Apple Cider Pie is the perfect dessert to welcome the cozy vibes of fall into your home. This delicious pie combines the sweet and tangy flavors of apple cider with warm spices, all nestled in a flaky crust. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a comforting treat, this recipe is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
**Apple Cider Pie**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
– 4-6 tablespoons ice water
– 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
– 1 cup apple cider
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– ¼ cup brown sugar
– ¼ cup cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (for sprinkling)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Crust:**
– In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
– Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. **Make the Filling:**
– In a saucepan, combine the sliced apples, apple cider, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the mixture has thickened, about 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. **Assemble the Pie:**
– Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Place the dough into the pie dish and trim any excess overhang.
– Pour the apple cider filling into the crust.
– Roll out the remaining dough and cut it into strips to create a lattice pattern on top of the pie. Alternatively, you can cover the pie with a whole crust, ensuring to cut a few slits for venting.
– Brush the crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle turbinado sugar on top.
4. **Bake the Pie:**
– Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
– If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with a pie shield or aluminum foil.
– Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before serving.
Enjoy a slice of this warm and fragrant Apple Cider Pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of spiced apples and buttery crust will surely make this dessert a seasonal favorite in your home. So, embrace the flavors of autumn with this delightful pie that brings the essence of apple orchards right to your table.
