Classic English Apple Pie with Cheese Accompaniment
Indulge in the quintessential taste of an old-fashioned English apple pie that resonates with the rich history and tradition of British cuisine. This recipe is inspired by the classic anecdote 'Apple pie without cheese is like a kiss without a squeeze!' honoring a savory tradition where cheese complements the sweet allure of apple pie. In this recipe, we feature a timeless double crust pie filled with layers of aromatic, spiced Bramley apples. The buttery, golden pastry encases a succulent filling that can be enjoyed with a slice of mature cheddar or wensleydale on the side—true to the tradition yet offering a delightful modern touch. Whether enjoyed warm with cream, custard, or ice cream, or cooled for picnic perfection, this pie is sure to be a nostalgic staple. A historical delight, apple pies like this one have adorned English tables since the 12th century, offering homely comfort through centuries. Perfectly crafted with a crisp, flaky base and a beautifully caramelized top, this pie is both a culinary pleasure and a piece of history.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Plain flour
2 cups (sifted)
Salt
1 pinch (none)
Caster sugar
2 teaspoons (none)
Butter
125 g (cut into small pieces)
Cold water
to form dough (none)
Cooking apples
750 g (peeled, cored, and sliced)
Sultanas or raisins
4 tablespoons (none)
Brown sugar
1 cup (none)
Mixed spice
3/4 teaspoon (none)
Lemon juice and zest
1/2 (finely grated)
Butter
for greasing (for greasing the pie dish)
Milk
for brushing (none)
Caster sugar
for sprinkling (none)
Mature cheddar cheese or wensleydale cheese
12 ounces (cut into wedges)
Instructions
1
Prepare the Pastry: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour and salt. Stir in the sugar. Add the butter, cut into small pieces, and rub it into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Slowly add cold water, stirring until the mix forms a smooth ball. Wrap the dough in foil or grease-proof paper and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2
Preheat the oven to the starting temperature of 200°C (400°F).
3
Roll out half of the chilled pastry on a lightly floured surface to fit the base of a greased 20cm (8 inch) pie dish. Ensure the dough is evenly rolled out to avoid tearing.
4
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, sultanas or raisins, brown sugar, mixed spice, lemon juice, and zest. Mix until the apples are thoroughly coated with the ingredients.
5
Spoon the prepared apple filling into the pastry-lined pie dish. Roll out the remaining pastry to form the pie lid.
6
Place the prepared lid over the apple filling, sealing the edges with a little water. Use your fingers to flute the edge or crimp with a fork for a decorative finish.
7
Brush the top of the pie with milk and sprinkle with caster sugar. Create a small slit in the center of the pie to allow steam to escape, or insert a pie funnel if available.
8
Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, lower the oven temperature to 180°C (350°F) and continue baking for an additional 25-35 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
9
If the pastry colors too fast, cover the pie with greaseproof paper to prevent over-browning.
10
Once baked, let the pie cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.
11
Serve warm or chilled with wedges of cheddar or wensleydale cheese on the side, or with your choice of cream, custard, or ice cream.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of serving cheese with English apple pie?
Serving cheese with apple pie is a savory British tradition captured in the phrase, 'Apple pie without cheese is like a kiss without a squeeze!'
Which cheeses are recommended for this recipe?
Mature cheddar or Wensleydale cheese are the traditional choices to accompany this classic English dessert.
What type of apples should I use for the filling?
The recipe suggests using Bramley cooking apples, which are known for their excellent texture and tartness when baked.
How long does the pastry dough need to chill?
The pastry dough should be wrapped and refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to ensure it is easy to handle and has a good texture.
What is the initial oven temperature for baking the pie?
The oven should be preheated and started at 200 degrees Celsius (400 degrees Fahrenheit) for the first 15 minutes of baking.
When should I lower the oven temperature?
After the initial 15 minutes at 200 degrees Celsius, lower the temperature to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) for the remainder of the bake.
How many servings does this apple pie recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve approximately 6 people.
What size pie dish is required for this recipe?
A greased 20cm (8 inch) pie dish is the recommended size for this classic English apple pie.
What ingredients are used to flavor the apple filling?
The filling is flavored with brown sugar, mixed spice, lemon juice, lemon zest, and either sultanas or raisins.
How do I prevent the pie crust from over-browning?
If the pastry begins to color too quickly, you can cover the pie with greaseproof paper during the later stages of baking.
What is the purpose of the slit in the top of the pie lid?
Creating a small slit in the center of the pie lid allows steam to escape during the baking process, preventing the crust from getting soggy.
How do I prepare the pastry by hand?
Rub small pieces of butter into a sifted mixture of flour, salt, and sugar using your fingertips until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
What should I brush on top of the pie before baking?
Brush the top of the pastry lid with milk and sprinkle it with caster sugar for a golden, sweet finish.
Can I use raisins instead of sultanas?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 4 tablespoons of sultanas or raisins depending on your preference.
How long should the pie cool before it is served?
It is recommended to let the pie cool for at least 5 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set slightly.
What are the alternative serving options besides cheese?
In addition to cheese, this pie can be served with cream, custard, or vanilla ice cream.
Is this a single or double crust pie?
This is a traditional double crust pie, featuring both a pastry base and a pastry lid.
How much apple is needed for the filling?
You will need 750 grams of cooking apples that have been peeled, cored, and sliced.
What is the history of this type of pie?
Apple pies like this have been a staple of English tables since the 12th century, offering comfort through many generations.
Can this pie be served cold?
Yes, the pie is delicious served either warm or chilled, making it suitable for both dinner and picnics.
How much butter is required for the pastry?
The pastry requires 125 grams of butter, cut into small pieces.
Why is lemon juice added to the apples?
Lemon juice helps balance the sweetness of the sugar and prevents the sliced apples from browning too quickly before baking.
How do I seal the edges of the pie?
Seal the edges of the pie lid to the base using a little water, then flute the edge with your fingers or crimp with a fork.
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time ranges from 40 to 50 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
Is brown sugar or white sugar used in the filling?
One cup of brown sugar is used in the apple filling to provide a deep, caramelized flavor.
Do I need to sift the flour for the pastry?
Yes, the recipe specifies sifting the 2 cups of plain flour together with a pinch of salt.
What is a pie funnel used for?
A pie funnel can be inserted in the center of the pie to help vent steam and support the pastry lid.
How much cheese should be served with the pie?
The recipe suggests providing 12 ounces of mature cheddar or Wensleydale cheese cut into wedges.
What is the texture of the finished pastry?
The finished pastry should be crisp, flaky, and golden brown with a buttery flavor.
What does the mixed spice consist of?
While specific ingredients vary, English mixed spice typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to add warmth to the apples.