Description
This classic German Apple Pie features a buttery, flaky crust filled with a spiced apple mixture and topped with a rich custard. Perfectly balanced with cinnamon and nutmeg, this dessert is baked until golden and set, offering a comforting and delicious treat that serves eight.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Apple Filling
- 6 cups thinly sliced, peeled apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Custard Topping
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Ice Water: Add ice water one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough starts to come together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.
- Roll Out Dough: Lightly flour a surface and roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Place the dough into the pan, trim the edges, and refrigerate the crust while you prepare the filling.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pie later.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, toss the thinly sliced and peeled apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice until the apples are evenly coated and the mixture is well combined.
- Make the Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and flour until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Assemble the Pie: Spread the apple filling evenly in the prepared pie crust in the pan.
- Add Custard Topping: Pour the custard mixture over the apple filling, ensuring it seeps through and fills all gaps for an even custard layer.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until the custard is fully set and the crust turns a golden brown color.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely before slicing and serving to let the custard firm up and flavors meld together.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet-tart Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
- Ensure the butter is very cold when mixing the crust to achieve a flaky texture.
- The custard should be poured gently over the apples to avoid disturbing the filling.
- Letting the pie cool completely before slicing helps the custard set properly for clean slices.
- If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil halfway through baking to prevent burning.
