Are you craving the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked apple pie? Imagine sinking your teeth into a flaky, golden crust, filled with sweet and tart apples, punctuated by bursts of juicy raisins. This recipe delivers exactly that, and it's easier to make than you think! Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your homemade cooking journey, this recipe for apple pie with raisins is perfect for a cozy evening or a delightful dessert to share. This easy recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it's a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of fall. It's also a fantastic addition to your list of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/2 cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1 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 butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill: Form the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Making the Filling:
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, raisins, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat.
Assembling and Baking the Pie:
- Roll out 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.
- Add filling: Pour the apple filling into the pie crust. Dot the top with the small pieces of butter.
- Top crust: Roll out the second disc of dough and either place it over the filling, crimping the edges to seal, or cut it into strips for a lattice top. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) 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.
Tips for the Best Apple Pie:
- Use a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor profile.
- Don't overmix the dough, or the crust will be tough.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade pie crust.
- Let the pie cool completely before slicing to prevent a runny filling.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the filling for an extra warming flavor.
- Add nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts would make a delicious addition to the filling.
- Make it a crumble: Instead of a top crust, use a crumble topping made from flour, butter, oats, and brown sugar.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients used and serving size. It's best to use a nutrition calculator for precise values. However, expect this delicious pie to be relatively high in carbohydrates and sugars, due to the apples and sugars used. It will also contain healthy fats from the butter.
This apple pie with raisins recipe offers a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic dessert. The combination of sweet apples, juicy raisins, and a flaky crust is simply irresistible. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!