Nothing says America like a traditional apple pie, but this recipe incorporates a twist on this classic dessert incorporating spices and caramel. Next time you have a craving for something sweet try this recipe.
Apple pies are a classic American dessert staple but originated from England. This might come as a total culture shock, but apple pie still is an American classic regardless. The traditional recipe is standard, but we elevate the sweetness with a recipe for apple pie with an optional spiced apple caramel sauce.
-Ingredients-
Crust:
1 cup or 2 sticks of chilled, unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
3 cups all-purpose flour
¾ tsp kosher salt
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp baking powder
Filling:
2 tbsp granulated or raw sugar
¼ cup all-purpose flour(supply additional amount for coating surface)
1 large egg
3 pounds of apple of your choice (peeled, sliced, and ¼ inch thick)
1/8 tsp. ground allspice
¾ cup of sugar
¼ tsp. salt
¼ cup light brown sugar
½ tsp. nutmeg
2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
½ tsp. ground cinnamon
2 tbsp. unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
Optional–Spiced Apple-Caramel Sauce (for serving):
[This recipe yields 1 ½ cups of sauce]
1/8 tsp. ground all spice
1 cup sugar
¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
6 tbsp. or ¾ a stick of unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
¼ tsp. cinnamon
½ cup heavy cream
2 tbsp. apple brandy
-Instructions-
Crust:
1.Pulse salt, sugar, flour, and baking powder in a food processor then blend until ingredients combine. Continuing pulse mode, add butter until the mixture is a thick consistency.
2.Transfer the mixture into a large bowl and drizzle 1/3 cup ice water, then mix gently with a fork. Continue to add 1/3 cup water if the mixture is too dry until the dough comes together in clumps.
3.Once the dough reaches a firm consistency, form the dough into two circles.
4.Wrap in plastic and chill for at least 1 hour (you can create the crust 2 days before baking and keep chilled).
Filling:
1.Preheat the oven to 375°F and place a rack in the lower third of the oven.
2.Lightly flour a clean surface and manipulate the dough into 13-inch round circles.
3.Transfer to pie dish, picking up and allowing the dough sink down into the pie dishallowing the excess dough to hang over the edge of the dish.
4.Chill until form for 20 minutes.
5.As you wait for the dough to chill you can start prepping the filling by combining ¼ cup flour, apples, allspice, sugar, salt, brown sugar, nutmeg, vinegar, cinnamon, and butter mixing thoroughly.
6.Pour filling into crust
7.Roll out the remaining dough circle and place it over the top of the pie dish.
8.Press the top and bottom dough together to seal, then trim the excess dough to a ½ inch and crime the pie edges.
9.Cut six small slits in the top dough layer to allow steam to escape while baking.
10.Beat eggs and 1 tbsp. of water into a small bowl. Then use mixture to brush egg wash over the top crust and sprinkle with white sugar.
11.Let the pie chill in the freezer for 15 minutes.
12.Place pie dish on a baking sheet lined with foil.
13.Bake for 30 minutes.
14.Reduce oven temperature to 350°F while rotating the pie and continue baking.
15.(Optional) tent the pie with foil if the crust is browned quickly.
16.Once the crust is golden brown and the juices are bubbling the pie is ready (in some cases you can add 50-60 minutes on the baking time).
17.Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling wire rack allowing the pie to cool for four hours.
18.Serve and enjoy!
Spiced Apple Caramel Sauce (optional):
1.In a large saucepan over medium heat on the stovetop, bring ¼ cup of water and sugarto a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
2.Once the mixture comes to a boil, swirl the pan occasionally while brushing down the sides with a wet pastry brush until it achieves a deep amber color (8-10 minutes).
3.Reduce heat to low setting then start adding butter and mix until smooth (look for vigorous bubbling).
4.Stir in the allspice, cream, nutmeg, apple brandy, and cinnamon until smooth.
5.Remove the sauce from the heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
6.After cooling this sauce is ready to serve with apple pie.
7.Serve and enjoy!
