Description
This sweet and buttery French apple pie features tender, caramelized apple slices nestled in a flaky homemade crust. A hint of warm spices complements the natural sweetness of the apples, creating a classic dessert that is both comforting and elegant.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 6–8 tablespoons ice-cold water
Filling
- 5–6 medium apples (Golden Delicious or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced
- ½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons butter, for sautéing
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional thickener)
Optional glaze
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
Prepare the dough
- Initially combine flour, salt, and sugar in a bowl.
- Add cold butter cubes.
- Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to create a crumbly texture.
- Drizzle in ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time.
- Stir gently until the dough just comes together.
- Form into two discs, wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Pre-cook the apples
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Add sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the apples soften slightly.
- Optionally sprinkle flour if your apples release too much liquid.
- Remove from heat and let cool.*
Roll out the dough
- Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking.
- After that, roll one disc of dough into a circle large enough for your pie dish.
- Then, gently press it into the dish, leaving any excess hanging over the edges.
- Finally, if you are making a covered pie, roll the second disc to a similar size.
Assemble the pie
- Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the bottom crust.
- Then, drizzle heavy cream on top of the apples.
- If using a top crust, place it over the filling.
- Pinch or crimp the edges to seal.
- Trim any excess dough.
- Cut small slits on the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Notes
- Variations: You can omit the heavy cream in the filling for a lighter version. You may also add a pinch of cloves or cardamom if you enjoy more pronounced spice.
- Dietary Tips: To make this recipe vegetarian-friendly, ensure the butter you use is not mixed with animal rennet. For a dairy-free variation, use vegan butter alternatives and skip the cream.
- Serving Suggestions: A drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs excellently with this French apple pie.
- Allergies/Intolerances: Contains wheat and dairy. Use gluten-free flour and dairy-free butter substitutes if needed.
- Texture Adjustments: For a softer filling, cook the apples a bit longer before baking. For a firmer filling, reduce the sauté time.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe (one slice)
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Sugar: ~22 g
- Sodium: ~180 mg
- Fat: ~17 g
- Saturated Fat: ~10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~6 g
- Trans Fat: ~0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~47 g
- Fiber: ~3 g
- Protein: ~5 g
- Cholesterol: ~55 mg