Hello and welcome to our collection of delicious apple pie recipes! No matter the time of year, apple pie always hits the spot. Whether warm and cozy on a chill autumn evening or bright and summery at a Fourth of July picnic, this classic dessert never disappoints. We’ve scoured the internet to find the tastiest and most unique apple pie recipes out there, so get ready to sink your teeth into something oh-so-satisfying.
Each of the recipes on this list has something special to offer, whether it’s the addition of unexpected flavors like chai or balsamic vinegar, or the use of creative crusts like graham cracker or puff pastry. From traditional double-crusted pies to bite-sized hand pies, there is something for everyone.
Delicious Apple Pie Recipes to Try at Home
Nothing brings a sense of warmth and comfort to our taste buds quite like a delicious apple pie. With its flaky crust and decadent apple filling, it’s no wonder why this dessert has become an American favorite. While the classic recipe is always a hit, why not try out some creative twists on this beloved dessert? Here are three recipes you need to try at home:
Classic Apple Pie Recipe
The classic apple pie recipe is a staple in many households, featuring fresh apple slices and a cinnamon-sugar mixture that explodes with flavor. The key to a perfect apple pie is choosing the right apples – aim for a firm, tart variety such as Granny Smith. Here’s what you need:
- 1 double pie crust
- 6 cups thinly sliced peeled and cored apples
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place your first pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and set aside. In a separate bowl, mix the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add the thinly sliced apples and mix until coated in the cinnamon mixture. Pour the apple mixture into the pie dish and dot the butter over the top. Cover with the second pie crust and cut slits into the top. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or your favorite topping!
Twist on Classic: Caramel Apple Pie Recipe
If you want to add some extra sweetness to your classic recipe, try the caramel apple pie! This recipe adds a rich caramel layer and a cinnamon pecan crumb topping for an indulgent twist on the classic recipe. Here’s what you need:
- 1 double pie crust
- 6 cups thinly sliced peeled and cored apples
- 1/3 cup caramel sauce
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your first pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and set aside. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and pecans. Add the thinly sliced apples and mix until coated. Pour the caramel sauce over the apples and mix gently. Place the apple mixture into the pie dish. In another bowl, mix together the remaining crumb topping ingredients, and sprinkle over the pie. Cover with the second pie crust and cut slits into the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Serve with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Gluten-Free Apple Pie Recipe
For those who are gluten-sensitive, here’s a gluten-free apple pie recipe that will satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth without compromising on taste. This recipe uses almond flour for the crust and fresh, simple ingredients for the filling. Here’s what you need:
For the crust:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 2 cups almond flour
For the filling:
- 6 cups thinly sliced peeled and cored apples
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy. Add the egg and almond flour, and mix until combined. Press the dough into a 9-inch pie dish. In another bowl, mix the sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Add the sliced apples and mix until coated. Pour the apple mixture into the pie crust and dot the top with butter. Cover with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to let the crust brown. Serve hot and enjoy!
These apple pie recipes are perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re looking for a classic taste or a modern twist, these recipes are sure to impress. Which recipe will you try first?
Tips and Tricks for Making the Perfect Apple Pie
Choosing the Right Apples
Choosing the right apples is crucial when making a perfect apple pie. Not all apples are created equal, and some are better suited for baking than others. The best apples for pie-making are those that can hold their shape and not turn to mush during baking. Tart apples with a firm texture work particularly well in pies, as they hold up well and add a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
Some of the best apples to use for pie-making include Granny Smith, Braeburn, Honeycrisp, and Jonagold. These apples are widely available and have a firm texture that holds up well when baked. On the other hand, apples that are too soft or too sweet, such as Red Delicious or Gala, will not hold their shape and can result in a soggy pie.
Perfecting the Crust
A perfectly baked pie can be ruined by a tough or soggy crust. Achieving a flaky, buttery crust that complements the apple filling requires a few key tips and tricks.
Firstly, it’s important to keep all the ingredients, including the butter, ice water, and flour, as cold as possible before making the crust. This helps ensure that the crust remains flaky and tender. Secondly, take care not to overwork the dough when rolling it out. Too much handling can toughen the dough.
A few other tips include using a combination of butter and shortening for the perfect balance of tenderness and flakiness, and brushing the crust with an egg wash before baking to give it a glossy, golden finish.
Serving Suggestions
A slice of warm apple pie is the perfect comfort dessert, especially when served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. However, there are many other creative serving suggestions that can elevate your apple pie experience.
For a decadent twist, try drizzling your pie with a homemade caramel sauce or topping it with a crumbly streusel made with sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Alternatively, you could make a lattice crust on top of the pie for a beautiful presentation that’s sure to impress.
Another fun idea is to serve individual mini apple pies, which are a fun twist on the classic recipe and perfect for entertaining. Simply bake the pies in muffin tins and serve them up with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.
As you can see, there are many ways to serve and enjoy a delicious apple pie. Whether you prefer it classic or with a modern twist, the key to making the perfect apple pie is choosing the right apples, perfecting the crust, and getting creative with your toppings and presentation.
