Picnic-Perfect: Portable Summer Apple Pie Recipe

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.

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