Description
This German Apple Pie offers a delicious twist on the classic dessert with a creamy custard filling enveloping tender, spiced apples in a buttery, flaky crust. Perfectly balanced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of lemon, this pie is baked to golden perfection and makes for an irresistible treat any time of the year.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling
- 6 cups thinly sliced, peeled apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Custard
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Transfer the dough to the pan, trim the edges neatly, and refrigerate while preparing the filling.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat, ensuring it’s ready to bake the pie right after assembly.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice until all slices are evenly coated. Set this mixture aside.
- Make the Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and flour until the custard mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Assemble the Pie: Arrange the spiced apple mixture evenly in the pie crust so that the apples are well distributed.
- Pour Custard: Pour the prepared custard mixture over the apples, carefully filling in all the gaps between the slices to ensure an even set.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the custard is fully set and the crust turns a golden brown color.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely before slicing. Serve and enjoy your delicious German Apple Pie!
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of flavor and texture.
- Ensure the butter is very cold when making the crust to achieve flakiness.
- Chilling the dough before rolling helps prevent shrinkage during baking.
- Allow the pie to cool completely so the custard sets properly and slices cleanly.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
