Amish Apple Moon Pies
Experience the delightful flavors of Amish Apple Moon Pies, lovingly known as Preaching Pies. These charming hand-held pastries are filled with a warm, spiced apple filling that evokes the simplicity of rural life. Traditionally taken to church gatherings to keep children entertained, they are perfect for any occasion—be it picnics, potlucks, or family breakfasts. Their portable nature makes them a hit with visiting grandchildren and they freeze beautifully for those moments when you need a sweet treat at a moment's notice.
6
Servings
350
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried apples
2 cups (chopped)
Cold water
2 cups (none)
Salt
1 pinch (none)
Sugar
2 cups (none)
Orange juice
from 1 orange (juiced)
Grated orange rind
from 1 orange (zested)
Cinnamon
1 tablespoon (none)
Double crust pie pastry
1 recipe (prepared)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine dried apples, cold water, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat until the apples become soft and pulpy, stirring occasionally.
2
Stir in the sugar, orange juice, grated orange rind, and cinnamon. Simmer the mixture on low heat until most of the water has evaporated and it reaches a thick, spreadable consistency.
3
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). On a floured surface, roll out the double crust pie pastry and cut it into 8-inch circles.
4
Spoon a generous amount of the apple filling onto one half of each pastry round. Carefully fold the other half over the filling and press the edges to seal tightly, using a fork to crimp the edges if desired.
5
Place the filled moon pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
6
After 10 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and continue baking for an additional 35 to 40 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown.
7
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
1.7g
Fat
85g
Carbs
0.8g
Protein
0.8g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Amish Apple Moon Pies?
Amish Apple Moon Pies, also known as Preaching Pies, are charming hand-held pastries filled with a warm, spiced apple filling.
Why are they called Preaching Pies?
They were traditionally taken to church gatherings to keep children entertained and quiet during long services.
What type of apples are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of chopped dried apples.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the initial baking temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) for the first stage of baking.
How long do the pies bake at the initial high temperature?
Bake the moon pies at 450 degrees F for exactly 10 minutes.
What is the second baking temperature?
After the first 10 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
How long is the final baking time?
Once the temperature is reduced to 350 degrees F, continue baking for 35 to 40 minutes.
How do I know when the moon pies are finished baking?
The pies are ready when they have reached a beautiful golden brown color.
What size should the pastry circles be?
The double crust pie pastry should be rolled out and cut into 8-inch circles.
What citrus flavors are included in the filling?
The filling includes both the juice and the grated rind from one orange.
How much cinnamon is used in the recipe?
One tablespoon of cinnamon is added to the apple mixture.
How do you prepare the dried apples for the filling?
Combine the dried apples with cold water and salt in a saucepan, cooking over medium heat until they become soft and pulpy.
What is the required consistency of the apple filling?
The filling should be simmered until most of the water has evaporated, resulting in a thick, spreadable consistency.
How do you seal the moon pies?
Fold the pastry over the filling and press the edges tightly, using a fork to crimp them if desired.
Can these pies be frozen?
Yes, these moon pies freeze beautifully for a quick sweet treat at a later time.
What are the nutritional calories per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
What is the fat content per pie?
Each serving contains 1.7g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 85g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there any protein in Amish Apple Moon Pies?
Yes, each serving contains 0.8g of protein.
How much fiber is in each pie?
There is 0.8g of fiber per serving.
What kind of pastry is recommended?
A standard double crust pie pastry recipe is used.
Should the baking sheet be lined?
Yes, it is recommended to place the moon pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
How much sugar is required for the filling?
The recipe requires 2 cups of sugar.
Are these pies suitable for picnics?
Yes, their portable, hand-held nature makes them perfect for picnics and potlucks.
Do I need to add salt to the recipe?
A pinch of salt is added to the dried apples and water at the start of the cooking process.
How much water is needed to soften the apples?
You need 2 cups of cold water.
Should the pies be served hot?
They should be allowed to cool slightly after being removed from the oven before serving.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
The recipe uses 8 distinct ingredients.
Are these pies child-friendly?
Yes, they are described as a hit with grandchildren and historically used to keep children entertained.