Healthier Apple Pie Alternatives
If you’re a fan of apple pie but want to make a healthier version, we’ve got you covered. Here are three alternative recipes that use natural ingredients and healthy alternatives to traditional pie crusts and sweeteners. Whether you’re following a paleo, vegan, or low-sugar diet, these apple pies will satisfy your cravings.
Paleo Apple Pie Recipe
This paleo-friendly apple pie recipe uses fresh apples, almond flour crust, and natural sweeteners for a healthy alternative. Almond flour is a great option for those following a paleo diet as it’s grain-free and provides a rich, nutty flavor. The natural sweetener used in this recipe is maple syrup, which is a great alternative to processed sugar. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious and healthy apple pie:
- 6 cups of thinly sliced apples
- 1/2 cup of almond flour
- 1/4 cup of coconut flour
- 1/4 cup of maple syrup
- 1 tsp of cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp of nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp of salt
- 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil
To make the crust, mix the almond flour, coconut flour, melted coconut oil, and a pinch of salt until it forms a dough. Press the dough into a 9-inch pie dish. In a separate bowl, mix the sliced apples, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Once mixed, spoon the apple mixture into the pie crust, then bake in the oven at 350°F for 40-45 minutes. Allow to cool before serving.
Vegan Apple Pie Recipe
This vegan apple pie recipe uses no animal products, yet still delivers on flavor and texture. Instead of butter or lard, this recipe uses coconut oil in the crust, and instead of egg wash, it uses non-dairy milk to give it that golden-brown color. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6 cups of thinly sliced apples
- 1/2 cup of vegan butter (or coconut oil)
- 1.5 cups of flour
- 1/2 tsp of salt
- 1/4 cup of ice water
- 1 tsp of cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp of nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp of allspice
- 1/2 cup of non-dairy milk (such as soy or almond)
To make the crust, mix the flour and salt in a bowl. Cut the vegan butter (or coconut oil) into small pieces and mix into the flour mixture with a pastry cutter or fork until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough forms. Roll out the dough to fit into a 9-inch pie dish. In a separate bowl, mix the sliced apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and non-dairy milk. Once mixed, spoon the apple mixture into the pie crust, then bake in the oven at 375°F for 45-50 minutes. Allow to cool before serving.
Low-Sugar Apple Pie Recipe
This low-sugar apple pie recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy the sweetness of apples without the added sugar. Instead of processed sugar, this recipe uses natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6 cups of thinly sliced apples
- 1/2 cup of flour
- 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp of cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp of nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp of salt
- 1/4 cup of melted butter
To make the crust, mix the flour, melted butter, and a pinch of salt until it forms a dough. Press the dough into a 9-inch pie dish. In a separate bowl, mix the sliced apples, honey/maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Once mixed, spoon the apple mixture into the pie crust, then bake in the oven at 350°F for 40-45 minutes. Allow to cool before serving.
With these three alternative apple pie recipes, you can indulge in the classic dessert while also sticking to your dietary goals. Try them out and see which one is your favorite!
Thanks for Reading and Happy Baking!
Thank you for sticking through the end and exploring these mouth-watering apple pie recipes with us! We hope that you found a recipe (or two or three) that you’re excited to try out in your own kitchen. There’s truly nothing like the smell of a fresh apple pie baking in the oven, and we can’t wait for you to experience it for yourself.
If you enjoyed reading this article, we encourage you to come back soon for more delicious recipes and baking tips. Also, feel free to share your own apple pie recipe with us in the comments below. We love hearing from our readers and getting inspired by your creativity.
Until next time, keep baking and enjoy the sweet things in life!
FAQ
1. Can I use frozen apples for these recipes?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using, otherwise your pie may be too watery.
2. Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
It’s up to your preference. If you want a saltier taste, go for salted butter. If you prefer a more subtle flavor, use unsalted butter.
3. Can I substitute coconut oil for butter?
Yes, you can use coconut oil instead of butter. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be slightly different.
4. How can I make a gluten-free pie crust?
You can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. There are also pre-made gluten-free pie crusts available at many grocery stores.
5. How do I prevent my pie crust from getting soggy?
One way to prevent a soggy crust is to blind-bake it before adding the filling. Another trick is to sprinkle a little bit of flour or breadcrumbs on the bottom of the crust before adding the filling.
6. Can I make these pies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the pies ahead of time! Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
7. How long will these pies stay fresh?
The pies will usually stay fresh for 2-3 days if stored properly in the refrigerator. You can also freeze them for up to 6 months.
8. What’s the best way to reheat a slice of pie?
The best way to reheat a slice of pie is to place it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave it for a few seconds, but the crust may not be as crispy.
9. Can I add other fruits to my apple pie?
Yes, you can! Some popular fruits to add to apple pie include cranberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Just keep in mind that the baking time may need to be adjusted.
10. What’s the difference between a lattice crust and a crumb topping?
A lattice crust is made by weaving strips of pie dough over the top of the filling, while a crumb topping is made by combining flour, sugar, and butter and sprinkling it over the filling. Both options are delicious, so it’s up to you which one to choose!