Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious? Then look no further! This recipe for apple pie with a graham cracker crust is the perfect solution. It offers a delightful twist on the classic apple pie, boasting a buttery, subtly sweet crust that perfectly complements the sweet and tart filling. Forget complicated pie doughs – this recipe simplifies the process while delivering exceptional flavor, making it ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned pros looking for a quick and delicious homemade treat. This recipe is perfect for those looking for easy recipes, healthy meals (with some adjustments), or quick dinner ideas (well, dessert ideas!).
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 (such as 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
- 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 well until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Press the 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 oven and let cool completely.
Making the Apple Filling:
- While the crust is baking, 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 crust is golden brown. 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:
- Apple Selection: Using a mix of apple varieties provides a balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Don't Overfill: Overfilling the crust can lead to a soggy bottom.
- Cooling Time: Patience is key! Allowing the pie to cool completely prevents a runny filling.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to experiment with other spices like ginger or cardamom.
Variations:
- Oatmeal Crust: Substitute the graham cracker crumbs with rolled oats for a heartier crust.
- Streusel Topping: Add a crunchy streusel topping for extra texture and flavor. A simple streusel can be made with flour, oats, butter, and brown sugar.
- Spiced Pecans: Fold in ½ cup of chopped pecans into the apple filling for added crunch and nutty flavor.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Sugar: 30-40g
- Protein: 3-5g
This delicious apple pie with a graham cracker crust is a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. Its simple preparation and incredible flavor make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!