Classic Apple Pie Recipe (Stars in the Galaxy)
Apple Pie is a timeless, comforting dessert that brings warmth to the soul, especially during the autumn and holiday seasons. A classic dish that’s as much a symbol of tradition as it is a culinary masterpiece, this pie pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of tender apples, fragrant spices, and a buttery, flaky crust make this treat irresistible—served warm, it’s pure perfection.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Crust:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vivatta Maida (All-Purpose Flour) | 2 cups |
| Butter (Salted), frozen | 1 cup |
| Sugar (Powdered) | 1 cup |
| Water (Ice cold) | 2 tablespoons |
For the Apple Filling:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Apples, chopped finely | 6 medium apples |
| Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini) | 1 teaspoon |
| Nutmeg Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon (Juice) | Juice of 2 lemons |
| Brown Sugar (Demerara Sugar) | 4 tablespoons |
| Sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Mint Leaves (Pudina) | As required |
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Resting Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6-8 slices
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
To start, prepare the pie dough and let it rest while you move on to the other steps. The crust is the heart of this apple pie, so it’s important to get it right.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Vivatta Maida (all-purpose flour) and powdered sugar. Stir the ingredients until well mixed.
- Add the frozen butter (cut into small cubes) and rub it into the flour mixture using your fingers. This process ensures the butter is evenly distributed, creating a crumbly texture. Don’t use any utensils—using your fingers allows the butter to coat the flour, giving the dough a rich, flaky texture.
- After about 5–10 minutes, you’ll notice the mixture beginning to form into crumbs. Add ice-cold water, a tablespoon at a time, and continue mixing until the dough starts to come together. The dough should be rough and crumbly.
- Once the dough forms, wrap it tightly in cling film and refrigerate it for 30 minutes. This resting period allows the dough to firm up and makes rolling it out easier.
Step 2: Bake the Tart Shell
While the dough is resting, preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
- Once the dough has chilled, take it out of the fridge and roll it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a circle large enough to fit your tart tin.
- Carefully transfer the dough to the tart tin. Gently press the dough into the corners, making sure it fits snugly.
- To prevent the crust from puffing up while baking, lightly prick the base of the dough with a fork. This will allow steam to escape during baking.
- Place kidney beans or chana (chickpeas) on top of the crust to weigh it down, and bake the crust for about 12 minutes or until it turns a light golden color. Remove the crust from the oven, but do not unmold it just yet.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling
While the crust is baking, let’s make the apple filling. The combination of apples, spices, and sugar creates a luscious, caramelized filling.
- In a large saucepan, combine the chopped apples, cinnamon powder, nutmeg powder, brown sugar, and regular sugar.
- Stir the ingredients over medium heat and cook for about 5–7 minutes, allowing the apples to soften and release their juices. The sugar will begin to melt, and the filling will become moist.
- Once the apples have softened and the syrup starts to form, turn off the heat. Stir in the lemon juice and mint leaves, adjusting the sweetness and spice levels according to your preference.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
- Spoon the apple mixture onto the baked crust. Be sure to spread it evenly, creating a slight mound in the center.
- Roll out the remaining dough to cover the pie. You can either lay a full sheet of dough over the top or cut the dough into strips to create a lattice pattern.
- Press the edges of the top dough layer to seal the pie. You can use your fingers or a fork to crimp the edges.
- If using a full dough sheet, make a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape during baking.
Step 5: Bake the Apple Pie
- Place the assembled pie back into the oven and bake for 10 minutes or until the top crust turns a rich, golden-brown color.
- Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for 2-3 hours to allow the filling to set.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
For the best experience, serve the Classic Apple Pie while it’s still warm, accompanied by a scoop of chilled vanilla ice cream. The contrast of the warm pie and the cool, creamy ice cream is simply divine.
Serving Suggestions
For a delightful treat at your next tea party, pair the Classic Apple Pie with a Grilled Tofu Spinach/Lettuce Sandwich and a strong cup of Espresso Coffee. The pie’s sweetness and the savory sandwich offer a balanced flavor profile, while the espresso adds a rich, bold finish.
Tips for the Perfect Apple Pie:
- Apple Selection: For the best flavor and texture, use a mix of apples—tart apples like Granny Smith and sweet apples like Fuji or Gala.
- Pie Crust Tip: If you want extra flakiness, try using cold butter and ice-cold water to keep the dough from becoming too soft. Don’t overwork the dough—this will help maintain its flakiness.
- Spices: Adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to suit your taste. You can also add a pinch of ginger for extra warmth and depth.
Enjoy the process of making this classic dessert, and savor the results when the whole house fills with the sweet, comforting aroma of freshly baked apple pie!
This Classic Apple Pie (Stars in the Galaxy) is perfect for the holiday season, but it’s so delicious that you’ll want to bake it year-round. Whether you’re making it for a festive occasion or just because you’re craving something sweet, this pie will never disappoint!
