Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey to Sweden, without leaving your kitchen? This Apple Pie recipe isn't just any apple pie; it’s a delightful blend of classic Swedish flavors and simple homemade cooking techniques, perfect for a cozy evening or a special occasion. This recipe is surprisingly easy, making it ideal for even the busiest weeknights and a fantastic addition to your quick dinner ideas repertoire. Get ready to experience the heartwarming taste of a true Swedish tradition!
Ingredients:
This recipe makes one 9-inch apple pie.
- For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ½ cup ice water
- For the Filling:
- 6-8 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix are recommended), peeled, cored, and thinly 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 butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, 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, a tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into two discs, one slightly larger than the other. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent shrinkage during baking.
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 the larger 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 smaller 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 a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake: Bake for 45-55 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.
Tips for the Best Apple Pie:
- Using a mix of apple varieties adds complexity to the flavor.
- Don't overmix the dough, or the crust will be tough.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade apple butter instead of some of the granulated sugar.
- A sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking adds a delightful crunch.
Variations:
- Spiced Apple Pie: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the filling for an extra warming flavor.
- Cranberry Apple Pie: Incorporate ½ cup of fresh or frozen cranberries into the filling.
- Streusel Topping: Prepare a simple streusel topping (flour, oats, brown sugar, butter) and sprinkle it over the pie before baking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your pie and the specific ingredients used. Consider using a nutritional calculator for a more precise estimate. However, generally speaking, this pie provides a good source of fiber from the apples and a moderate amount of carbohydrates and fat.
This Swedish-inspired apple pie recipe is a delicious and satisfying dessert, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy this easy, healthy meal addition! It's a testament to how simple homemade cooking can create truly delicious dishes. Remember to adapt it to your preferences and enjoy the process!