Craving a comforting and utterly delicious dessert? Look no further! This Apple and Custard Pie recipe is the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and creamy. It’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and the result is a homemade pie that will impress your family and friends. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals, perfect for a quick dinner idea or a special occasion. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this truly delightful dish!
Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
- 225g plain flour
- 110g cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 50ml ice-cold water
- Pinch of salt
For the Custard Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 75g caster sugar
- 50g plain flour
- 500ml whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Apple Filling:
- 6-8 medium apples (Bramley or a mix of cooking apples are ideal), peeled, cored and sliced
- 50g caster sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
Making the Pastry:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour and salt.
- Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingertips to rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice-cold water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in cling film, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Making the Custard Filling:
- Whisk ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and flour until smooth.
- Heat the milk: Gently heat the milk in a saucepan until it's just simmering. Do not boil.
- Temper the eggs: Gradually whisk a little of the hot milk into the egg mixture to temper it, preventing the eggs from scrambling.
- Combine and cook: Pour the tempered egg mixture into the saucepan with the remaining milk. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens. This will take a few minutes.
- Add vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Assembling and Baking the Pie:
- Prepare the apples: In a bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon.
- Roll out the pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out two-thirds of the pastry into a circle large enough to line a 23cm pie dish.
- Line the dish: Gently transfer the pastry to the pie dish, pressing it into the base and up the sides. Trim any excess pastry.
- Add the apple filling: Spoon the apple mixture evenly into the pastry-lined dish.
- Pour in the custard: Pour the cooled custard over the apples.
- Top with pastry: Roll out the remaining pastry and either cut it into strips for a lattice top or simply place it over the filling. Crimp the edges to seal.
- Cut vents: Make a few slits in the top pastry to allow steam to escape.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (160°C fan/Gas Mark 4) for 45-50 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is set.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of caster sugar.
- Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or allspice to the apple filling for extra warmth.
- You can use ready-made pastry if you’re short on time.
- Let the pie cool completely before serving for the best results. This allows the filling to set properly.
- Serve warm or cold with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 18-22g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 45-50g
- Protein: Approximately 6-8g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This Apple and Custard Pie recipe is a perfect example of delicious dishes that are easy to make. Enjoy the wonderful aromas and the satisfaction of creating something truly special in your own kitchen. It’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!