Apple Pie with a Buttery Crust

This delightful apple pie features a rich, buttery crust filled with sweet and spiced apples, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion. The pie’s crust, made with cold butter, flour, and a hint of vanilla, creates a tender and flaky base that complements the juicy apple filling. Inside, a combination of cinnamon and sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the apples, providing a comforting flavor reminiscent of autumn. This pie is not only visually appealing with its golden crust but is also sure to fill your kitchen with a tantalizing aroma as it bakes. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this pie promises to be a crowd-pleaser. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, adding a creamy contrast to the warm pie. With simple ingredients and a straightforward preparation process, this pie is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. The recipe offers flexibility in terms of portion size and presentation, making it a versatile addition to your baking repertoire. Embark on a culinary journey with this timeless dessert that brings together the classic combination of apples and cinnamon, offering a comforting taste and aroma.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 340 g all-purpose flour
• 160 g cold butter
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 80 g granulated sugar
• 20 g vanilla sugar
• A pinch of salt

For the Filling:

• 1 kg peeled and cored apples
• 100 g granulated sugar
• 60 g all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Preparation Time

Total Time: 2 hours

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and a pinch of salt. Grate the cold butter into the mixture.
2. Incorporate Butter: Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in both types of sugar gently.
3. Form the Dough: Add the egg and milk, mixing to form a dough. If the dough seems too dry, add a little more milk. Avoid over-kneading to maintain tenderness.
4. Chill the Dough: Wrap your dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 30 minutes.
5. Prepare the Filling: While the dough is chilling, chop the apples into small pieces. Mix them with sugar, flour, and cinnamon until evenly coated.
6. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
7. Roll Out the Dough: Remove the dough from the fridge. Roll out 2/3 of it to fit your baking pan, leaving 1/3 for the top crust.
8. Assemble the Pie: Lay the rolled dough in the pan and spread the apple filling evenly over it.
9. Top the Pie: Roll out the remaining dough and place it over the apples.
10. Seal the Edges: Press the edges of the dough together, ensuring the crust is sealed. Brush the top with egg white for a golden finish.
11. Bake the Pie: Place in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes on the middle rack until the crust is golden brown.
12. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy as is or with a scoop of ice cream.

Tips

• Butter Temperature: Ensure the butter is very cold to achieve a flaky crust.
• Baking Apples: Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart for the best flavor.
• Make Ahead: The dough can be prepared a day in advance and kept refrigerated.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
• Protein: 5 g
• Fats: 15 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g

Variations

• Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour blends suitable for baking.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Pair with a cup of hot coffee or spiced tea.

Best Places

1. Petit Four Patisserie - Renowned for its artisanal apple pies. Location: 123 Bakery Lane, Paris, France.
2. Fiamo Italian Kitchen - Offers a unique spin on classic desserts. Location: 456 Piazza Road, Rome, Italy.
3. The Pie Tin - Celebrated for traditional and innovative pie flavors. Location: 789 Baker Street, Sydney, Australia.
4. Apple Pan - A local favorite for classic American pies. Location: 102 Pastry Blvd, Los Angeles, USA.
5. Martha's Pantry - Offers comfort food with homemade pies. Location: 450 Tasting Ave, Wellington, New Zealand.
6. Café de l'Homme - Known for its scenic views and delectable pies. Location: 200 Dessert Drive, Paris, France.
7. Munich Pie Pantry - Popular for freshly baked daily pies. Location: 65 Pastry Place, Munich, Germany.
8. Baker's Alley - A quaint café with a relaxed atmosphere. Location: 23 Baker St, London, UK.
9. Pastelería Ideal - Offers a wide variety of baked goods and desserts. Location: 321 Sweet Street, Mexico City, Mexico.
10. Little Pie Company - A cozy spot with homemade pies and pastries. Location: 111 Pie Lane, New York City, USA.