Classic Apple Pie

Ingredients

While Apfelkuchen is a German apple cake, this adaptation transforms it into a classic apple pie, a staple in Western American cuisine. The main difference lies in the crust, which is flaky and buttery in the American version, compared to the denser cake-like texture of the German original. Additionally, the Western American version incorporates warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance the apple flavor. We alse have the original recipe for Apfelkuchen, so you can check it out.

• 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 6-8 tablespoons (90-120ml) ice water 6-8 tablespoons (90-120ml) ice water
• 6-7 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced 6-7 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (2g) ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon (2g) ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon (0.5g) ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon (0.5g) ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces 1 tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon (15g) granulated sugar (for sprinkling) 1 tablespoon (15g) granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Nutrition

• Calories: 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 16g (Saturated Fat: 10g)
• Carbohydrates: 50g (Sugar: 30g)
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.4g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. 3.
   Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape them into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
5. 5.
   Roll out one disc of dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the rolled-out dough to the pie dish and gently press it into the bottom and sides.
6. 6.
   Pour the apple filling into the pie crust, distributing it evenly. Dot the top of the filling with small pieces of butter.
7. 7.
   Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
8. 8.
   Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
9. 9.
   Make a few slits on the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
10. 10.
    Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for at least 1 hour before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Apples — Choose firm and slightly tart varieties such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for the best texture and flavor.
• Butter — Use cold butter and cut it into small cubes to ensure a flaky crust.
• Lemon juice — The lemon juice adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness of the apples and prevent browning.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the apple filling.
• To prevent the bottom crust from becoming soggy, pre-bake it for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
• Serve the pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful combination of hot and cold.

Serving advice

Allow the pie to cool for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the filling to set. Serve slices of the pie on dessert plates and optionally garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.

Presentation advice

Present the pie on a decorative pie dish or a rustic wooden serving board. Cut the pie into neat slices and arrange them on the serving platter. For an elegant touch, drizzle caramel sauce over the slices and sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon.