Spiced Cinnamon Candy Apple Pie
This delightful Spiced Cinnamon Candy Apple Pie combines the classic flavors of apple pie with a unique twist that will leave your taste buds dancing. Inspired by years of apple picking and experimentation, this pie features crisp Granny Smith apples enveloped in a warm, honeyed glaze infused with cinnamon red-hot candies. The sweet and slightly spicy filling is encased in a buttery, flaky crust, making it the perfect dessert for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea. It’s an enchanting homage to traditional dessert while adding a fun pop of flavor that will surely impress your guests and transform any occasion into a memorable feast.
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pastry for double-crust pie
1 (Prepared in advance, divided into two discs)
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon (Freshly squeezed)
Cinnamon red-hot candies
1 tablespoon (Crushed or whole for melting)
Honey
1/3 cup (Natural or raw for best flavor)
Ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (For flavoring)
Granny Smith apples
4 (Peeled and thinly sliced)
Butter
1 tablespoon (Cut into small pieces for dotting)
Milk
2 teaspoons (For brushing the crust)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Roll out half of the pie crust pastry and carefully place it into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim the edges so they align with the pie plate.
2
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the lemon juice and cinnamon red-hot candies. Stir occasionally until the candies are fully melted. Remove from heat and mix in the honey and ground cinnamon until well blended.
3
Layer the thinly sliced Granny Smith apples evenly into the crust. Drizzle the warm honey mixture generously over the apples and dot the filling with small pieces of butter for richness.
4
Roll out the remaining pie crust. Moisten the edges of the bottom crust with a bit of water to help seal. Carefully place the top crust over the fruit filling, trimming any excess pastry, leaving about a 1-1/2 inch overhang. Fold the top edge under the bottom crust and crimp or flute the edges to create a decorative finish. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape and prevent bubbling.
5
Brush the top crust lightly with milk to promote a golden-brown finish. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for approximately 1 hour or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
6
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy this warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Spiced Cinnamon Candy Apple Pie?
It is a unique twist on the classic apple pie that features Granny Smith apples in a honeyed glaze infused with cinnamon red-hot candies, all encased in a buttery, flaky crust.
What type of apples should be used for this pie?
The recipe recommends using Granny Smith apples for their tartness and crisp texture.
How many apples do I need?
You will need 4 Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced.
What makes the filling of this pie unique?
The filling is distinct because it uses melted cinnamon red-hot candies mixed with honey and ground cinnamon to create a sweet and slightly spicy glaze.
How do I melt the cinnamon red-hot candies?
Combine the candies with lemon juice in a small saucepan over low heat and stir occasionally until they are fully melted.
What is the purpose of the lemon juice in this recipe?
Lemon juice is used to help melt the cinnamon candies and adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness.
What kind of honey is best for this pie?
Natural or raw honey is recommended to achieve the best flavor in the glaze.
How long does the pie need to bake?
The pie should be baked for approximately 1 hour or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Initially, preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C), then reduce it to 350°F (175°C) once the pie is placed inside.
Do I need to preheat the oven?
Yes, you should preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) before you begin assembling the pie.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 10 servings.
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Yes, you can use a prepared pastry for a double-crust pie, divided into two discs.
Why should I cut slits in the top crust?
Cutting slits allows steam to escape during the baking process, which prevents the filling from bubbling over and keeps the crust from getting soggy.
What is the reason for brushing the crust with milk?
Brushing the top crust lightly with milk helps it develop a beautiful golden-brown finish while baking.
Should the apples be peeled?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the Granny Smith apples should be peeled and thinly sliced.
How thick should the apple slices be?
The apples should be thinly sliced to ensure they cook evenly and layer well within the crust.
What is the role of butter in the pie filling?
Small pieces of butter are dotted over the apple filling to add richness and enhance the flavor of the glaze.
Can I serve the Spiced Cinnamon Candy Apple Pie warm?
Yes, it is highly recommended to enjoy this pie warm, possibly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
What are the best toppings for this dessert?
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream are excellent accompaniments to this spiced apple pie.
How long should the pie cool before serving?
Allow the pie to cool for at least 15 minutes after removing it from the oven to let the filling set properly.
Can I use other types of cinnamon candies?
While cinnamon red-hots are preferred for their melting quality, other similar hard cinnamon candies may work if they can be melted down.
Is this pie suitable for holiday celebrations?
Absolutely, the warm spices and festive flavor make it a perfect dessert for family gatherings and holiday meals.
How do I seal the pie crust edges?
Moisten the edges of the bottom crust with water, fold the top crust edge under the bottom, and crimp or flute them to seal.
What size pie plate is recommended?
A standard 9-inch pie plate is used for this recipe.
Can I add extra cinnamon if I prefer a stronger spice?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of ground cinnamon to suit your personal taste preferences.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a slight spicy kick from the cinnamon red-hot candies, but it is balanced by the sweetness of the honey and apples.
Can the pastry be prepared in advance?
Yes, the recipe suggests the pastry can be prepared in advance and divided into two discs for easier assembly.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftover pie can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
What category of food does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a dessert, specifically a fruit pie.
Is the honey mixture used hot or cold?
The honey mixture is drizzled generously over the apples while it is still warm from the saucepan.