Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Timeless Comfort: The combination of sweet apples, a flaky crust, and warm spices evokes the coziness of home.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Made with simple, natural ingredients like grass-fed butter, organic flour, and maple sugar.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The tartness of Honeycrisp apples pairs beautifully with the subtle sweetness of maple sugar and the warmth of freshly ground nutmeg.
- Eye-Catching Presentation: The delicate lattice crust adds a rustic charm that makes this pie as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Honeycrisp apples ($2.20 per serving)
- Organic unbleached flour ($0.35 per serving)
- Grass-fed cultured butter ($1.10 per serving)
- Maple sugar ($0.45 per serving)
- Nutmeg, freshly ground ($0.15 per serving)
Directions
- Prepare the Apples
- Hand-select Honeycrisp apples with no blemishes for the best flavor and texture.
- Slice the apples into paper-thin, translucent crescents.
- Make the Crust
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the organic unbleached flour with cold grass-fed butter.
- Using your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble the Pie
- Roll out the crust dough and place it into a pie dish. Reserve some dough for the lattice topping.
- Layer the thinly sliced apples in the pie shell, sprinkling maple sugar between each layer.
- Dust the entire pie with freshly ground nutmeg for an aromatic finish.
- Create the Lattice Crust
- Roll out the reserved dough and cut it into strips. Carefully weave the strips over the apples to form a lattice pattern.
- Bake the Pie
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the pie for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the edges caramelize to a golden brown and the filling bubbles.
- Cool and Serve
- Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving to let the filling set. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
Variations
- Spiced Apple Pie: Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger to the filling for an extra layer of warmth.
- Nutty Crust: Mix crushed pecans or almonds into the crust dough for a nutty crunch.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this pie suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
- Sweetness Swap: Replace maple sugar with honey or brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Cover the pie with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm the pie in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes to refresh its texture and flavor.
FAQs
What type of apples are best for apple pie?
Honeycrisp apples are ideal for their crisp texture and balanced sweet-tart flavor. Granny Smith apples are another great option for a tarter profile.
Can I use store-bought crust?
Yes, store-bought crust is a convenient option if you’re short on time, though homemade crust offers a richer, more buttery flavor.
How can I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Sprinkle a thin layer of flour or breadcrumbs on the bottom crust before adding the apples to absorb excess moisture.
Can I make the pie ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the pie and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I know when the pie is done?
The pie is ready when the crust is golden brown, and the filling bubbles near the edges.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes, brown sugar or granulated sugar can be used in place of maple sugar, though they will alter the flavor slightly.
How do I make a perfectly flaky crust?
Use cold butter and handle the dough minimally to ensure a tender, flaky crust.
What’s the best way to slice the apples?
A mandoline slicer is great for achieving uniformly thin apple slices, but a sharp knife works just as well.
Can I make a vegan version of this pie?
Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a vegan sweetener in place of maple sugar.
How should I serve the pie?
Serve warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added indulgence.
Conclusion
This rustic apple pie is the perfect dessert to bring a touch of tradition and warmth to your table. The tender, buttery crust and spiced apple filling create a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Whether for a family gathering or a quiet evening treat, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy.
Print
Apple Pie
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rustic Apple Pie combines a buttery, flaky crust with a spiced Honeycrisp apple filling sweetened with maple sugar. Perfectly balanced and aromatic, this timeless dessert is a comforting centerpiece for holidays or family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2½ cups organic unbleached flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks) grass-fed cultured butter, cold and cubed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6–8 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 6 Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ¾ cup maple sugar (or brown sugar as a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Add cold butter and work it into the flour using your fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough holds together.
- Divide dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with maple sugar, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Set aside to release juices while the crust chills.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out one dough disk on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim excess dough, leaving a slight overhang.
- Fill the crust with the apple mixture, layering evenly.
- Roll out the second dough disk and cut into strips for a lattice pattern or place it over the apples as a full crust. Seal and crimp the edges.
- Bake:
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch drips. Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling bubbles at the edges.
- If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil or a pie shield.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- Use a mandoline slicer for uniform apple slices.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs or flour on the bottom crust to prevent sogginess.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and a vegan sweetener.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American