This cozy apple pie recipe combines tender apples, crunchy nuts, and a lightly spiced batter, creating a rustic dessert with the charm of a vintage kitchen. Unlike traditional layered pies, this recipe incorporates chopped apples and nuts directly into a simple, cake-like batter and is baked in a single crust for a quick and satisfying treat. It's perfect for a weekday dessert or a nostalgic fall gathering, showcasing the frugal and flavorful baking style of mid-20th-century home cooks.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 1 egg
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup nuts (chopped )
- ½ cup apples (chopped )
For the Pie Crust (2-crust):
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted )
- 1 tsp salt
- ⅔ cup shortening
- 4 to 6 tbsp ice water
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pastry Dough
- Sift together flour and salt.
- Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water, 1 tbsp at a time, mixing gently until dough holds together.
- Divide in half, wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Mixture
- In a bowl, beat egg and sugar until light.
- Mix in flour and baking powder.
- Stir in chopped nuts and chopped apples until evenly combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
- Roll out one portion of dough and line a 9-inch pie pan.
- Pour the apple mixture into the prepared crust.
Step 4: Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 30 minutes or until golden and firm in the center.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve warm or cooled, with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples (Granny Smith + Honeycrisp) for best flavor.
- Brush the top crust with milk or cream for extra browning.
- Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to brighten the filling.
- Sprinkle coarse sugar over the top before baking for a bakery-style finish.
- Add ¼ teaspoon nutmeg or cardamom for deeper warm spice notes.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans to honor the spirit of the original handwritten card.
- Chill the dough at least 30 minutes before rolling for best flakiness.
- Bake pie on the lower rack to ensure a crisp bottom crust.
Nutrition
Calories: 427kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 6gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 106mgPotassium: 99mgFiber: 2gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 37IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 48mgIron: 2mg
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