As someone who has always had a sweet tooth, I’m always on the hunt for the perfect dessert recipe. And let me tell you, when it comes to apple pie, I’m a total fanatic. There’s just something about the warm, cinnamon-spiced filling and the flaky, buttery crust that gets me every time. So, I set out to find the ultimate apple pie dessert recipes, and I’ve got to say, I hit the jackpot.
After countless hours of research and recipe testing, I’ve compiled a list of the five most delicious and mouth-watering apple pie dessert recipes out there. Whether you’re a fan of classic apple pies or you’re looking to try something new and creative, I’ve got you covered.
Trust me, your taste buds will thank you. So, keep reading to discover how you can create these delectable desserts and become the apple pie hero amongst your friends and family.
The Secret to Perfect Apple Pie: Mastering the Basics
Apple pie is a classic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, a delicious apple pie is always a crowd-pleaser.
In the following section, we’ll cover the basics of apple pie baking, including the best apples to use, how to make the perfect pie crust, and how to create a delicious filling.
Understanding the Perfect Apple to Use for an Apple Pie
Not all apples are created equal when it comes to baking apple pies. Some apples are better suited for pies than others.
The best apples for pies are those that hold their shape and texture after being baked. Some of the best apple varieties for pies include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, and Jonagold.
These apples have a good balance of tartness and sweetness, making them ideal for apple pies.
Preparing the Perfect Pie Crust
The perfect pie crust is the foundation of any delicious apple pie.
A good crust should be flaky, tender, and perfectly browned. To make a great pie crust, you’ll need a few basic ingredients, including flour, butter, salt, and ice water. The key to making a perfect crust is to keep the butter and water as cold as possible, as this helps create a flaky texture.
Additionally, using a food processor or pastry cutter can make the process easier and ensure a consistent texture.
How to Create the Perfect Filling
Creating a delicious filling is perhaps the most important step in making a great apple pie. The filling should be sweet, tangy, and bursting with apple flavor.
To create the perfect filling, start by mixing sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Then, add in your sliced apples and toss until they’re evenly coated. Finally, pour the filling into your prepared crust and bake until golden brown and bubbly.
By following these basic guidelines, you’ll be able to create a delicious and crowd-pleasing apple pie every time. Experiment with different apple varieties and spices to find your perfect combination, and don’t be afraid to get creative with your crust designs.
5 Delicious Apple Pie Dessert Recipes
Are you looking for the perfect apple pie recipe to satisfy your dessert cravings?
Look no further! We’ve got five amazing apple pie dessert recipes that will leave your taste buds asking for more.
With these recipes, you’ll be able to enjoy the warm and cozy flavors of fall right in your kitchen.
Traditional Apple Pie Recipe
Are you in the mood for a classic dessert? Look no further than a traditional apple pie. This recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and fill your kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon and apples.
Ingredients Needed:
For the crust:
- 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
For the filling:
- 6 cups thinly sliced and peeled apples (about 6 medium apples)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing on top)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and sugar.
- Add the cold and cubed butter to the bowl and use a pastry blender or your hands to mix until the mixture is crumbly and pea-sized.
- Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. Don’t overmix the dough.
- Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk. Wrap them in plastic wrap and chill them in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a floured surface, roll out one of the dough disks into a 12-inch circle. Place it in a 9-inch pie dish.
- In a large bowl, mix the sliced apples, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Pour the apple mixture into the prepared crust.
- Cut the unsalted butter into small pieces and dot them on top of the apple mixture.
- Roll out the second dough disk into a 12-inch circle and use it to cover the top of the pie. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Brush the top crust with milk.
- Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Tips for Baking a Perfect Traditional Apple Pie:
- Use a combination of tarts and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for the filling.
- Don’t overwork the pie dough or it will become tough. It’s okay if there are small pieces of butter in the dough.
- Chill the pie dough in the refrigerator for at least an hour before rolling it out.
- Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Brush the top crust with milk or egg wash to create a golden brown color.
- Let the pie cool completely before slicing to allow the filling to set.
Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to get started on baking your very own traditional apple pie! Remember to take your time and follow the steps carefully for the best results.
Dutch Apple Pie Recipe
Dutch Apple Pie is a delicious variation on the classic apple pie that adds a crumbly, buttery topping to the mix. Here’s everything you need to know to bake a perfect Dutch Apple Pie:
Ingredients needed:
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the filling:
- 6 cups thinly sliced and peeled apples (use a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Step-by-step instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt for the crust. Add the chilled butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix the butter into the flour until it forms small crumbs. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling by mixing the sliced apples, sugar, flour, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish and trim the edges.
- Pour the apple filling into the crust and spread it out evenly.
- In another mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and melted butter for the topping. Mix until it forms small crumbs.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping over the apple filling, covering it evenly.
- Bake the Dutch Apple Pie for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Tips for baking a perfect Dutch apple pie:
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the filling to achieve a balanced flavor.
