Soulful Apple Pie

Ingredients

While the original American apple pie is already a beloved classic, this Soulful Apple Pie adds a touch of soul food flair. The crust is enriched with a hint of warm spices, and the filling is sweetened with a touch of molasses, giving it a deeper, richer flavor. This adaptation pays homage to the soulful traditions of Southern cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Apple Pie, 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 tablespoon (12g) granulated sugar 1 tablespoon (12g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ½ cup (120ml) ice water ½ cup (120ml) ice water
• 6 cups (900g) Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced 6 cups (900g) Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (60ml) molasses ¼ cup (60ml) molasses
• 2 tablespoons (30g) all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons (30g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (2g) ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon (2g) ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon (1g) ground nutmeg ½ teaspoon (1g) ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon (0.5g) ground cloves ¼ teaspoon (0.5g) ground cloves
• 1 tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter, melted 1 tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter, melted
• 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: 18g (Saturated Fat: 11g)
• Carbohydrates: 46g (Sugar: 26g)
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.4g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and 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. Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. 3.
   Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, molasses, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for the filling. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
5. 5.
   Roll out one of the chilled dough disks on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the dough to the dish and gently press it into the bottom and sides.
6. 6.
   Pour the apple filling into the pie crust and dot the top with melted butter.
7. 7.
   Roll out the second chilled dough disk and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few slits on the top crust to allow steam to escape.
8. 8.
   Brush the top crust with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
9. 9.
   Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
10. 10.
    Allow the pie to cool for at least 1 hour before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Apples — Choose firm and tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor in the pie.
• Molasses — Use unsulfured molasses for a rich and slightly smoky taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For a flaky crust, make sure the butter is cold and handle the dough as little as possible.
• To prevent a soggy bottom crust, preheat the baking sheet before placing the pie on it.
• Serve the pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Serving advice

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

Presentation advice

For an elegant presentation, dust the top of the pie with powdered sugar before serving. You can also garnish each slice with a sprig of fresh mint.