Apple Crunch Pie: A Delightfully Simple Dessert
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 8
Indulge in the sweet, warm embrace of a homemade Apple Crunch Pie, a dessert that’s as simple to make as it is delightful to taste. With a convenient ready-made refrigerated pie crust and a heavenly vanilla ice cream accompaniment, this pie promises to be a favorite at your table. The following recipe details each step to ensure you achieve a perfectly crisp and flavorful pie.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ready-made refrigerated pie crust
For the Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Filling:
- 7 tart apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced 1/8-inch thick
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high initial temperature helps to give the crust a crisp, golden start.
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Prepare the Pie Crust: Gently line a 9-inch pie plate with the refrigerated pie crust. Trim any excess dough and flute the edges for a decorative touch. Place the crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling and topping.
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Make the Topping: In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, ½ cup of brown sugar, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in ¼ cup of cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Set this mixture aside.
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Prepare the Apple Filling: Peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/8-inch thick slices. Toss the apple slices with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent browning. In a separate bowl, mix together ½ cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of flour, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the apple slices and toss to coat evenly.
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Assemble the Pie: Remove the prepared pie crust from the refrigerator. Layer the coated apple slices into the pie shell, mounding them higher in the center for a classic pie shape. Sprinkle the prepared crumb topping evenly over the apples.
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Bake the Pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the topping begins to brown too quickly, cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This helps the filling to set properly and makes it easier to slice.
Tips for the Perfect Pie
- Apple Variety: Choose tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor contrast and texture. They hold up well during baking and provide a lovely balance to the sweetness of the pie.
- Crumb Topping: Ensure that the butter is cold when making the crumb topping to achieve a crisp, crumbly texture.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra indulgent treat, serve each slice of pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy vanilla perfectly complements the sweet, spiced apples and crunchy topping.
Enjoy the comforting, homely taste of this Apple Crunch Pie with your loved ones, and make every occasion a little sweeter with this easy-to-make dessert. 🍏🥧🍨
