Delicious English Apple Pie Recipe for Dessert Lovers
Listen up, folks – I’ve got a recipe that will rock your world. Are you ready for the ultimate English apple pie? This is not just any pie recipe, this is the best of the best. Nothing screams “British much?” louder than a proper British apple pie.
I’m talking about a classic apple pie made with tart apples and spiced to perfection with cinnamon. This recipe has been passed down from generations of my family and perfected over time to make sure you get a taste of “Olde” England.
Don’t waste your time with less sweet or goopy English apple pies, this recipe will give you a perfect filling every time. The balance between the sweetness of the apples and sugar is what makes this pie stand out.
So, grab those cooking apples, peel them down to their core and let’s get started on the best darn English apple pie recipe that you ever did taste!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of classic desserts, but always looking for something new? Then let me tell you why you’ll love this recipe for English apple pie.
This is not your average apple pie – it’s an old English classic that has been perfected through generations. The recipe uses tart apples which have a distinct flavor, and are less sweet than regular apples. Along with added sugar and cinnamon, the result is a filling that’s perfectly balanced in flavor.
But what sets this pie apart from others is the crust. It’s made with a mix of flour, butter, and light brown sugar which makes it rich, buttery, and crispy. The combination of the filling flavors and crust is pure excellence.
The recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can use cooking apples peeled and cored or sliced 4 ways – this gives you options depending on how quickly you want to finish cooking the apple filling. Plus, there are no goopy fillings here – the apples hold their shape well to avoid creating a mess.
So if you’re looking for a proper British apple pie recipe that isn’t too sweet, full of cinnamon taste and has perfect pastry covering tasty spiced apple filling – this is the one for you!
Ingredient List
Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make the perfect English Apple Pie:
For the Pie Crust
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) water
For the Apple Filling
- 4-5 tart apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) white sugar
- 3 tablespoons (37.5g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon (ground cinnamon)
- 3oz (75g) unsalted butter, melted
For Brushing
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Optional toppings
- More sugar to sprinkle on top of the crust
Note that you can adjust the amount of sugar used to your taste preference as British apple pies are much less sweet compared to American apple pies. You can also swap out cinnamon for other spiced apple seasonings such as nutmeg or cloves for a different flavour. Make sure to use cooking apples peeled and cored, such as Granny Smith or Bramley, for the filling to hold up well when baked.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get down to the good stuff: making this delicious English Apple Pie.
Ingredients Pastry
- 1 cup (250g) all-purpose flour
- A pinch salt
- 1 stick (113g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3 tbsp water
Ingredients Filling
- 4 sliced cooking apples (peeled and cored)
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar
- 3oz (75g) plain flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp water
- 1/4 cup (57g) melted butter
Instructions
Pie Crust
- In a mixing bowl, sift the flour and salt before adding the cubed butter.
- Rub the flour mixture and butter with your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs.
- Gradually add the water into the mixture while mixing with a wooden spoon, until it becomes a dough.
- Knead and shape into a ball and chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
Pie Filling
- In another bowl, mix both types of sugars, plain flour, and ground cinnamon together.
- Add in the sliced cooking apples with the mixture and toss well.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out two-thirds of pastry dough to fit a pie dish or a tart tin.
- Arrange the apple filling on top of the pastry base.
- Roll out the remaining pastry dough for the top layer of your pie.
- Brush with some water around the edge of your base pastry layer before placing on your top layer.
- Cut an “X” or some slits in the center of your top layer, before brushing with melted butter.
- Place it in preheated oven for 45 minutes or until golden brown.
Serving
Serve it hot or cold depending on how you prefer it! An absolute favorite especially for those who love warm pastries like me!
That’s it! Your homemade English Apple Pie is ready to be served! Be careful who you share with because they might start asking for more than one slice 😉
Substitutions and Variations
Mix it up a little, and try some different ingredients in your English apple pie recipe to give it your own unique twist. If you’re looking to switch up this old English classic, there are plenty of ways to make it your own.
First things first: try using different apples. Although it’s called English apple pie, any good cooking apples will do the job. Tart apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp or Braeburn are commonly used, but other varieties work well too. If you want a sweeter apple pie, go for Pink Lady or Jazz apples instead.
As for the sweeteners, brown sugar is an essential ingredient in an English apple pie, but some people like to use white sugar instead. Give both a try and see which one gives you the flavor you prefer.
If cinnamon isn’t your thing, try adding other spices like nutmeg or allspice to taste. You can also add raisins or dried cranberries to the filling for added sweetness and texture.
Now for the crust: if you’re not feeling up for making a shortcrust pastry from scratch, don’t sweat it. You can always use store-bought pastry dough or even try making a crumble topping with oats and butter.
Lastly, serving-style variations can also add an exciting touch to classic apple pie. Adding caramel sauce or vanilla bean ice cream can elevate the flavors of your creation, giving it a sweet twist that everyone will enjoy.
In summary, don’t be afraid to get creative with your English apple pie recipe. Experiment with different combinations of apples, sweeteners, spices, and types of crust to make your perfect version of this beloved dessert.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve baked your pie, it’s time for the fun part- serving and pairing! A slice of warm English apple pie pairs perfectly with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream. The combination of the warm, spiced apple filling and the cold, creamy sweetness of the ice cream or whipped cream is simply unbeatable.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to take things up a notch, you can even try serving your pie alongside some cheddar cheese. That’s right, cheddar cheese! In Britain, it’s common to pair apple pie with a nice piece of sharp cheddar cheese. The contrast between the sweet pie and the tangy cheese creates a truly unique and delicious flavor sensation.
