Penulis Rustic apple pie is a charming dessert characterized by its free-form crust and generous filling of spiced apples. Unlike traditional pies, it doesn’t require a perfectly shaped crust, giving it a homemade, casual appearance.
The filling usually combines tart and sweet apples, sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes nutmeg, all baked until bubbly and golden. The crust is often flaky and can be made with simple ingredients like flour, butter, and salt.
This pie is perfect for showcasing seasonal apples and is often served warm, perhaps with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. To make rustic apple pie, you typically start by preparing the dough.
Combine flour, salt, and cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs, then add ice water gradually until it comes together. Chill the dough for about 30 minutes. For the filling, peel and slice a mix of apples—like Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness.
Toss the apple slices with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and a bit of cornstarch to thicken the filling. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface, then transfer it to a baking sheet. Pile the apple filling in the center, leaving a generous border.
Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating as you go, to create a rustic look. Brush the crust with an egg wash for a golden finish. Bake in a preheated oven until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling, usually about 45-55 minutes.
Let it cool slightly before serving. This pie is ideal for gatherings and can evoke warm, cozy feelings, making it a favorite in fall and winter months. Once the rustic apple pie is out of the oven, allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes.
This resting time helps the filling set, making it easier to slice and serve. When ready to serve, you can enhance the experience with accompaniments. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream complements the warm spices and sweetness of the apples beautifully.
For added flavor, consider drizzling caramel sauce on top or sprinkling some chopped nuts for crunch. Storage is straightforward; keep any leftovers covered at room temperature for a couple of days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Reheating slices in the oven briefly can help restore the crust's flakiness. Rustic apple pie is versatile and can be modified with different spices, such as ginger or cloves, or by adding ingredients like raisins or cranberries for extra depth.
It’s a beloved dish that brings together the comforting flavors of home and the joy of seasonal baking. Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or simply enjoying on a cozy evening, this pie never fails to delight.
Here's a simple recipe for making rustic apple pie:
Ingredients:
For the crust
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 6-8 tbsp ice water
For the filling
- 6-8 cups mixed apples (e.g., Granny Smith, Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- ¾ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1-2 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Make the Crust:
- In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar.
- Add the cold butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside.
3. Assemble the Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll out one dough disc on a floured surface into a rough circle (about 12 inches in diameter). Transfer it to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Pile the apple filling in the center of the crust, leaving about a 2-inch border.
- Roll out the second dough disc and place it on top if you prefer a more covered look, or simply fold the edges of the first crust over the apples for a rustic look.
4. Finish the Pie:
- Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating as necessary.
- Brush the crust with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Cut a few slits in the crust (if using a top crust) to allow steam to escape.
5. Bake:
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
6. Cool and Serve:
- Allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.
Enjoy your homemade rustic apple pie!
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