As I stand in my kitchen, the sweet aroma of cinnamon and apples filling the air, I’m excited to share this quick and delicious apple pie recipe that has become a beloved favorite in my family. This recipe is a perfect example of how we can create a comforting, homemade dessert with minimal prep time, making it ideal for busy families or when you’re craving something sweet without the long wait.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and speed. With just 10 minutes of prep time and a handful of basic ingredients, you can have a delicious apple pie in the oven, filling your home with the irresistible scent of baking apples and warm spices.
Ingredients
For this family-favorite apple pie, you’ll need:
- 4 large eggs
- 200g (1 cup) sugar
- 120g (1/2 cup) butter
- 120ml (1/2 cup) milk
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 7 medium apples
- 280g (2 1/4 cups) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon (for sprinkling)
- Extra sugar for sprinkling (about 2 tbsp)
- Butter or oil for greasing the pan
Instructions
1. Preparing the Batter
- I start by preheating the oven to 165°C (330°F). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when our pie is ready to bake.
- In a large bowl, I beat the eggs and sugar until the mixture is frothy and pale yellow. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
- In a small saucepan, I bring the butter and milk to a boil over medium heat. As soon as it reaches boiling point, I remove it from the heat.
- While it’s still hot, I carefully pour the butter-milk mixture into the egg-sugar mixture, whisking constantly. This step is crucial – the hot liquid helps to partially cook the eggs and create a smooth, glossy batter.
- In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour and baking powder.
- I then add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. It’s important not to overmix here – a few small lumps are okay.
2. Preparing the Apples and Pan
- While the batter is resting, I prepare the apples. I quarter each apple, remove the core, and cut them into thin slices. If preferred, you can peel the apples, but I often leave the skin on for added texture and nutrition.
- I grease a baking tray (about 9×13 inches) with butter or oil, then lightly dust it with flour. This prevents the pie from sticking and makes serving easier.
3. Assembling and Baking the Pie
- I arrange the apple slices in rows on the prepared baking tray. This creates an even layer of fruit that will become the top of our pie when it’s inverted after baking.
- In a small bowl, I mix about 2 tablespoons of sugar with 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. I sprinkle this mixture evenly over the arranged apple slices.
- Finally, I pour the prepared batter over the apples, spreading it evenly to cover all the fruit.
- The pie goes into the preheated oven for about 30-45 minutes. I start checking at the 30-minute mark, looking for a golden brown top and a toothpick inserted into the center to come out clean.
- Once baked, I remove the pie from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- To serve, I can either cut and serve it directly from the pan, or for a more dramatic presentation, invert it onto a serving platter so the caramelized apples are on top.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 12):
- Calories: 290
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 115mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 44g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 26g
- Protein: 5g
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-45 minutes
Total Time: 40-55 minutes
The Joy of Quick, Homemade Desserts
As I slice into this warm apple pie, the aroma of cinnamon and baked apples wafting through the kitchen, I’m reminded of why this recipe has become such a favorite in my family. Despite its quick preparation time, it delivers all the comfort and satisfaction of a traditional apple pie.
What makes this recipe so special is its clever technique. By pouring the hot butter-milk mixture into the eggs, we’re creating a batter that’s somewhere between a cake and a custard. This results in a beautifully tender crumb that pairs perfectly with the soft, spiced apples.
The simplicity of this recipe also makes it incredibly versatile. While it’s delicious as is, you can easily adapt it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Try mixing in some chopped nuts for added crunch, or experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom. You could even swap out some of the apples for pears or berries for a different flavor profile.
This pie is perfect for so many occasions. It’s quick enough to whip up for an after-school snack, impressive enough to serve at a dinner party, and comforting enough to be a go-to weekend treat. Its simplicity also makes it a great recipe to make with children, introducing them to the joys of baking.
As we enjoy this 10-minute prep apple pie, we’re not just satisfying our sweet tooth – we’re creating memories. The smell of this pie baking has become a signal in our home, a promise of warmth and togetherness. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest things can bring the most joy.
So the next time your family asks when you’ll bake this pie again, you can smile knowing that in just 10 minutes, you can have it in the oven. This recipe is more than just a quick dessert; it’s a way to bring a moment of sweetness and comfort to your day, no matter how busy life gets. Who knows? It might just become a cherished tradition in your family, as it has in mine.