crust is golden and crispy. You will know it is ready when it starts to emit a wonderful aroma.

Serving

Once the pie has cooled slightly, you can slice it and serve it warm or cold. It is delicious alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Additionally, a cup of tea or coffee will perfectly complement this simple yet elegant dessert.

Practical Tips

- Choosing the apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith provide a delicious contrast to the sugar in the filling. You can combine different types of apples for a more complex texture and flavor.
- Spice varieties: Instead of cinnamon, you can experiment with nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor. You can also add some nuts or almonds for extra crunch.
- Storing the pie: The pie keeps well at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the fridge for a week. It is a perfect dessert to make ahead of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits for the filling?
Yes, you can use pears, peaches, or even berries. Just make sure to adjust the amount of sugar according to the sweetness of the fruits.

2. How can I make the dough more tender?
You can add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to the dough. This will help achieve a more tender texture.

3. Can I freeze the pie?
Yes, the pie can be frozen before baking. Just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.

Nutritional Benefits

Apple pie is an excellent source of fiber due to the apples, which aid digestion and contribute to a balanced diet. Apples are also rich in vitamins A and C, providing a boost of antioxidants to your body. When consumed in moderation, the pie can be a sweet and satisfying choice without compromising health.

Whether you make it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, this apple pie will bring a smile to everyone’s face. I hope you enjoyed this recipe and will try making it at home. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: For the dough 300 g flour 250 g margarine 150 g sugar 1 egg yolk a pinch of salt 2 tablespoons cold milk For the filling 1 kg of apples diced 2 teaspoons cinnamon 200-300 g sugar juice of one lemon