I’m thrilled to share with you this incredibly sought-after recipe for a melt-in-your-mouth apple pie. This dessert has become a sensation, and for good reason – it’s simple to make yet delivers an explosion of flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing. Let’s dive into this culinary masterpiece that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) milk
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 1/2 cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil for greasing the pan
- 3-4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures your pie will bake evenly from the moment it goes in.
- Prepare the Pan: Lightly grease a 34×24 cm (13×9 inch) baking pan with vegetable oil. This will prevent the pie from sticking and make serving easier.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and a pinch of salt until well combined. Add the sugar, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved.
- Add Flavor Enhancers: Zest the lemon directly into the bowl, then squeeze in its juice. Add the cinnamon. These ingredients will give your pie a bright, complex flavor that complements the apples perfectly.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few small lumps are okay.
- Fold in the Apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the batter. This ensures that every bite of your pie will be bursting with apple goodness.
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve.
Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 12 servings)
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 5g
Time Breakdown
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 40-45 minutes
- Cooling Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
This Melt-in-Your-Mouth Apple Pie is a testament to the beauty of simple, well-executed recipes. The magic lies in the perfect balance of ingredients and the careful mixing process that results in a tender, flaky crust surrounding pockets of juicy, flavorful apples.
The addition of lemon zest and juice brightens the overall flavor profile, cutting through the sweetness and adding a subtle tang that makes this pie truly unforgettable. The cinnamon, while used sparingly, provides that classic warm spice note that we all associate with the best apple desserts.
One of the keys to success with this recipe is not overmixing the batter. When you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined. This gentle handling ensures that your pie will have a light, tender texture that truly melts in your mouth.
The choice of apples can make a difference in the final result. I recommend using a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples work wonderfully, providing a balance of sweetness and acidity that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
This pie is versatile enough to be served warm or at room temperature. For an extra indulgent treat, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s perfect for dessert, but I won’t judge if you sneak a slice for breakfast – after all, it does have fruit in it!
What makes this apple pie recipe stand out is its simplicity combined with its incredible flavor and texture. It’s the kind of dessert that becomes a family favorite, requested for every gathering and special occasion. The ease of preparation means you can whip it up on a whim, filling your home with the irresistible aroma of baking apples and cinnamon.
So there you have it – the secret to creating a melt-in-your-mouth apple pie that everyone will be talking about. With its perfect balance of flavors, tender texture, and simple preparation, this pie is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Enjoy the process of making it, and even more, enjoy sharing it with friends and family. Happy baking!