Are you craving a warm, comforting apple pie but intimidated by the thought of making a perfect top crust? Then this recipe is for you! This Apple Pie Without Top Crust is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort while delivering maximum deliciousness. It's the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and subtly spiced apples baked to golden perfection. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, making it a fantastic addition to your quick dinner ideas and healthy meals repertoire. Get ready to enjoy a homemade cooking masterpiece that's surprisingly simple!
Ingredients:
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For the Filling:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), 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
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
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For the Crust:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ¼ cup ice water
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. Don't overmix.
- Chill: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
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 chilled dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Transfer to pan: Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges.
- Add filling: Pour the apple filling into the pie crust. Dot the top with the butter pieces.
- Bake: Bake for 45-50 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:
- Apple selection: Using a mix of apple varieties will give you the best flavor and texture. Granny Smith apples provide tartness, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness and juiciness.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing the pie crust will make it tough. Mix just until the dough comes together.
- Blind baking (optional): For a crispier bottom crust, you can pre-bake the crust for 15 minutes before adding the filling.
- Serve warm: This apple pie is best served warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Variations:
- Spiced it up: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the filling for an extra layer of warmth.
- Nutty delight: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling before baking.
- Crumb topping: For a bit more texture, create a simple crumble topping using oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Sugar: 30-40g
- Protein: 3-4g
This easy apple pie recipe is a delightful dessert for any occasion. Enjoy the delicious aroma and the comforting taste of this homemade treat! It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply a cozy night in. This recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious dishes don't have to be difficult. Happy baking!