Ok guys, keeping with the theme of birthday treats (’cause its birthday month, not birthday-day right?!) here is possibly one of my top favourite desserts of all time. Apple pie. One of the things I look forward to every fall season is going apple picking just so I can come home with way too many apples and have no choice but to make more apple pie!
Or even better, have my sister make it for me! Her pie is always sky high and delicious!
This is a great make ahead dessert and is a crowd pleaser, so is great for the holidays.
I like to make my crust from scratch because honestly I just don’t like store bought crust, and it is actually pretty easy to do. The secret is to make sure to keep all the ingredients cold as you make the crust so it gets maximum crusty goodness. Plus I add a secret ingredient to the crust that my sister taught me – grated cheese! It makes all the difference and really goes so well with the apples in the filling. (If you have not tried apples and cheddar cheese as a snack then what are you doing in life?! Seriously, it is one of the best flavour combos).
To top it off, I like to use cookie cutters to cut shapes into the top crust to make it look all fancy. I love the way it looks, and the extra edges of all the shapes give it an extra crunchy crust.
I posted a play by play video if you want to see my technique and all my tips on Facebook and IGTV:
I like to serve my pie warm with cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream… Ok, I have to stop talking about it now. I’m just craving more pie!!!
Have a great rest of your week everyone and Happy Holidays! 🙂
Apple Pie
Ingredients
For Pie Crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter (make sure it is chilled, and cut into small pieces)
- 2 cup all purpose flour (half whole wheat and half white flour works well too)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar (aged cheddar works best)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 cup ice water
For Filling
- 6 apples (I like ginger gold or macintosh)
- 2 tbsp flour (or tapioca starch)
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
Make the Crust
- Using a food processor, blend the flour, butter, salt, and sugar using the pulse function. The mixture will look like coarse breadcrumbs. Add the cheese and pulse to mix.
- Start adding the ice water a tablespoon at a time and pulse until the mixture starts to come together. Make sure not to over mix.
- Separate the dough into two portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least half an hour. You can also freeze this crust for up to 3 months.
Make the Apple Pie Filling
- While the crust cools in the fridge, peel and chop the apples and mix with the rest of the filling ingredients in a large bowl. If you feel the apples are too tart, you can add a couple of tablespoons of sugar to sweeten the filling.
Assemble the Pie
- Preheat oven to 400*F (204*C).
- On a well floured clean counter, or silicone mat, roll out half the dough to fit in a pie plate with some pastry overhanging over the edge. Transfer to the pie plate and pour the pie filling into the crust.
- Roll out the other half of the dough into a large circle, large enough to cover the pie. Use a pastry cutter to cut shapes and place on top of the pie, or place the whole dough circle on top of the pie, making sure to make a few holes in the top to allow steam to escape.
- Beat 1 egg with 1tbsp water, and use a pastry brush to brush the egg wash on top of the pie. This will help it get nice and golden brown as it bakes.
- Bake for 45 minutes. Or until the apples are softened and filling is bubbling.
- Allow the pie to cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting into it. Serve warm, preferable with some vanilla ice cream or coconut cream on top!
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