Apple pie is a timeless dessert, and this version with only one egg and a few basic ingredients is taking the world by storm! With a soft, buttery crust and a luscious caramelized apple filling, it’s no wonder this pie has become a favorite in many households. The best part? It’s easy to make and only requires one egg, making it a simple yet irresistible dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar
- 30 g (2 tbsp) butter
- 3 apples, peeled and sliced
- Juice of half a lemon
- A pinch of cinnamon
For the Dough:
- 1 egg
- 80 g (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp) granulated sugar
- 100 g (7 tbsp) butter, melted
- 1 tsp (4 g) baking powder
- 280 g (2 ¼ cups) plain flour
For the Finishing Touch:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Preparing the Apple Filling
The heart of any good apple pie is its filling, and this caramelized apple filling is no exception. Here’s how to prepare it:
- Melt the sugar: In a medium pan, melt 100 grams of granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar begins to caramelize and turn golden brown.
- Add butter: Once the sugar is melted and golden, add 30 grams of butter and stir until fully combined, creating a rich caramel sauce.
- Prepare the apples: Peel and slice the 3 apples into thin wedges or cubes, depending on your preference. Toss the apples with the juice of half a lemon to prevent browning.
- Cook the apples: Add the apples to the caramel sauce in the pan. Sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth and flavor. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and coated in the caramel sauce. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Crafting the Perfect Dough
The dough for this pie is simple but perfectly buttery and tender. Follow these steps to create the base and topping:
- Beat the egg and sugar: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 egg and 80 grams of granulated sugar. Beat together until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy.
- Add butter and dry ingredients: Stir in 100 grams of melted butter and mix until fully incorporated. Then, add 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 280 grams of plain flour. Stir the ingredients together until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.
- Chill half of the dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Wrap one half in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill—this will be used later to grate over the top of the pie for a rustic finish.
3. Assembling the Pie
With the filling and dough prepared, it’s time to build your one-egg apple pie:
- Prepare the pie base: Grease a pie dish or baking tin with a little butter. Take the remaining half of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the dish, forming the crust. Make sure the dough is spread out to create a uniform base.
- Add the apple filling: Spread the caramelized apple filling over the dough base, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
4. Baking to Perfection
Now comes the fun part—baking the pie to golden perfection:
- Grate the chilled dough: Remove the chilled portion of dough from the refrigerator. Using a grater, grate the dough over the apple filling, creating a rustic, crumbly topping. If you prefer, you can also roll out the dough and cut it into strips to create a lattice pattern.
- Bake the pie: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the pie in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
5. The Sweet Finishing Touch
No apple pie is complete without a little extra sweetness on top:
- Once the pie has cooled slightly, dust the top with powdered sugar for a beautiful and delicious finish. This adds just the right amount of sweetness and visual appeal.
Serving and Enjoying
This one-egg apple pie is best enjoyed slightly warm, when the caramelized apple filling is still gooey and the crust is perfectly crisp. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. It’s the perfect dessert for family gatherings, holidays, or any time you’re craving a simple yet delicious homemade pie.
Embracing Variations
While this one-egg apple pie is amazing on its own, feel free to get creative with these fun variations:
1. Spice it up: Add a dash of nutmeg, ginger, or cloves to the filling for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for fall.
2. Try different fruits: Experiment with other fruits like pears, peaches, or a combination of apples and berries for a unique twist.
3. Add texture: Stir in a handful of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or dried fruit (like raisins or cranberries) to the apple filling for added texture and flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simplicity: With just one egg and a handful of basic ingredients, this apple pie is incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers.
- Time-Saving: There’s no need for complicated pie crusts or intricate lattices—this pie comes together quickly with minimal fuss.
- Rustic Charm: The grated dough topping gives the pie a beautifully rustic look, while the caramelized apple filling brings rich, sweet flavors to every bite.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 20 g
This one-egg apple pie is a simple, delicious dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just for a cozy treat, this recipe is a must-try. Enjoy!
