One of the best things about autumn has to be that the fantastic apples start to ripen, and with that comes a variety of different possibilities. They are versatile, delicious, healthy, and absolutely wonderful. I thought I’d share some tips I’ve gathered over the years on what you can do with these amazing fruits, and how to bake an apple pie that will take you to new heights.
What’s so great about apples?
Apart from being used in a variety of ways, apples are also a very healthy fruit, containing:- Fiber, which is good for digestion and gut health.
- Antioxidants, which protect against free radicals in the body and oxidative stress.
- Vitamin C, which boosts your immune system.
So, apples are not only tasty, but they are also a good, healthy fruit that strengthens you and your body.
Which type of apple is best for pie?
There are many different apple varieties, but which one is really best for pie? In my opinion, you can use:
- Gravenstein, a balanced variety that gives both sweetness and tartness to your pie and holds its shape well in the oven.
- Ingrid Marie, a classic, slightly sweeter apple for those who don’t want a pie that’s too tart.
- Aroma, a variety that can almost always be found in stores. Fresh, tart, a little sweet, and perfect for any pie.
- Royal Gala, which can also be found in most stores, is slightly sweeter than the others and gives a softer filling compared to other varieties.
Mom's Apple Pie Recipe
Autumn means cozy evenings and the smell of apples in the oven. Here’s a recipe for apple pie that, for me, tastes like childhood – my mom’s own, simple, and always delicious apple pie. Perfect for a gray day or just when you want something extra tasty.
Apple Pie Ingredients
- 175g/6.17 oz of melted butter
- 1 dl/0,4 cups of sugar
- 3 dl/1.27 cups of flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- About 5 Apples
- Oats
How to make it
Melt the butter. Heat your oven to 200C/392 F. Cut your apples into slices or bits, whichever you prefer and place in a pie dish. Mix all your dry ingredients into the butter, and pour over your apples. I like to add a bit of vanilla, cardamom or cinnamon to my pie. Sprinkle some oats on top, then in to the oven it goes.
Let it bake in the oven until it starts getting some color and bubbling.
Serve with vanilla sauce or vanilla ice cream.
How can I vary my apple pie?
If you want some variation on the classic apple pie, I can share some of my best tips to make your pie stand out.
Nutmeg is something I’ve recently started adding to my pies, and it’s truly a game changer! It gives the pie a new depth and makes it taste really good. The filling with nutmeg is a bit reminiscent of McDonald’s apple pie—super tasty!
Why not add some raisins to the filling and make an apple strudel pie? Super delicious and adds some extra fiber to the pie.
You can also use hazelnuts in the filling or dough to give it a bit more texture and an even stronger autumn feeling.
Lemon is another favorite to add to pies, and it also helps prevent oxidation before the apples go into the oven.
Brown sugar is a great tip for a more caramelized flavor in the pie.
If you don’t want to use regular granulated sugar, you can swap it for maple syrup, coconut sugar, or honey—still just as tasty but without refined sugar!
What can I serve with my Apple pie?
The classic accompaniment to apple pie is vanilla ice cream or custard, but there are many different toppings that, in my opinion, go perfectly with apple pie.
You can mix crème fraîche with a little vanilla sugar for a super tasty topping, or use vanilla quark as a lighter alternative. A little honey with this really elevates the pie to new heights.
If you prefer something a little saucier, I can highly recommend some salted caramel sauce. Apple and caramel work so well together.
Ice cream is, of course, a classic with apple pie, and if you don’t want regular vanilla ice cream, I recommend making your own cinnamon ice cream. It’s as simple as it sounds—just take vanilla ice cream and mix in a bit of cinnamon. Apple and cinnamon are a perfect flavor combination, and adding a little ice cream makes it truly delicious.
Summary
Apples are not only healthy and delicious, but they are also the perfect ingredient for a scrumptious pie. Choose the right variety, follow our simple recipe, and you’ll have a classic dessert that everyone will appreciate. Don’t forget to try different apples to find your favorite combination!
