Ultimate Organic Granny Smith Apple Pie
Indulge in the perfect slice of apple pie with my Ultimate Organic Granny Smith Apple Pie, crafted for the apple pie aficionado! This recipe has been meticulously refined through countless trials, blending the tartness of Granny Smith apples with aromatic spices to create a heavenly filling nestled between buttery, flaky crusts. Each bite is a celebration of flavors, enhanced by organic ingredients that uplift the natural taste of apples. Plus, this versatile recipe allows for gluten-free modifications without sacrificing flavor! While I'm still on a quest to tackle the juiciness of those apples for an ideal pie consistency, don't hesitate to share your tips as we embark on this delicious journey together.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Granny Smith apples
7 (peeled, cored, and sliced to 1/4 inch thickness)
sugar
1 cup (granulated)
cornstarch
4 1/4 tablespoons
organic cinnamon
1 1/2 tablespoons (ground)
freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 tablespoon
lemon zest
1 tablespoon (freshly grated)
softened butter
2 tablespoons
all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
3 cups
sour cream
2 tablespoons (gluten-free only)
cold butter
1 cup (or 2 sticks of butter-flavored shortening)
salt
3/4 teaspoon
ice cold water
as needed
egg
1 (beaten for egg wash)
cinnamon sugar mixture
1/2 cup (for sprinkling on top)
Instructions
1
Make the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter or butter-flavored shortening using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles small peas. Gradually knead in ice cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together but remains slightly tacky. Form into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap or place in a zip-lock bag, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2
Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
3
Roll Out the Dough: Once chilled, split the dough into two halves. On a floured surface, roll one half into a circle about 1/4 inch thick. Gently transfer it into a 9-inch pie pan, pressing it into place. Place the pie pan back in the fridge to keep the crust cold while you prepare the filling.
4
Make the Filling: In a small bowl, combine sugar, organic cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, and cornstarch. Peel, core, and slice the Granny Smith apples to about 1/4 inch thick, placing them in a large mixing bowl. Add the lemon zest and the sugar mixture to the apples, tossing to ensure they are well coated.
5
Assemble the Pie: Layer the apple mixture into the prepared crust, adding small drops of softened butter (about 5 drops per layer) in between the layers. Pour any accumulated juices from the bowl over the apples.
6
Add the Top Crust: Roll out the second half of the dough on a floured surface. Place it over the pie, sealing the edges together. If you aren’t making a lattice top, cut three evenly spaced slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
7
Finish the Pie: Beat the egg and brush it over the crust for a golden finish. Generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the entire top crust.
8
Bake: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 10 minutes at 450°F. To prevent drips, place a cookie sheet on a rack below the pie. After 10 minutes, lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 50 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
9
Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack. Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your wonderfully aromatic and perfectly delicious apple pie!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of apples are recommended for this pie?
The recipe specifically calls for 7 Granny Smith apples, known for their tartness and firm texture.
How should the Granny Smith apples be prepared?
The apples should be peeled, cored, and sliced to a 1/4 inch thickness.
What are the primary ingredients for the pie crust?
The crust consists of 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, 1 cup of cold butter or shortening, and ice cold water.
How long should the pie dough be refrigerated?
The dough should be formed into a ball and refrigerated for at least 30 minutes before rolling.
What is the initial oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (230°C) for the initial stage of baking.
What size pie pan is used in this recipe?
The recipe is designed for a 9-inch pie pan.
How thick should the pie crust be rolled out?
The dough should be rolled into a circle approximately 1/4 inch thick.
What spices are used in the apple filling?
The filling uses 1 1/2 tablespoons of organic ground cinnamon and 1/4 tablespoon of freshly grated nutmeg.
Is there a thickening agent used in the filling?
Yes, 4 1/4 tablespoons of cornstarch are used to thicken the apple juices.
What citrus element is added to the filling?
The recipe includes 1 tablespoon of freshly grated lemon zest for added brightness.
How do you assemble the apple layers?
Layer the apple mixture into the crust while adding small drops of softened butter between the layers.
What should be done with leftover juices in the apple bowl?
You should pour any accumulated juices from the bowl over the apples before adding the top crust.
How do you prevent steam from being trapped in the pie?
If not making a lattice top, you should cut three evenly spaced slits in the top crust.
What is used to give the crust a golden finish?
An egg wash made from one beaten egg is brushed over the top crust.
What is sprinkled on top of the egg wash?
A 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar mixture is generously sprinkled over the entire top crust.
How long do you bake the pie at the high temperature?
The pie is baked at 450°F for the first 10 minutes.
To what temperature do you lower the oven after the initial bake?
The temperature should be lowered to 350°F (175°C) after the first 10 minutes.
What is the total baking time after lowering the temperature?
The pie bakes for an additional 50 minutes at the lower temperature.
How can I prevent the oven from getting dirty during baking?
Place a cookie sheet on a rack below the pie to catch any drips.
How do I know when the pie is finished baking?
The pie is ready when the apples are tender and the crust has turned golden brown.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative and add 2 tablespoons of sour cream.
When is sour cream added to the recipe?
Sour cream is only added when making the gluten-free version of the crust.
Why must the pie cool before slicing?
Cooling completely allows the filling to set, making it easier to slice.
What is the recommended fat for the crust?
You can use 1 cup of cold butter or 2 sticks of butter-flavored shortening.
How much sugar is used in the apple filling?
The filling requires 1 cup of granulated sugar.
What is the consistency of the dough after adding water?
The dough should come together but remain slightly tacky.
How much cinnamon sugar is needed for the topping?
A 1/2 cup of cinnamon sugar mixture is used for the top crust.
Does this recipe use organic ingredients?
Yes, the recipe specifically highlights the use of organic Granny Smith apples and organic cinnamon.
What tool is used to incorporate butter into the flour?
A pastry cutter is used until the mixture resembles small peas.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Yes, it is tagged for holiday recipes and makes for a classic sweet treat.