Japanese-Inspired Apple Pie

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.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (60g) rice flour 1/2 cup (60g) rice flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 4-5 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced 4-5 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon matcha powder 1 tablespoon matcha powder
• Zest of 1 yuzu (or substitute with lemon zest) Zest of 1 yuzu (or substitute with lemon zest)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 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

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rice flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix well.
2. 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.
3. 3.
   Gradually add ice-cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
4. 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.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 8.
   Pour the apple filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly.
9. 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.
10. 10.
    Brush the lattice crust with the beaten egg wash.
11. 11.
    Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
12. 12.
    Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.
13. 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.