Recipe
Japanese-Inspired Apple Pie
Harmony of Flavors: Japanese-Inspired Apple Pie
4.6 out of 5
In the realm of Japanese cuisine, where delicate flavors and artful presentation reign supreme, we present a unique twist on the classic American apple pie. This Japanese-inspired apple pie combines the comforting sweetness of apples with the subtle elegance of Japanese ingredients, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors that will transport your taste buds to the land of the rising sun.
Metadata
Preparation time
30 minutes
Cooking time
45-50 minutes
Total time
1 hour 15 minutes
Yields
6 servings
Preparation difficulty
Medium
Suitable for
Vegetarian, Dairy-free (if using dairy-free butter substitute), Nut-free, Soy-free, Kosher-friendly
Allergens
Wheat (all-purpose flour), Dairy (butter), Egg
Not suitable for
Vegan (contains butter and egg), Gluten-free (contains all-purpose flour and rice flour)
Ingredients
While the American apple pie is known for its rich and buttery crust, the Japanese-inspired version takes a lighter approach. The crust is made with a combination of all-purpose flour and rice flour, lending a delicate and slightly chewy texture. Additionally, the filling incorporates Japanese ingredients such as matcha powder and yuzu zest, adding a touch of earthiness and citrusy brightness to the traditional apple filling. We alse have the original recipe for Apple Pie, so you can check it out.
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2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup (60g) rice flour 1/2 cup (60g) rice flour
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1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
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1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
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4-5 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced 4-5 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
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1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
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1 tablespoon matcha powder 1 tablespoon matcha powder
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Zest of 1 yuzu (or substitute with lemon zest) Zest of 1 yuzu (or substitute with lemon zest)
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1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 tablespoon cornstarch
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
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Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional) Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 kJ
- Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 11g)
- Carbohydrates: 38g (Sugar: 18g)
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 3g
- Salt: 0.2g
Preparation
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1.In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rice flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix well.
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2.Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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3.Gradually add ice-cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
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4.Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a disk. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
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5.Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
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6.In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, matcha powder, yuzu zest, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
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7.Roll out one portion of the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the rolled-out dough to the pie dish and press it gently against the bottom and sides.
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8.Pour the apple filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly.
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9.Roll out the second portion of the chilled dough and cut it into thin strips. Create a lattice pattern on top of the apple filling.
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10.Brush the lattice crust with the beaten egg wash.
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11.Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
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12.Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.
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13.Optional: Dust the pie with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Matcha powder — Ensure you use high-quality matcha powder for the best flavor. Look for vibrant green color and a smooth, fine texture.
- Yuzu zest — If yuzu is not available, you can substitute it with lemon zest for a similar citrusy flavor.
- Rice flour — Rice flour adds a unique texture to the crust. If you can't find rice flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour, but the texture will be slightly different.
Tips & Tricks
- For a decorative touch, use a small cookie cutter to cut out shapes from the top crust before creating the lattice pattern.
- Serve the pie warm with a scoop of green tea or vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors.
- If the crust starts to brown too quickly during baking, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Experiment with different apple varieties for a unique flavor profile. Fuji apples work well for their balance of sweetness and tartness.
- If you prefer a sweeter filling, increase the amount of brown sugar according to your taste.
Serving advice
Serve the Japanese-inspired apple pie warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of green tea ice cream. Dusting the pie with powdered sugar before serving adds an elegant touch.
Presentation advice
To enhance the presentation, sprinkle a pinch of matcha powder on top of the pie or garnish with a few edible flowers. Serve the pie on a beautiful Japanese ceramic plate or a wooden serving board for an authentic touch.
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