Special pie

Special pie with caramelized apples

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8

Today we are going to prepare a special pie, full of flavors and nostalgia. This caramelized apple pie recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you want to impress your guests at a festive meal or simply indulge in a delicious dessert. The sweet apples, flavored with cinnamon and vanilla sugar, blend perfectly with the fluffy crust of the French pastry. Let's get started!

Ingredients

- 1 large (1 kg) packet (1 kg) French dough
- 1 kg apples (preferably sweet apples like Golden or Jonagold)
- 200 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 sachet vanilla sugar

Instructions

1. Preparing the apples
Wash the apples well and peel them. Use a grater or sharp knife to cut them. If you choose to grate them, make sure you get fine strips so they caramelize evenly. In a large pan, add the grated apples, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla sugar.
- Tip: If you like more intense flavors, you can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to bring out the sweetness of the apples.

2. Caramelizing apples
Put the pan over medium heat and stir gently. Let the apples caramelize for about 10-15 minutes, until they are soft and release their juices. When the mixture becomes a thick syrup, remove the pan from the heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Tip: Boiling the apples over medium heat will allow them to retain their shape and not turn completely mushy.

3. Preparing the dough
Divide the French pastry into 3 equal parts. Roll out the first part on a floured surface so that you have a thin sheet, but not so thin that it tears.
- Tip: Make sure the dough is at room temperature for easier handling. You can also use a rolling pin sprinkled with a little flour to prevent sticking.

4. Filling and forming the pie
Place some of the caramelized apples in the middle of the dough sheet. On the sides, cut slanted strips using a knife or grater. Then weave the strips of dough to cover the apples.
- Tip: If you want a more decorative look, you can use a pastry brush to brush the strips with a beaten egg, giving them a golden color when baked.

5. Baking the pie
Repeat the process with the other two pieces of dough and the apple filling. Preheat the oven to 180 °C. Place the pies on a baking tray lined with baking paper and bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden and crisp.
- Tip: Check the pies from time to time. If you notice they are browning too quickly, you can lightly cover with aluminum foil.

6. Finishing and serving
Remove the pies from the oven and let them cool slightly. While still warm, dust with powdered sugar.
- Tip: You can also add a few ground walnuts or toasted almonds on top for added texture and flavor.

Serving suggestions

This particular caramelized apple pie is delicious both hot and cold. Serve plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. A caramel sauce would also add a delicious contrast.

Nutrition facts

Each serving (1/8 of a pie) contains approx:
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrate: 45 g
- Protein: 3 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other fruits?
Of course! This recipe can be adapted with other fruits such as pears or even strawberries. Each fruit has its own flavors, so experiment and discover your favorite combination.

What can I do with the leftover dough?
If you have leftover dough, you can use it to make biscuits or other sweets. Roll out and cut out shapes, then bake at 180°C for 10-15 minutes.

How can I make the pie less sweet?
Reduce the sugar added to the apples and use more tart apples to balance the sweetness.

Possible variations

- Adding nuts: You can add ground walnuts or almonds to the apple filling for added texture.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for a deepening of flavors.
- Crumble crust: Turn a French crust into a crumble for a rustic-looking pie.

This caramel apple pie is not just a dessert but a story in itself, a combination of traditions and flavors that entices us to enjoy life's little joys. Cook with love and you will get wonderful results! Enjoy!