Are you craving a delicious dessert that's both easy to make and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors? Look no further! This Apple and Strawberry Pie recipe is the perfect blend of sweet and tart, offering a delightful homemade treat that's sure to impress your family and friends. Forget those store-bought pies; this recipe is a quick dinner idea that delivers a healthy meal alternative, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without sacrificing flavor or freshness. This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers looking for easy recipes or experienced cooks seeking a delicious twist on a classic. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
-
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ¼ cup ice water
-
For the Filling:
- 4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Assembling the Pie:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of the dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, strawberries, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat.
- Fill the crust: Pour the fruit filling into the pie crust. Dot the top with the small pieces of butter.
- Top crust: Roll out the remaining 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 aluminum foil.
- Cool: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly.
Tips for the Best Apple and Strawberry Pie:
- Use a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor profile.
- Don't overmix the pie dough, or the crust will be tough.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade pie crust.
- A sprinkle of coarse sugar on the top crust before baking adds a nice crunch.
Variations:
- Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for added texture and flavor.
- Use a different type of fruit, such as blueberries or raspberries.
- For a creamier filling, add a tablespoon or two of cornstarch to the filling mixture.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Sugar: 25-30g
- Protein: 3-5g
This Apple and Strawberry Pie is a truly delicious and satisfying dessert. It’s a perfect recipe for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to special celebrations. Enjoy the wonderful combination of sweet apples and juicy strawberries, all wrapped up in a flaky, buttery crust. It’s the ultimate comfort food, elevated to a new level of deliciousness.