Apple Pie à la Mode
Apple Pie à la Mode, the classic dessert that marries the warm, spiced flavors of homemade apple pie with the cool, creamy goodness of ice cream, is a must-try for any baking enthusiast. This recipe takes you through the journey of creating a sumptuous apple pie, topped with a generous scoop of your favorite ice cream, leaving you and your loved ones craving more. Get ready to impress with this delightful dish that combines comfort, flavor, and nostalgia in every bite!
Ingredients
-
For the crust:
- 300 g all-purpose flour (2 ½ cups)
- 60 g granulated sugar (⅓ cup)
- 1 tsp salt
- 220 g unsalted butter, cold (cut into cubes) (1 cup)
- 110 g water (½ cup)
-
For the filling:
- 1 kg apples (Pink Lady, Royal Gala, or Fuji) (about 6-8 medium apples)
- 75 g unsalted butter (5 tbsp)
- 190 g brown sugar (1 cup packed)
- 1¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1¼ tbsp cornstarch (about 1 tbsp + ½ tsp)
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2½ tbsp water (about 2 ½ tbsp)
-
For assembling:
- 5 tbsp almond flour (or finely ground nuts or breadcrumbs)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water
- 3 tbsp brown sugar (for topping)
-
For serving:
- Vanilla Ice Cream (or other flavors you prefer)
Directions
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15-20 minutes
Servings: 8
Nutrition Info (Approx. per serving): 350 calories, 20g fat, 45g carbs, 3g protein
For the Crust
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Slowly add the cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Avoid overworking the dough.
- Divide the dough into two halves, shape them into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
For the Filling
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges.
- In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the sliced apples and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, cornstarch, and salt over the apples. Stir in the water, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the apples are tender and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.
For Assembling
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
- Roll out one disc of dough on a floured surface to fit your pie dish, then transfer it to the dish. Trim any overhanging edges.
- Sprinkle almond flour (or your chosen alternative) evenly over the bottom crust to absorb excess moisture.
- Fill the crust with the apple mixture, spreading it evenly.
- Roll out the second disc of dough and place it on top. Seal and flute the edges as desired. Cut slits in the top for steam to escape.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tbsp of water and brush it over the top crust. Sprinkle brown sugar over the egg wash for additional sweetness and crunch.
For Baking
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
How to Serve
Serve your Apple Pie à la Mode warm for the best experience. Place a generous slice of pie on a plate, and add a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on the side or directly on top of the pie. For an extra touch, consider drizzling some caramel sauce or sprinkling crushed nuts for added texture and flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of apples for the filling?
Absolutely! While Pink Lady, Royal Gala, and Fuji apples work wonderfully, you can also combine several apple varieties for a more complex flavor profile.
2. Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pie crust ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to let it thaw completely before rolling it out for use.
3. Is there a substitute for almond flour?
Yes, you can use finely ground walnuts, pecans, or even breadcrumbs as a substitute for almond flour, depending on your preference and dietary needs.
Apple Pie à la Mode
Ingredients
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Slowly add the cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Avoid overworking the dough.
- Divide the dough into two halves, shape them into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges.
- In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the sliced apples and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, cornstarch, and salt over the apples. Stir in the water, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the apples are tender and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
- Roll out one disc of dough on a floured surface to fit your pie dish, then transfer it to the dish. Trim any overhanging edges.
- Sprinkle almond flour evenly over the bottom crust to absorb excess moisture.
- Fill the crust with the apple mixture, spreading it evenly.
- Roll out the second disc of dough and place it on top. Seal and flute the edges as desired. Cut slits in the top for steam to escape.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tbsp of water and brush it over the top crust. Sprinkle brown sugar over the egg wash for additional sweetness and crunch.
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.