Cuban Apple Pie

Ingredients

While the original American apple pie is known for its buttery crust and traditional spices, the Cuban adaptation infuses the pie with the exotic flavors of the Caribbean. By incorporating ingredients like coconut and guava, this Cuban Apple Pie adds a unique twist to the beloved dessert. We alse have the original recipe for Apple Pie, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup (60ml) cold water 1/4 cup (60ml) cold water
• 4 cups (480g) apples, peeled and thinly sliced 4 cups (480g) apples, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup (40g) shredded coconut 1/2 cup (40g) shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup (120ml) guava paste, diced 1/2 cup (120ml) guava paste, diced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 14g (Saturated Fat: 8g)
• Carbohydrates: 47g (Sugar: 28g)
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. 3.
   Gradually add the cold water, a tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, shredded coconut, guava paste, and lemon juice. Mix well to coat the apples evenly.
5. 5.
   Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Place the rolled dough into the pie dish and trim any excess.
6. 6.
   Pour the apple filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly.
7. 7.
   Roll out the remaining dough and cut it into thin strips. Create a lattice pattern on top of the pie by weaving the strips over and under each other.
8. 8.
   Brush the lattice crust with the beaten egg wash.
9. 9.
   Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
10. 10.
    Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.
11. 11.
    Dust the pie with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Apples — Choose firm and tart varieties like Granny Smith or Braeburn for the best texture and flavor.
• Guava paste — Look for guava paste in Latin American grocery stores or online. If unavailable, substitute with apricot preserves for a similar flavor profile.

Tips & Tricks

• To prevent the crust from becoming soggy, sprinkle a tablespoon of breadcrumbs or ground almonds on the bottom of the pie crust before adding the apple filling.
• Serve the Cuban Apple Pie warm with a scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• If you prefer a sweeter pie, increase the amount of sugar in the filling according to your taste.

Serving advice

Serve the Cuban Apple Pie warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of coconut ice cream.

Presentation advice

For an elegant presentation, dust the top of the pie with powdered sugar and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint. Serve each slice on a dessert plate with a decorative drizzle of guava syrup.