This Maple Apple Pie is a delightful treat filled with sweet and tangy apples. The twist? It has a touch of maple syrup that makes every bite extra special!
Honestly, the smell of this pie baking is heavenly and impossible to resist. I usually serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—yum! 🍏🥧
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: For a great pie, I recommend using a mix like Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness. If you can’t find these, any firm apples will work well, like Fuji or Braeburn!
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup adds a lovely flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use corn syrup, but it won’t have the same depth. Some people even mix in a little brown sugar for extra caramel notes.
Granulated Sugar: The sugar balances the tartness of the apples. You can reduce it or even use coconut sugar if you’re looking for a healthier alternative. Just keep in mind it might change the flavor a bit.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal since it allows you to control the saltiness of your pie. If you need a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
How Do I Get a Perfect Lattice Crust?
A lattice crust might look tricky, but it’s simpler than it seems! Here are some steps to get that beautiful design:
- Roll out your second pie crust and cut it into strips, about ¾ inch wide.
- Start by laying half of the strips horizontally across the filled pie, evenly spaced.
- On top of those, lay the remaining strips vertically, weaving them over and under the horizontal strips.
- Don’t worry about perfection! If there’s any gaps, you can patch them up with leftover dough.
Lastly, make sure to seal the edges well and give it a good egg wash for that nice golden color. This way, you’ll impress everyone with the look of your pie!
How to Make a Delicious Maple Apple Pie?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 ½ lbs apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
- ⅔ cup pure maple syrup
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For the Crust:
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts or homemade pie dough for a double crust
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar, for sprinkling on top
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Maple Apple Pie will take about 20 minutes to prepare and around 50-60 minutes to bake, plus an additional 2 hours to cool. So, make sure you set aside some time to let all those wonderful flavors come together and for the pie to hold its shape when you cut it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your pie gets a nice golden crust as it bakes.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, mix together the sliced apples, maple syrup, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Gently toss the ingredients until the apples are well coated. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld.
3. Shape the Bottom Crust:
Roll out one pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate, trimming any excess dough around the edges to fit neatly.
4. Add the Filling:
Carefully pour the apple filling into the crust, spreading it out evenly. Top the filling with small dots of unsalted butter to add richness to the flavor.
5. Create the Lattice Top:
Roll out the second pie crust and cut it into strips (about ¾ inch wide) for a lattice top. Arrange the strips over the filling in a crisscross pattern, weaving them carefully to make a beautiful design.
6. Seal the Pie:
Trim any extra dough from the edges and crimp them to seal the pie tightly.
7. Brush and Sprinkle:
Brush the entire crust with the beaten egg to ensure a lovely golden color. Then, sprinkle some coarse sugar on top for added sweetness and a nice texture.
8. Bake the Pie:
Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake in your preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes. You want the crust to be golden brown and the filling bubbly!
9. Protect the Edges:
If you notice that the edges of your crust are browning too quickly, cover them with some foil halfway through baking.
10. Cool Before Serving:
After baking, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This helps the filling set, making it easier to slice.
Enjoy your warm Maple Apple Pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion! 🍏🥧
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! A mix of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweeter ones like Honeycrisp or Fuji will give you a balanced flavor. Feel free to experiment with what you have!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you prefer, you can cover it with plastic wrap or foil. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to 5 days.
Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance. Just bake it and then cool it completely before covering it lightly with foil or plastic wrap. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes before serving!
Do I Have to Use Maple Syrup?
While maple syrup adds a wonderful flavor, you can substitute it with brown sugar or honey if needed. Just note that the flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!