Apple Shortbread Pie Recipe
Prepare to be transported to Grandma’s kitchen with this delightful Apple Shortbread Pie! It’s a heartwarming dessert that evokes the cozy charm of Christmas and the comforting aroma of freshly baked goodies. Perfect for a holiday treat or a special occasion, this pie combines the rich, buttery crunch of shortbread with a luscious apple filling that’s sweetened to perfection. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup shortening
- 2 large egg yolks
- 4-5 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thinly
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
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Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your pie will bake evenly and the crust will turn out perfectly golden.
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Prepare the Shortbread Crust: In a large bowl, sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of white sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This helps to evenly distribute the ingredients and eliminate any lumps.
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Cut in the Fat: Add 1/2 cup of cold butter, cut into small pieces, and 1/4 cup of shortening to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter and shortening into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for creating that signature shortbread texture.
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Incorporate Egg Yolks: Fold in the egg yolks into the crumbly mixture. The dough will be somewhat crumbly, but it should hold together when pressed.
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Shape the Crust: Remove 1/4 of the dough mixture and set it aside for the topping. Press the remaining dough mixture evenly onto the bottom and up the sides of an 8-inch tart shell or pie pan. Use your fingers or a spoon to press the dough firmly and create an even layer.
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Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine 4-5 thinly sliced Granny Smith apples, 1/4 cup of light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Toss the apples gently until they are well coated with the sugar and spices.
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Assemble the Pie: Spoon the spiced apple mixture into the prepared crust, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the top of the apples.
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Bake the Pie: Place the assembled pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes. This initial high temperature helps to set the crust and start the browning process.
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Reduce Heat and Continue Baking: Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving. This lets the filling set and makes slicing easier. Enjoy the warm, buttery goodness of this classic dessert!
Tips for Perfect Pie:
- Use Cold Butter: For the best shortbread texture, make sure the butter is cold when you cut it into the flour.
- Tart Apples: Granny Smith apples are ideal for this pie because they provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.
- Reserve Crumbs: Don’t skip the step of reserving some of the dough mixture for the topping. It adds a lovely crunch and extra flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving): This pie is rich and indulgent, with each serving providing approximately 3192.3 calories, 155.3 grams of fat, 74.9 grams of saturated fat, and 621.6 milligrams of cholesterol. It also contains 428.9 grams of carbohydrates, 21.1 grams of fiber, and 211.4 grams of sugar.
With its rich, buttery crust and sweet, spiced apple filling, this Apple Shortbread Pie is sure to become a cherished recipe in your home. Enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat! 🎄🍏🥧
