There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about a classic apple pie, especially when it’s made with fresh apples. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or simply indulging in a cozy afternoon treat, apple pie is a timeless dessert that never fails to impress. Let’s explore three diverse examples of classic apple pie with fresh apples that you can easily recreate at home.
This recipe pays homage to the classic apple pie your grandma might have made, filled with a delightful mix of sweet and tart apples. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any family gathering.
Using a combination of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples, this pie offers a beautiful balance of flavors. You’ll make a flaky, buttery crust from scratch—don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds!
Prepare the crust: In a bowl, mix 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Cut in 1 cup of cold, unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 6-8 tablespoons of ice water until the dough holds together. Divide it in two, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least an hour.
Prepare the filling: Peel and slice 6 cups of fresh apples (about 6 medium apples). Toss them with ¾ cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Let this mixture sit for 10 minutes.
Assemble the pie: Roll out one disk of dough and place it in a 9-inch pie pan. Fill with the apple mixture and dot with 2 tablespoons of butter. Roll out the second disk and place it over the filling. Cut slits for steam, and seal the edges. Brush with an egg wash for a golden color.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake for 15 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 30-40 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes: You can add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the apple mixture for an extra zing. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat!
If you want to elevate your classic apple pie, this caramel apple pie is a fantastic twist. The addition of homemade caramel sauce brings a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the fresh apples.
Start by preparing the same apple filling as the traditional pie, but with a sweet caramel twist.
Make the caramel: In a saucepan, melt 1 cup of sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns golden brown. Slowly add ½ cup of heavy cream and 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, stirring until smooth. Set aside to cool.
Prepare the filling: Use the same apple filling as in the traditional pie, but this time, drizzle about ½ cup of the homemade caramel sauce over the apples before assembling.
Assemble and bake: Follow the same steps as the traditional pie, but remember to reserve some caramel for drizzling on top after baking.
Bake: Follow the same baking instructions as before.
Notes: This pie is delicious served warm, drizzled with extra caramel sauce and a dollop of whipped cream. You can also sprinkle some sea salt on top for a salted caramel effect!
For a healthier twist, try this apple pie with an oat crumble topping instead of a traditional crust. This version provides a delightful crunch and is perfect for those who prefer a lighter dessert.
This pie is great for potlucks or as a sweet ending to a weeknight dinner.
Prepare the filling: Use 6 cups of sliced fresh apples, mixed with ½ cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Let this sit while you prepare the crumble.
Make the crumble: In a bowl, mix 1 cup of rolled oats, ½ cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Cut in ½ cup of cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Assemble the pie: Spread the apple filling in a greased 9-inch pie pan, and sprinkle the oat crumble evenly on top.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
Notes: Serve this pie warm with yogurt or vanilla ice cream. You can also add nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crumble for added texture and flavor!
By trying these examples of classic apple pie with fresh apples, you’ll not only enjoy delicious desserts but also create wonderful memories in your kitchen. Happy baking!