Easy Apple Pie Recipe For Christmas Tips and Tricks And Mistakes To Avoid
Written by jheelum basu | October 1, 2024
Apple pie is one of the most popular Christmas desserts that carries the signature festive vibe in it like nothing else. Often served with a generous dollop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, this easy-to-make
apple pie recipe
effortlessly defines warmth, togetherness, and comfort. While the popular culture has given the dessert an American makeover after World War 2, the origin of the fruit-based dessert reportedly dates back to England during the 14th century.
Owing to the warm spices and velvety indulgence, this apple-based dessert fits really well into holiday celebrations. Every single bite of the dessert celebrates cosy, winter festival vibes. The comforting aroma of cinnamon further evokes a sense of familiarity and nostalgia. Whether planning a huge festive gathering or just a simple, cosy, and intimate party at home, this Christmas, try out this easy
apple pie recipe
. Being an absolute crowd-pleaser, this never fails to bring a wide smile to everyone’s face.
Apple Pie: Best Apples, Key Features
The key features of the popular Christmas dessert include a pastry crust filled primarily with apples and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg
.
To create the desired complex yet cherishable flavor profile of the dessert, it is key to select the best quality apples. Often, a mix of different types of apples is recommended. While Granny Smith apple holds the gold standard for baking, Honeycrisp and Braeburn bring in a sweet and juicy taste along with their signature crisp.
Apple Pie For Christmas: Recipe
Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup cold water
For Apple Filling
- 4 cups apples (peeled and sliced)
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon Powder
- ½ cup condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 180 °C. Keep a baking pie dish ready by lightly greasing it with butter and dusting it with flour.
Step 2:
Take a large mixing bowl. Take maida and salt. Add the unsalted butter to the flour and mix it well until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add cold water slowly to turn it into a dough. Once done, set it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
Step 3:
Once it is out of the fridge, place it on a floured surface. Roll out the dough and cut it into a circle a little wider than the pie dish. Keep the extra dough aside.
Step 4:
Now, place this dough in the pie dish and press it well, covering the sides. Prick the bottom and sides with a fork. Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes to avoid a soggy bottom.
Step 5:
Take the thin apple slices in a bowl. Add some brown sugar, cinnamon, lime juice, and just one tablespoon of flour. Give them a good mix.
Step 6:
Now arrange the apples upon the pie crust and pour a generous amount of condensed milk over them. Add the rest of the butter as well.
Step 7:
Take the remaining pie crust dough and cut it into strips. Arrange them in a signature lattice pattern over the apple layer. Brush the top with some melted butter.
Step 8:
Bake the apple pie in the hot oven for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown.
Step 9:
Once baking is over, remove the pie dish from the oven. Allow the freshly baked apple pie to cool. Carefully transfer the pie onto a serving plate. Add a few scoops of vanilla ice cream on top, and the pie is ready to be served.
Tips, Tricks & Mistakes To Avoid
Mix of tart and sweet apples:
To achieve the signature taste of an apple pie, it is recommended to select a mix of tart and sweet apples as they effortlessly balance each other.
Avoid overdoing the dough:
Overmixing often forms gluten in doughs, leading to hard crusts. Be gentle while mixing the ingredients. Mix only until the dough simply comes together.
Use chilled ingredients:
It is highly recommended to keep all the ingredients chilled, including the butter and water. It helps the dough from getting sticky and tough.
Leave enough space for the crust to rise:
While placing the apple filling, always leave enough space around the edges to allow the crust to rise properly.
Preheating the oven is a must:
Always preheat the oven to ensure a crisp, golden crust.
Don’t slice the pie while it is still hot:
Once the pie is ready, allow it to cool completely before slicing it so that the filling sets well. Do not slice into a hot pie, as it will result in a runny mess.
Conclusion:
This year, make the Christmas dinner extra special with this easy and simple apple pie recipe. Let the homely feeling come alive with this delicious post-dinner fruit dessert baked in a pastry shell.