Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apple Pie?
It is a charming dessert featuring whole Granny Smith apples hollowed out and filled with a spiced apple mixture, then topped with a flaky lattice pie crust and baked.
What kind of apples are best for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for Granny Smith apples because they hold their shape well during baking and offer a tart contrast to the sweet filling.
How many apples do I need to prepare?
You will need a total of 6 Granny Smith apples: 4 to be hollowed out and used as the 'bowls' and 2 to be peeled and sliced for the filling.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How do I prepare the apples for filling?
Slice the tops off 4 apples, set the tops aside, and use a spoon to carefully hollow out the insides without puncturing the skins.
What ingredients make up the sweet filling?
The filling consists of sliced Granny Smith apples, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Yes, you can use either a store-bought or a homemade pie crust for the lattice topping.
How wide should I cut the pie crust strips?
The pie crust should be cut into strips approximately 1/4-inch wide.
How do I create the lattice effect on the apples?
Weave the 1/4-inch crust strips together over the top of each filled apple to create a decorative lattice finish.
What size baking pan should I use?
An 8x8 inch baking pan is recommended for holding the apples upright.
Why is water added to the bottom of the pan?
A light layer of water is added to the bottom of the pan to help steam the apples and keep them moist while baking.
Why must the pan be covered with foil initially?
Covering the pan with aluminum foil for the first 20-25 minutes helps the apples soften without the crust browning too quickly.
How long is the total baking time?
The total baking time is approximately 40-45 minutes: 20-25 minutes covered and an additional 20 minutes uncovered.
How do I know when the baked apple pies are finished?
They are done when the lattice crust is golden brown and the internal apple filling is bubbling and soft.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is approximately 8.3g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dessert?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe contain a significant amount of protein?
No, this dessert is low in protein, providing about 1g per serving.
Can I add extra spices to the filling?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of ground cinnamon or add other spices like nutmeg according to your preference.
What is the primary category for this recipe?
This recipe falls under the Dessert category.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Yes, it is tagged as a great option for Thanksgiving and other holiday dessert tables.
What should I do if I puncture an apple skin while hollowing it?
Try to be very careful; if a small puncture occurs, the filling might leak, but the apple should still bake. For best results, use a sturdy spoon.
Can I add dough inside the apple?
Yes, for extra texture, you can place a strip of dough inside each hollow apple before adding the lattice on top.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' despite its impressive visual presentation.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The tags include apple pie, dessert, baked apples, cinnamon, thanksgiving, holiday dessert, and easy recipe.
What is the prep for the brown sugar?
One tablespoon of brown sugar is used to add sweetness and richness to the apple filling.
Do I need to peel the 4 base apples?
No, the 4 apples used as containers should not be peeled to ensure they maintain their structure.
What should I do with the apple tops?
The instructions suggest setting the tops aside; they are mainly removed to allow for hollowing and filling.
Is the serving size specified?
While the recipe yields 6 servings, the specific weight or volume of a single serving size is not specified.