Hungarian Apple Pie

Ingredients

While the American apple pie is known for its cinnamon-spiced filling, the Hungarian version takes a different approach. Instead of cinnamon, we use a combination of ground cloves and nutmeg to add warmth and depth of flavor to the apple filling. Additionally, the crust in the Hungarian version is slightly sweeter and has a hint of vanilla. We alse have the original recipe for Apple Pie, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup (60ml) ice water 1/4 cup (60ml) ice water
• 6 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced 6 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories: 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 18g (9g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 46g (28g sugars)
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and granulated sugar for the crust. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cloves, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour for the filling. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
5. 5.
   Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the dough to the pie dish and trim any excess.
6. 6.
   Pour the apple filling into the pie crust and drizzle the melted butter over the top.
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.
   Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
9. 9.
   Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 1 hour before serving.
10. 10.
    Dust the pie with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Apples — Choose firm and tart apples such as Granny Smith or Jonathan for the best flavor and texture in the pie.
• Ground cloves — Use a small amount of ground cloves as it has a strong flavor. Adjust according to your preference.
• Lemon juice — The lemon juice adds a tangy flavor and prevents the apples from browning. Make sure to use fresh lemon juice for the best results.
• Powdered sugar — Dust the powdered sugar on the pie just before serving to add a touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation.

Tips & Tricks

• For a flakier crust, make sure the butter is cold and handle the dough as little as possible.
• If the edges of the pie crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
• Serve the Hungarian Apple Pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
• If you prefer a sweeter filling, increase the amount of granulated sugar in the apple filling.
• Feel free to add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top of the pie for an extra touch of warmth and aroma.

Serving advice

Serve the Hungarian Apple Pie warm or at room temperature. It pairs perfectly with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of the Hungarian Apple Pie, dust it with powdered sugar just before serving. The lattice pattern on top of the pie adds a beautiful touch and showcases the delicious apple filling.