Autumn's arrival brings with it a symphony of vibrant colors and the irresistible aroma of spices. And what better way to celebrate this magical season than with a warm, comforting slice of homemade pumpkin and apple pie? This recipe combines the creamy sweetness of pumpkin with the tangy crispness of apples, creating a truly delightful dessert. It's perfect for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or simply indulging in a delicious homemade treat. This easy recipe makes a healthy, delicious dish perfect for quick dinner ideas and best recipes, showcasing the beauty of homemade cooking.
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:
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended), peeled, cored, and diced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the cold, 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.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Preparing the Filling:
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, eggs, and heavy cream. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
Assembling and Baking the Pie:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate.
- Add filling: Pour the pumpkin apple filling into the pie crust.
- Top crust: Roll out the remaining 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 for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. 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 properly.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Apple Pie:
- Use cold ingredients: Cold butter is key to a flaky crust. Make sure your butter and water are well chilled.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough crust.
- Blind bake (optional): For a crispier crust, you can blind bake it for 15 minutes before adding the filling. This involves lining the crust with parchment paper and pie weights before baking.
- Adjust sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar to your preference. You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of allspice for a warmer, spicier pie.
- Add nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts would make a delicious addition to the filling.
- Use different apples: Experiment with different apple varieties for varying levels of sweetness and tartness.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-60g
- Protein: Approximately 5-7g
This delicious pumpkin and apple pie is a perfect example of healthy meals and easy recipes that are also among the best recipes available. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful pie as a delicious reward for your homemade cooking efforts!