Are you craving a slice of pure, wholesome goodness? Then look no further! This Amish Apple Pie recipe is a testament to simple ingredients and masterful baking, resulting in a dessert that's both comforting and unbelievably delicious. Forget complicated techniques and fancy ingredients; this recipe focuses on the rich, sweet flavors of perfectly baked apples encased in a flaky, golden crust. It's the perfect homemade treat for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth. Prepare to be amazed by this easy, yet incredibly rewarding, baking experience. This recipe is perfect for those seeking easy recipes, healthy meals (relatively!), and quick dinner ideas (though it's dessert!).
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes
- ½ cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 6-8 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix are excellent), peeled, cored, and sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground allspice
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in the butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a flakier crust.
Assembling and Baking the Pie:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate.
- Add the filling: Pour the apple filling into the pie crust. Dot the top with the small pieces of butter.
- Top crust: Roll out the second disc of dough and either place it over the filling or cut it into strips for a lattice top. Crimp the edges to seal. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
- Cool: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set.
Tips for the Best Amish Apple Pie:
- Use a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor profile.
- Don't overmix the pie crust dough, or it will become tough.
- For a richer crust, use half butter and half shortening.
- A sprinkle of coarse sugar on the top crust before baking adds a lovely crunch.
Variations:
- Spiced Apple Pie: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the filling for an extra warmth.
- Cranberry Apple Pie: Incorporate ½ cup of dried cranberries into the apple filling.
- Streusel Topping: Make a streusel topping by combining flour, brown sugar, oats, and butter and sprinkle it over the pie before baking.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients and serving size. A general estimate for a slice of apple pie is around 400-500 calories, with varying amounts of fat, sugar, and carbohydrates. For a more precise nutritional breakdown, use a nutritional calculator with your specific ingredients.
This Amish Apple Pie recipe is a delightful blend of simplicity and deliciousness, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings with a homemade touch. Enjoy!