Iron Skillet Apple Pie

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich Caramel Flavor: Baking the pie in a cast iron skillet with a brown sugar and butter base creates a luscious caramel layer that elevates the traditional apple pie experience.

  • Triple-Layered Crust: Utilizing three layers of pre-made pie crusts adds a delightful texture and ensures a hearty, satisfying dessert.

  • Time-Saving Preparation: With the use of refrigerated pie crusts and straightforward steps, this recipe allows you to create a homemade pie without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • ½ cup butter

  • 1 cup brown sugar

  • 5 Granny Smith apples—peeled, cored, quartered, and thinly sliced

  • 3 (9-inch) refrigerated pre-rolled pie crusts

  • 1 cup white sugar, divided

  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided

  • ¼ cup white sugar

  • 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small chunks

Directions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Prepare the Skillet: Place ½ cup butter into a 9-inch cast iron skillet and put it in the preheated oven until the butter melts. Remove the skillet and sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the melted butter. Return to the oven to heat while you prepare the apples.

  3. Assemble the Pie:

    • Remove the skillet from the oven and lay one pie crust over the brown sugar mixture.

    • Add half of the sliced apples on top of the crust.

    • Sprinkle ½ cup white sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon over the apples.

    • Place the second pie crust over the first apple layer.

    • Add the remaining apples, then sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup white sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

    • Top with the third pie crust. Sprinkle ¼ cup white sugar over the top crust and dot with 1 tablespoon of butter. Cut four slits into the top crust to allow steam to escape.

  4. Bake the Pie: Bake in the preheated oven until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown, approximately 45 minutes.

  5. Serve: Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving warm.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: This recipe yields 8 servings.

  • Preparation Time: Approximately 20 minutes.

  • Cooking Time: 45 minutes.

  • Total Time: About 1 hour and 5 minutes.

Variations

  • Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts between the apple layers for added crunch and flavor.

  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon for a spicier kick.

  • Different Apples: While Granny Smith apples provide a tart flavor, you can mix in sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a balanced taste.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Cover the cooled pie tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

  • Reheating: To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual slices for about 30 seconds until warm.

FAQs

What type of apples is best for this pie?

Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness and firmness, which hold up well during baking.

Can I use homemade pie crust instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade pie crusts can enhance the flavor and texture of the pie.

Do I need to pre-cook the apples before assembling the pie?

No, the apples cook perfectly during the baking process in the oven.

Can I add other fruits to the filling?

Yes, mixing in fruits like pears or berries can add a unique twist to the traditional apple filling.

How can I prevent the bottom crust from becoming soggy?

Baking the pie in a preheated cast iron skillet helps create a crisp bottom crust.

Is it necessary to use a cast iron skillet?

While a cast iron skillet adds a unique caramelization, a regular pie dish can be used if a skillet is unavailable.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and bake the pie a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

What’s the best way to serve this pie?

Serving the pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream is delightful.

Can I freeze leftover pie?

Yes, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.

How do I reheat frozen pie slices?

Thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.

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Iron Skillet Apple Pie

Iron Skillet Apple Pie


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  • Author: Julia
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Indulge in the timeless delight of Grandma’s Iron Skillet Apple Pie—a rich, caramelized dessert baked to perfection in a cast iron skillet. This comforting classic features tart Granny Smith apples, a buttery, flaky crust, and warm cinnamon sugar, making it a family favorite for any occasion.


Ingredients

  • ½ cup butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 5 Granny Smith apples—peeled, cored, quartered, and thinly sliced
  • 3 (9-inch) refrigerated pre-rolled pie crusts
  • 1 cup white sugar, divided
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
  • ¼ cup white sugar (for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small chunks

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare the Skillet: Place ½ cup butter in a 9-inch cast iron skillet and place it in the oven until melted. Sprinkle brown sugar over the melted butter and return the skillet to the oven while preparing apples.
  3. Assemble the Pie:
    • Remove the skillet from the oven and place one pie crust over the brown sugar layer.
    • Add half of the apples and sprinkle with ½ cup white sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
    • Place the second pie crust over the apples.
    • Add the remaining apples, then sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup white sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
    • Top with the third pie crust, then sprinkle with ¼ cup white sugar and dot with 1 tablespoon butter. Cut four slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
  4. Bake: Bake for 45 minutes or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
  5. Cool & Serve: Let the pie cool slightly before serving warm.

Notes

  • Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between the apple layers for extra crunch.
  • Spice Variations: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for deeper flavor.
  • Apple Choices: Mix Granny Smith with Honeycrisp or Fuji for a balanced sweet-tart taste.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
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