- Be sure to chill the butter for the crust and topping beforehand to achieve a flaky texture.
- If the crust edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
And there you have it, a delicious Dutch apple pie that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Follow these tips and instructions carefully, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a master at baking Dutch apple pies.
Caramel Apple Pie Recipe
If you’re looking to take your apple pie game to the next level, try making a delicious caramel apple pie. The combination of sweet, gooey caramel and tart, juicy apples is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Here’s what you’ll need and how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
- 6 cups thinly sliced and peeled apples
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Step by Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well to coat the apples.
- Pour the caramel sauce over the apple mixture and stir until the apples are evenly coated.
- Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust, and dot it with small pieces of butter.
- Cover the pie with a sheet of aluminum foil, making sure to crimp the edges around the pie dish to seal it.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the aluminum foil and continue baking for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for baking a perfect caramel apple pie:
- Use a variety of apples for the best flavor and texture. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn apples all work well in this recipe.
- Make sure your pie crust is chilled before baking to ensure it stays flaky.
- To prevent the filling from spilling over, place a sheet of aluminum foil or a baking sheet under the pie dish before baking.
- Drizzle extra caramel sauce over each slice of pie before serving for an extra decadent touch.
This caramel apple pie is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a sweet and indulgent dessert. Give it a try for your next gathering or special occasion!
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe
If you love the sweet and salty combination, then this Salted Caramel Apple Pie is a must-try dessert! With a buttery crust, sweet apple filling, and a drizzle of salted caramel sauce, this pie will become your new favorite. Here are the ingredients you’ll need and step-by-step instructions on how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (about 6-7 medium-sized apples)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the pre-made pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges.
- In a large bowl, mix the sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the apple mixture into the pie crust and spread it out evenly.
- Cut the butter into small pieces and dot them over the top of the apple filling.
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- While the pie is baking, make the salted caramel sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream and flaky sea salt and heat until just simmering.
- In a separate medium saucepan, melt the sugar over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color.
- Remove the sugar from the heat and slowly pour in the warm cream mixture while whisking constantly.
- Add in the unsalted butter and whisk until melted and combined.
- Let the caramel sauce cool for a few minutes before drizzling it over the baked pie.
- Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Tips for baking a perfect salted caramel apple pie:
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor and texture.
- Make sure the pie crust is cold before adding the filling to prevent it from getting soggy.
- To prevent the edges of the crust from burning, cover them with foil for the first 20-25 minutes of baking.
- Let the pie cool completely before slicing to ensure the filling sets properly.
- Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the pie just before serving to prevent the crust from getting soggy.
There you have it, a delicious salted caramel apple pie that’s perfect for any occasion. By following these simple steps and tips, you can easily create a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different apple varieties or adjust the salted caramel sauce to your liking. With a little bit of practice and patience, you’ll be able to perfect your salted caramel apple pie recipe and become the go-to baker for any event. Enjoy!
Gluten-Free Apple Pie Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious gluten-free apple pie recipe, you’re in luck! This recipe uses a combination of gluten-free flours to create a flaky, tender crust that’s perfect for holding a delicious apple filling.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup tapioca starch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup vegetable shortening, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 4-6 tablespoons ice water
- 6 cups sliced apples (about 6 medium apples)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, almond flour, tapioca starch, and salt.
- Add the chilled butter and vegetable shortening to the bowl, and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work the fats into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together in a ball. Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, toss together the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, gluten-free all-purpose flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Remove one disc of dough from the refrigerator and roll it out into a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish and trim the edges.
- Pour the apple filling into the pie crust.
- Remove the second disc of dough from the refrigerator and roll it out into a 12-inch circle. Use a pastry cutter or knife to cut the dough into strips, and lay the strips over the top of the apple filling in a lattice pattern.
- Brush the top of the pie with a beaten egg, and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Bake the pie for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Allow the pie to cool before serving.
Tips for Baking a Perfect Gluten-Free Apple Pie:
- Be sure to use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum or another binding agent.
- Chill your dough thoroughly before rolling it out to ensure a flaky, tender crust.
- Use a combination of sweet and tart apples for the filling to achieve a balanced flavor.
- For a decorative touch, use a small cookie cutter to cut shapes out of the top crust before baking.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delicious treat!
This gluten-free apple pie recipe is a delicious alternative for those who need to avoid gluten. The use of almond flour and gluten-free flour blend creates a perfectly flaky crust, while the filling of juicy apples and warm spices brings a comforting and familiar taste. By following the step-by-step instructions and tips, you can easily bake a perfect gluten-free apple pie that will impress your family and friends.
Conclusion
These five apple pie dessert recipes are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your loved ones. From the classic apple pie to the unique and creative twists, these recipes offer something for everyone.
And the best part? They’re easy to make, so even if you’re not an experienced baker, you can still create a delicious dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab some apples and get baking! Your taste buds (and your friends and family) will thank you.
