An heirloom recipe of European Apple Pie, connecting generations with its timeless taste and tradition.
Did you know?
Did you know apple pie was not originally American? It's believed that apple pie recipes date back to medieval Europe, especially England, and later made their way to America where they became a cultural icon!
Imagine the warmth of a cozy European kitchen where the sweet fragrance of baking apples and cinnamon gently whispers tales of comfort and tradition. This Classic European Apple Pie recipe is indeed a slice of history, with roots stemming from the earliest pie recipes which can be traced back to the Greeks. However, it was the Dutch and the British who truly lifted the apple pie to its crowning status among desserts, adapting the dish using local ingredients and techniques over centuries. With each bite, this pie binds the sweet whispers of orchard apples with the rustic charm of a buttery, flakey crust, much like the generations before us have savored.
Engaging yet simple, one may find solace in its timeless preparation, as the act of pie-making connects us with the communal hearth of past sentiments and the sweet, tender embrace of culinary nostalgia. So, let's preheat our ovens and embark on a delightful journey to craft this beloved classic.
Ingredients
To begin our orchard-to-oven adventure, let's gather the ingredients that will build the depths of flavor and texture in this classic pie.
Apples are the storytelling stars of any apple pie. They've been cultivated in Europe for thousands of years, symbolizing various cultural myths and traditions. The apple varieties you choose can distinctly affect the pie's flavor profile, making your rendition unique.
- 225g all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 125g unsalted butter, cold and diced
- 1-2 tablespoons ice water
- 5-6 large apples, a mixture of tart and sweet (such as Granny Smith and Golden Delicious)
- 100g granulated sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 egg, for egg wash
Steps
Let's roll up our sleeves and relive the pie-making rituals that have been cherished and passed down through generations!
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together 225g flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add the cold, diced butter and rub it into the flour until you achieve a coarse crumb texture. Sprinkle the ice water over the mixture and fold until a dough forms, handling as little as possible.
- Divide the dough into two halves, form into discs, wrap in cling film, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- While the dough chills, peel, core, and slice the apples. In a separate bowl, toss the apple slices with 100g granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 tablespoon flour, and 2 teaspoons lemon juice until well coated.
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
- On a floured surface, roll out one dough disc to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Gently lay the rolled-out dough into the dish, and trim the edges.
- Spoon the apple mixture into the crust, mounding slightly in the center.
- Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the filling. Trim the overhang, then crimp the edges for a decorative finish. Cut slits in the top crust to let steam escape during baking.
- Beat the egg with a tablespoon of water and brush this egg wash over the top crust. Sprinkle with a bit of granulated sugar.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the apples are tender. Check halfway through and cover the edges with foil if they are browning too quickly.
- Allow the pie to cool before serving, then slice and indulge in the fruits of your labor.
Add some extra love
For an extra-glossy finish, sprinkle coarse sugar on the crust just before baking. It adds a touch of sparkle and texture!
Recipe Remix:
Your Twist, Your Taste
Whether you would like to swap out an ingredient, make it vegan, or just mix things up, let's get creative and remix this recipe!
Your kitchen, your rules. Let's play.
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