Santa Fe Spiced Apple Pie
Indulge in a delightful twist on a classic dessert with our Santa Fe Spiced Apple Pie. Inspired by a beloved local favorite from a renowned restaurant in Santa Fe, this pie features a harmonious blend of tart cooking apples, warming spices, and a touch of sweetness from raisins and brown sugar. Toasted pecans or walnuts add a satisfying crunch, while a flaky double crust holds it all together beautifully. For those short on time, feel free to use premade crust and skip the optional sauce, but we highly recommend drizzling our rich butter and brandy sauce for an extra layer of decadence. Perfect for gatherings, this pie captures the spirit of the Southwest and is sure to become a cherished recipe in your home.
8
Servings
350
Calories
21
Ingredients
Ingredients
pastry for double-crust pie
1 (9-inch double crust)
all-purpose flour
2 cups (for crust and filling)
shortening
3/4 cup (for crust)
salt
1 teaspoon
water
6-7 tablespoons (cold, for crust)
cooking apples
5-7 (peeled, cored, and sliced)
lemon juice
2 tablespoons
nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon
cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon
sugar
1/2 cup
raisins
1/4 cup
brown sugar
1 cup
all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (for filling)
pecans or walnuts
1/2 cup (chopped)
butter
1/4 cup (melted, for filling)
water
1/4 cup (for filling)
milk
2 tablespoons (for brushing crust)
butter
1/2 cup (optional, for sauce)
water
1 tablespoon (optional, for sauce)
powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups (optional, for sauce)
brandy or rum
1 teaspoon (optional, for sauce)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Once baked, the temperature will be reduced to 350°F (177°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup of shortening, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix with a pastry cutter or forks until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
3
Gradually add 6 to 7 tablespoons of cold water, a little at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
4
Divide the dough in half. On a floured surface, roll out one half to fit the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate. Place the rolled dough in the pie plate, pressing it gently into the corners.
5
In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon.
6
Layer the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust. Sprinkle the top with 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of raisins.
7
In another bowl, mix 1 cup of brown sugar with 2 tablespoons of flour. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apples.
8
Top with 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts, and dot with 1/4 cup of melted butter. Drizzle 1/4 cup of water over the filling.
9
Roll out the remaining dough and place it over the pie. Seal and flute the edges as desired. Cut slits in the top crust for steam to escape.
10
Brush the crust with 2 tablespoons of milk for a golden finish.
11
Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 10 minutes at 400°F (204°C), then reduce the temperature to 350°F (177°C) and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
12
While the pie bakes, prepare the optional sauce. In a saucepan over low heat, melt 1/2 cup of butter and mix it with 1 tablespoon of water. Remove from heat, then stir in 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of brandy (or rum). Adjust the consistency with more water if needed.
13
Serve warm slices of pie drizzled with the sauce for an irresistible treat.
Nutrition Information
20
Fat
42
Carbs
3.75
Protein
1.25
Fiber
15
Sugar
78
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Santa Fe Spiced Apple Pie?
It is a Southwestern twist on a classic dessert featuring tart apples, warming spices, raisins, brown sugar, and pecans, often topped with a butter and brandy sauce.
What kind of apples should I use?
The recipe recommends using 5 to 7 tart cooking apples, peeled, cored, and sliced.
How do I make the pie crust from scratch?
Mix 2 cups of flour, 3/4 cup of shortening, and 1 teaspoon of salt until it looks like coarse meal, then gradually stir in 6 to 7 tablespoons of cold water.
Can I use a store-bought crust?
Yes, you can use a premade 9-inch double-crust pastry if you are short on time.
What spices are used in the filling?
The filling is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon.
What nuts are included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to add crunch to the filling.
Why is lemon juice added to the apples?
Two tablespoons of lemon juice are tossed with the apples to provide tartness and help prevent the fruit from browning.
What temperature should I bake the pie?
Bake at 400°F (204°C) for the first 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F (177°C) for the remainder of the time.
How long does the Santa Fe Spiced Apple Pie need to bake?
The total baking time is 40 minutes: 10 minutes at the higher temperature and 30 minutes at the lower temperature.
What are the ingredients for the optional sauce?
The sauce consists of 1/2 cup butter, 1 tablespoon water, 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of brandy or rum.
Can I substitute the brandy in the sauce?
Yes, you can use rum as a substitute for brandy, or omit the sauce entirely.
Why do I need to cut slits in the top crust?
Slits allow steam to escape while the pie is baking, preventing the crust from becoming soggy or bursting.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
How many calories are in one slice?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 20 grams of fat per serving.
How much sugar is in the pie?
Each serving contains 15 grams of sugar.
What is the protein content of the pie?
One serving provides 3.75 grams of protein.
Is there fiber in this dessert?
Yes, each serving contains 1.25 grams of fiber.
How much sodium is in a slice?
There are 78 milligrams of sodium per serving.
Why is milk brushed on the crust?
Brushing 2 tablespoons of milk on the top crust helps it achieve a golden-brown finish during baking.
How do I prevent the crust edges from burning?
If the edges brown too quickly, you can cover them with aluminum foil while the pie finishes baking.
What role do raisins play in this recipe?
The 1/4 cup of raisins adds a concentrated sweetness and chewy texture that complements the spiced apples.
Why is water drizzled over the filling?
Drizzling 1/4 cup of water over the internal ingredients helps create the syrup and moisture needed for the filling.
Is this pie suitable for holiday baking?
Yes, its warm spices and classic flavors make it a popular choice for holiday gatherings and family traditions.
What is the best way to serve this pie?
It is best served warm, specifically with the optional rich butter and brandy sauce drizzled over each slice.
Is this a single or double-crust pie?
This is a double-crust pie, requiring dough for both the bottom and the top.
How do I prepare the brown sugar mixture?
Mix 1 cup of brown sugar with 2 tablespoons of flour and sprinkle it evenly over the apple and raisin layer.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Yes, you can simply omit the pecans or walnuts if you have an allergy or prefer a smoother texture.
What makes this pie 'Southwestern'?
The recipe is inspired by a local favorite from Santa Fe and includes characteristic additions like pecans and raisins.
How do I know when the pie is finished baking?
The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling through the slits.