Apple Cinnamon Pie for Foodies Recipe

by | Jan 16, 2025 | Pie Recipies | 0 comments

Imagine the comforting aroma of warm apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg wafting through your kitchen as you bake this country-style apple cinnamon pie, crafted for foodies who crave a rustic yet elegant dessert. The journey begins with a flaky, buttery homemade crust, carefully rolled and crimped into a classic pie dish. The filling—a perfect blend of tart Granny Smith apples and sweet Honeycrisp apples—is elevated with sugars, warm spices, and a splash of apple brandy or cider for an added depth of flavor. As it bakes, the caramelized juices create the ultimate fall dessert experience.

The crowning touch is the irresistible crumble topping. Made with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, it bakes to a golden crisp, adding texture and sweetness to each bite. When the timer dings, you’ll unveil a homemade apple pie that’s flaky, spiced, and utterly indulgent.

Serve this gourmet apple pie warm, topped with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream. The combination of sweet and tart apples, buttery crumble, and velvety ice cream makes every bite heavenly. Perfect for foodies, this apple cinnamon pie recipe is the ultimate dessert to satisfy your refined palate and impress your guests.

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Ingredients

For the crust (Pâte Brisée):

  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 6-8 tbsp ice water
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for extra flakiness)

For the filling:

  • 6 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced thinly
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (50g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ground cardamom (optional, for complexity)
  • ¼ tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch or tapioca starch (for thickening)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp Calvados (apple brandy) or fresh apple cider (optional, for richness)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the crumble topping:

  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (50g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of fine sea salt
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Instructions

1. Make the crust

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
  2. Add cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Stir in apple cider vinegar (if using) and gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together.
  4. Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for maximum flakiness).

2. Prepare the filling

  1. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, salt, and cornstarch.
  2. Add melted butter, Calvados (or apple cider), lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until evenly coated. Let sit for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

3. Prepare the crumble topping

  1. In a medium bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  2. Add cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to combine until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbs. Chill until ready to use.

4. Assemble the pie

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Roll out the chilled crust on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer it to the dish, trimming any excess dough and crimping the edges.
  3. Pour the apple filling into the crust, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
  4. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apples, covering them completely.

5. Bake the pie

  1. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch drips and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden, the topping is crisp, and the filling is bubbling.
  2. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely tent the pie with foil during baking.

6. Cool and serve

  1. Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours to let the filling set.
  2. Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed, paired with crème anglaise, whipped cream, or vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent treat.
  3. Slice with a Say Fresh Pie Cutter pie cutting tool & confidently serve with our portion matched spatula.  When pressing the cutter into the pie, make sure the pie is cool and arrange the cutter to avoid any obstacles, thick crust or giant crumbles.

Family Foodie Baker’s Tips

  • Layer flavors: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a more complex flavor.
  • Maximize aroma: Toast the cinnamon and nutmeg briefly in a dry pan before adding them to the filling.
  • Enhance the crumble: Add a handful of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for texture.

Enjoy this sophisticated and rustic Country-Style Apple Cinnamon Pie that’s sure to please even the most refined palates!