Summer is the season for picnics, and what better way to enjoy the outdoors than with a delicious homemade apple pie? This portable summer apple pie recipe combines the sweetness of ripe apples with a flaky, buttery crust that will leave everyone asking for more.
Whether you’re planning a family outing or a romantic picnic for two, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Let’s dive into how to make this irresistible treat step by step.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To start off, gather these ingredients for the pie filling and crust:
For the Pie Filling:
6 cups of thinly sliced apples (use a mix of sweet and tart varieties)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
A pinch of salt
For the Pie Crust:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
6-8 tablespoons ice water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the Pie Crust:
Prepare the Ingredients: Start by measuring out the flour, sugar, and salt. Cube the chilled butter.
Cut in the Butter: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
Add the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Add Ice Water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough begins to come together.
You may not need to use all the water. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
Form the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a disk.
Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Making the Apple Pie Filling:
Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples.
Toss them in lemon juice to prevent browning.
Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Mix until the apples are evenly coated.
Assembling and Baking the Pie
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter.
Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish.
Add the Filling: Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
Top with Crust: Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the filling.
Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal.
Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Bake the Pie: Place the pie on the lined baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Tips for Serving and Storing
Serve Warm: Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.
Storage: Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Warm individual slices in the microwave for a quick treat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this portable summer apple pie recipe is a delightful addition to any picnic or summer gathering.
With its flaky crust and sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, it captures the essence of summer in every bite.
Whether you’re enjoying it under the shade of a tree or by the beach, this pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Can I use pre-made pie crusts instead of making my own?
A1: Yes, you can use store-bought pie crusts to save time.
Follow the instructions on the package for best results.
Q2: What types of apples are best for apple pie?
A2: A mix of sweet and tart apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala works well for a balanced flavor and texture.
Q3: Can I freeze this apple pie before baking?
A3: Yes, you can assemble the pie and freeze it before baking.
When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.
Q4: How do I prevent the pie crust from becoming soggy?
A4: Blind bake the bottom crust for 10-12 minutes before adding the filling.
This helps to seal the crust and prevent it from absorbing too much moisture from the filling.
Q5: Can I add other fruits or nuts to the filling?
A5: Absolutely! Experiment with adding berries, peaches, or even a handful of chopped nuts like pecans for a unique twist on this classic recipe.