Cheese Crusted Apple Pie
Overview:
This delectable Cheese Crusted Apple Pie recipe is a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors, marrying the comforting taste of apples with the richness of cheese. Perfect for dessert or a special treat, this pie is sure to impress your family and friends with its unique combination of ingredients. With a prep time of just 30 minutes and a total cook time of 1 hour and 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend baking project.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain flour
- 1/2 cup self-raising flour
- 2 tbsp caster sugar
- 125g butter
- 1/2 cup cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup water
- 4 apples, peeled and chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/3 cup plain flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 tsp cinnamon
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pecan nuts, chopped
- 60g butter
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cheese Pastry:
- Start by sifting the plain flour, self-raising flour, and caster sugar into a mixing bowl.
- Add the butter to the bowl and rub it into the flour mixture until it resembles breadcrumbs.
- Stir in the grated cheese, then gradually add the water, mixing until a firm dough forms.
- Chill the Pastry:
- Shape the pastry into a ball, then cover it and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
- Roll Out the Pastry:
- After chilling, roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface until it is large enough to line a 23cm flan tin.
- Trim any excess pastry from the edges of the tin.
- Pre-bake the Pastry:
- Line the pastry with a piece of greaseproof paper, then fill it with dried peas, beans, or rice to weigh it down.
- Bake the pastry in a moderate hot oven for 7 minutes, then carefully remove the paper and weights and bake for a further 7 minutes until lightly golden. Allow to cool.
- Prepare the Filling:
- While the pastry is cooling, prepare the filling by cooking the chopped apples in a pan with lemon juice, covered, for about 10 minutes or until just tender.
- Stir in the plain flour, sugar, and cinnamon, then allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Once cooled, spread the apple filling evenly into the pre-baked pastry case.
- Make the Topping:
- In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, flour, and chopped pecans.
- Rub in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Top the Pie:
- Sprinkle the prepared topping evenly over the apple filling in the pastry case.
- Bake the Pie:
- Bake the assembled pie in a moderate hot oven for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to moderate and bake for a further 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
- Allow the pie to cool to room temperature before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- For an extra special touch, decorate the cooled pie with whipped cream, extra chopped pecans, and a dusting of icing sugar, if desired.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 635.8
- Fat: 34.3g
- Saturated Fat: 17.9g
- Cholesterol: 71.9mg
- Sodium: 406.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 78.9g
- Fiber: 5.4g
- Sugar: 42.3g
- Protein: 7.3g
Serving Suggestions:
This Cheese Crusted Apple Pie is best enjoyed warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Pair it with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy dessert experience. Serve it at your next gathering or family dinner to impress your guests with its irresistible flavor combination of sweet apples and savory cheese. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy every delicious bite of this homemade pie! 🍏🥧