Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This apple pie with a graham cracker crust is the perfect recipe for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend afternoon. Forget fiddly pastry – this recipe uses a simple, no-bake graham cracker crust that’s just as delicious and far less time-consuming. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the classic flavors of apple pie without the fuss, making it a top contender for easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. This recipe is perfect for showcasing homemade cooking at its best.
Ingredients:
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix are great!), peeled, cored, 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
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar.
- Pour in the melted butter and mix until evenly moistened. The mixture should hold together when pressed.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
Making the Apple Filling:
- While the crust is baking (or cooling), prepare the apple filling. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly.
- Pour the apple mixture into the cooled graham cracker crust. Dot the top with the small pieces of butter.
Baking the Pie:
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.
- 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 Pie:
- For a crispier crust, bake it for a few extra minutes.
- Don’t overfill the crust; leave a little space at the top.
- Use a mix of apple varieties for a complex flavor profile.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes the perfect accompaniment.
Variations:
- Spiced Apple Pie: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the filling for an extra layer of warmth.
- Cranberry Apple Pie: Add ½ cup of fresh or frozen cranberries to the apple filling.
- Streusel Topping: Make a simple streusel topping by combining ½ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup oats, and 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle over the apple filling before baking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-60g
- Protein: Approximately 3-5g
This delicious apple pie recipe is a perfect example of healthy meals that don’t compromise on flavor. It’s a fantastic addition to your repertoire of best recipes and is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!