I’ve developed this simplified version of the classic French apple pie that comes together in just minutes of prep time. This recipe transforms basic pantry ingredients into a delightfully light and custardy dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The secret lies in its simple preparation and the perfect ratio of ingredients that create a custard-like batter enveloping tender apple slices.
Prep & Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 8 slices
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 4 medium apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
For the Batter
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 50g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
- 100ml (⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon) whole milk, room temperature
- 200g (1⅔ cups) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For Finishing
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Butter for greasing pan
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter
- Line bottom with parchment paper
- Prepare Apples
- Wash and peel apples
- Core and slice into thin, uniform 1/8-inch slices
- Toss with lemon juice to prevent browning
- Set aside while preparing batter
- Make the Batter
- In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until pale and foamy (about 2 minutes)
- Gradually whisk in room temperature milk
- Sift flour and salt over egg mixture
- Whisk until just combined and smooth (don’t overmix)
- Assemble and Bake
- Arrange apple slices in an overlapping pattern in prepared pan
- Pour batter evenly over apples
- Tap pan gently to remove air bubbles
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and set
- Finish and Serve
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes
- Dust generously with powdered sugar
- Serve warm or at room temperature
Expert Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for the smoothest batter
- Don’t skip the lemon juice – it prevents browning and adds brightness
- Slice apples uniformly for even cooking
- Test doneness with a toothpick inserted in center – should come out clean
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Up to 24 hours, covered
- Refrigerator: Up to 3 days in airtight container
- Reheat individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds
Nutrition Information (per slice)
- Calories: 215
- Total Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 47mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 42g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 5g
- Iron: 1mg
- Calcium: 30mg
- Vitamin C: 3mg
This quick apple pie is perfect for last-minute dessert needs or when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The simplicity of ingredients allows the natural sweetness of the apples to shine through, while the custard-like batter creates a delicate, tender crumb that perfectly complements the fruit.
Serve this pie slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an elevated dessert experience. For a breakfast twist, serve it at room temperature with a cup of coffee or tea. The versatility of this dessert makes it suitable for any occasion, from casual family dinners to impromptu gatherings.
Remember, the key to success with this recipe lies in the preparation of your apples and ensuring your ingredients are at room temperature before beginning. This helps create that perfectly smooth batter that bakes into a golden, tender cake surrounding the sweet apple slices.
