Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's both familiar and exciting? Then look no further! This apple pie recipe with maple syrup is the perfect blend of classic comfort and delightful innovation. Forget everything you thought you knew about apple pie – this recipe elevates the traditional dessert to a whole new level of deliciousness with the subtle sweetness and rich depth of maple syrup. It's surprisingly easy to make, making it a perfect recipe for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros looking for a new favorite. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade masterpiece!
Ingredients:
-
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 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground allspice
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together flour and salt in a large bowl.
- Cut in butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add 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, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator 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 one disc of 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, sugar, maple syrup, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat.
- Fill the crust: Pour the apple filling into the pie crust.
- Top the pie: 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 Apple Pie:
- Use a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor profile.
- Don't overmix the pie crust dough, as this can make it tough.
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of, or in addition to, granulated sugar.
- A sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking adds a lovely crunch.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Variations:
- Spiced Apple Pie: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the filling for a warmer, more exotic flavor.
- Cranberry Apple Pie: Add ½ cup of fresh or frozen cranberries to the filling for a tart and festive twist.
- Pecan Maple Apple Pie: Sprinkle ½ cup of chopped pecans over the filling before topping with the crust for added crunch and nutty flavor.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Sugar: 25-30g
- Protein: 4-5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This apple pie recipe with maple syrup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a delicious and relatively easy dessert perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to special celebrations. Enjoy!