Apple Pie with Ice Cream

Apple pie with ice cream is a classic dessert cherished by many around the world. Its warm, spiced apple filling, encased in a flaky crust, perfectly complements a scoop of creamy ice cream. Whether served at family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply as a comforting treat, this dessert never fails to delight.

Why Make This Recipe

There are countless reasons to indulge in homemade apple pie. First and foremost, it evokes nostalgia for many, often reminding us of family gatherings and cherished moments. Making this recipe from scratch allows you to personalize each ingredient according to your taste preferences, ensuring a delicious outcome. Furthermore, using fresh apples contributes essential vitamins and nutrients.

Homemade apple pie also offers a wonderful opportunity to practice baking skills. The process involves a variety of techniques, from making the dough and achieving the ideal crust to perfecting the apple filling’s consistency. Plus, serving it warm with vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast in texture and temperature, enhancing the overall experience.

How to Prepare Apple Pie with Ice Cream

Preparing the Dough

1. Mixing Dry Ingredients: Begin by gathering 300 g of all-purpose flour, 60 g of granulated sugar, and 1 tsp of salt in a large mixing bowl. Use a whisk or a fork to combine the ingredients evenly. This fundamental step ensures that the sugar and salt are distributed throughout the flour, leading to a balanced flavor.
2. Incorporating Butter: Next, add 220 g of cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can lead to a tough crust.

   Tip: Keeping the butter cold is vital in obtaining a flaky crust. You can chill your mixing bowl and utensils beforehand.

3. Adding Water: Gradually incorporate 110 g of cold water into the mixture, one tablespoon at a time, until a dough begins to form. Avoid over-mixing; stop when the dough holds together.
4. Chilling the Dough: Divide the dough into two discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling relaxes the gluten in the flour and gives the butter time to firm up again, allowing for a crispier texture when baked.

Preparing the Filling

1. Prepping the Apples: While the dough chills, prepare 1 kg of apples (consider varieties like Pink Lady, Royal Gala, or Fuji). Start by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples into thin wedges, ensuring that they cook evenly.
2. Cooking the Filling: In a skillet, melt 75 g of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the sliced apples along with 190 g of brown sugar, 1¼ tsp of ground cinnamon, 1¼ tbsp of cornstarch, ¼ tsp of salt, and 2½ tbsp of water. Cook the mixture for about 10 minutes until the apples soften but do not turn mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

   Tip: Taste the filling while cooking and adjust sweetness or spice levels as preferred. A splash of lemon juice can enhance flavor and prevent browning.

Assembling the Pie

1. Preheating the Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) before you begin assembling the pie.
2. Rolling Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out one dough disc to fit your pie pan. If the dough cracks, gently press it back together.
3. Preparing the Pie Crust: Sprinkle 5 tbsp of almond flour or finely ground nuts evenly across the bottom of the crust. This step helps absorb moisture from the filling.
4. Filling the Pie: Carefully spoon the apple mixture into the crust, distributing the filling evenly.
5. Laying the Second Crust: Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the filled pie. Trim and crimp the edges to seal the pie. Using a sharp knife, cut slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
6. Finishing Touches: Create an egg wash by whisking 1 egg with 1 tbsp of water. Brush this mixture over the top crust for a golden finish. Sprinkle with 3 tbsp of brown sugar for added sweetness and crunch.
7. Baking the Pie: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then lower the temperature to 190°C (375°F) and continue baking for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

   Tip: If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.

8. Cooling: Let the pie cool slightly before serving; this allows the filling to set.

How to Serve Apple Pie with Ice Cream

Apple pie is delightfully versatile in its serving options. Not only can it stand alone, but pairing it with ice cream takes it to another level.

• Classic Serving: Place a generous slice of pie on a plate next to a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess of the ice cream beautifully contrasts with the warm, spiced apples.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different ice cream flavors. Caramel, cinnamon, or maple ice cream can complement the apple pie nicely. For chocolate lovers, a scoop of chocolate ice cream introduces an exciting twist.
• Add Toppings: Consider adding a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of crushed nuts over the top. Fresh whipped cream can also be a delightful addition for those who prefer more richness.
• Occasions: This dessert shines at family gatherings, holidays like Thanksgiving, or as a comforting evening treat. It’s a wonderful choice to celebrate special occasions or simply to enjoy a cozy evening at home.

How to Store Apple Pie

Storing apple pie properly ensures that you can enjoy it even after the initial serving.

• Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the pie within a couple of days, store it at room temperature, covered with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage (up to a week), keep the pie in the refrigerator. Again, cover it well to keep moisture in.
• Freezing: If you wish to keep the pie longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can remain frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven.

  Anti-Waste Tip: Slice leftovers and store them separately; this makes it easier to reheat individual portions.

Tips for Mastering Apple Pie

Creating the perfect apple pie is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your pie is delicious:

• Use a Variety of Apples: Combining different types of apples can provide a more complex flavor and texture. Try mixing tart and sweet varieties for balance.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Be gentle when incorporating the butter and water into the flour. Overworking can make the crust tough.
• Monitor Baking Time and Temperature: Ovens can vary significantly in temperature, so keep an eye on the pie as it bakes. Use a thermometer if necessary.
• Let it Cool: Allow the pie to cool fully before slicing. This ensures a better slice and allows flavors to settle.
• Experiment with Spices: While cinnamon is classic, consider adding nutmeg, ginger, or even a touch of cardamom for a unique twist.

Variations

Apple pie is not limited to just apples. You can personalize it to your liking:

• Fruits: Consider adding other fruits such as pears, berries, or even dried fruits like raisins or cranberries.
• Nut Crust: Substitute part of the flour with finely ground nuts for a nutty flavor in the crust.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the crust. Ensure that your other ingredients are also gluten-free.
• Sweeteners: Experiment with different types of sugar, like coconut sugar or honey, for a different flavor profile.
• Seasonal Spices: Adjust the spices used in the filling based on the season. For example, in the fall, you might include pumpkin spice for a cozy flavor.

FAQ

1. Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but make sure to thaw them thoroughly and drain excess moisture before using them in the filling. This prevents a soggy pie.

2. What can I do if my crust is too tough?
If your crust turns out tough, this may be due to overworking the dough. To remedy this in the future, remember to handle the dough as little as possible and use chilled ingredients.

3. Can this recipe be made in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling in advance. Freeze the unbaked pie and then bake it fresh when desired.

4. How do I know when my apple pie is done?
Look for a golden-brown crust and bubbling filling. A thermometer can also be helpful; it should read around 90°C (195°F) at the center when done.

5. How do I prevent my bottom crust from getting soggy?
Sprinkling almond flour or breadcrumbs over the crust before adding the filling can absorb excess moisture, helping to keep it crisp.

By following these detailed steps and tips, you’ll create a delicious apple pie with ice cream that is sure to impress everyone. Enjoy your baking adventure!