When it comes to drinks, there are plenty of options that pair well with English apple pie. A cup of hot tea is always a popular choice in Britain. It helps cut through the richness of the pie while also providing a cozy comfort factor. If you prefer something stronger, why not try pairing your pie with a glass of whiskey or bourbon? The oaky notes complement the spiced apple filling perfectly.
No matter how you choose to serve and pair your English apple pie, one thing’s for sure- it’s a classic dessert that’s sure to please everyone at your table. So go ahead and indulge in this delicious slice of British tradition!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you’ve successfully baked your own delicious English apple pie, you might be wondering what to do with any leftovers or how to prepare ahead of time for special occasions. Fortunately, making apple pie ahead of time is a great option and can even result in an even better flavor.
To make your English apple pie ahead of time, simply bake it as directed in the recipe and then let it cool completely. Once cooled, you can wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Alternatively, you can freeze your pie for up to 3 months by wrapping it tightly in aluminum foil and placing it in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy your stored or frozen apple pie, removing it from the fridge/freezer a few hours ahead of time is recommended to ensure that the pie comes to room temperature before reheating. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the pie on a baking sheet, cover it with aluminum foil and pop it into the oven for about 15-20 minutes. Once warmed through, remove the aluminum foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until warm and crispy.
Of course, if you don’t have access to an oven or prefer not to use one, reheating your English Apple Pie in the microwave is also an option. Simply cut a slice of your pie from the refrigerated or frozen state and heat on high for around 30 seconds – just enough time for it to become warm without overcooking.
With these simple tips for storage and reheating, you can enjoy homemade English apple pie anytime – even if you made it ahead of time!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your English apple pie is as delicious as can be, there are a few tips and tricks I’d like to share with you.
Firstly, when it comes to the apple filling, go for tart apples such as Granny Smith or Bramley apples. They have a lovely tangy flavor that balances out the sweetness of the sugar in the recipe.
Secondly, slice your apples thin and evenly so they cook evenly. Nobody wants a mouthful of undercooked or mushy apples in their pie!
Thirdly, to prevent your filling from being too goopy, mix the spiced apple mixture with flour. It will help to thicken the filling without becoming overly starchy.
When it comes to choosing sugars, combine white sugar and light brown sugar for a rich caramel-like flavor. The brown sugar 1/2 cup elevates this classic English dessert by giving it a lovely deep hue.
Next up is the crust. The key here is to keep your ingredients cold until they are ready to be used. This will ensure that the pastry remains light and flaky instead of developing a tough texture. Keep your butter and shortening in the fridge until you are ready to use them.
Don’t forget to brush your crust with melted butter before baking! This will help give your pie a golden brown color and an extra bit of richness.
For that true old English Apple Pie taste, try using Tate & Lyle granulated sugar. It’s an old classic British brand that has been around since 1878.
Finally, let your pie cool completely before slicing into it – if you can wait that long! This will give it time to set and prevent any potential oozing of juices.
Follow these simple tips, and you’re sure to have yourself one proper British apple pie!
FAQ
Now that we have covered all aspects of this English apple pie recipe, there may still be some doubts or questions popping up in your mind. To help you with that, here are some frequently asked questions about this recipe that should clear up any remaining uncertainties.
Do British people eat apple pie?
Apple pie is a beloved dessert that is enjoyed across the globe, with each region adding its unique twist to the classic recipe. In this article, we will explore the traditional British and Irish version of this delicious pastry. So if you’re ready to discover how to make the perfect apple pie, keep reading!
Is apple pie American or British?
It’s a common misconception to assume that apple pie is a purely American creation. In truth, its roots can be traced back to England, where it was influenced by a range of cultures including France, the Netherlands, and the Ottoman Empire. Interestingly, the apple itself was not originally found in North America until the arrival of European settlers.
What is an apple pie in English?
An apple pie is a scrumptious dessert made by baking a mixture of apples and spices inside a pastry shell. It’s a classic and beloved treat that has been enjoyed for generations.
What is the difference between American apple pie and French apple pie?
When it comes to apple pies, there’s a special variant aside from the classic version that you’re familiar with. It’s called Dutch Apple Pie, but sometimes it’s also referred to as French Apple Pie or Streusel Apple Pie. The only difference between this type and the traditional one lies in the topping. Instead of using crust to cover the apple filling, you’ll use a mouthwatering brown sugar crumb. This variation gives your pie an extra texture and flavor that you wouldn’t get with a regular apple pie.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the English Apple Pie Recipe is a classic dessert that will never go out of style. With its lightly spiced apple filling and flaky crust, this pie is the epitome of comfort food. Not only can it be enjoyed on its own, but it also pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
With the recipe’s straightforward instructions, substitutions and variations can be easily made to suit individual preferences. Be it granulated sugar instead of brown sugar or a mix of different types of apples for filling, the possibilities are endless.
Not only is making an English Apple Pie a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth, but it also allows you to experiment with different ingredients and learn new baking techniques. So why not try your hand at making this pie today and impress your friends and family with your newfound culinary skills? Trust me; they’ll thank you!
English Apple Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 large tart apples
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Crust
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
Instructions
- Peel and slice apples and lay in deep dish pie plate.
- Sprinkle white sugar on top of apples.
- Sprinkle cinnamon on top of sugar.
- In separate bowl melt butter and mix with dry ingredients.
- Spoon and press this to cover apples.
- Bake for 45 minutes on 350°F.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Chloe
Chloe is passionate about creating unique dishes that draw on the flavors of her favorite cultures. She loves experimenting with new ingredients and pushing the boundaries of traditional recipes. Her enthusiasm for cooking is infectious, and she is always eager to share her creations with friends and family.