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–+ servings
Apple Pie
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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 427 kcal

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
Keyword American dessert, apple pie, classic baking, comfort food, holiday pie, homemade dessert, traditional pie
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