Description
This traditional German Apple Pie features a buttery, flaky crust filled with tender spiced apples and a smooth vanilla custard. Perfectly baked until golden and set, it offers a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors with warm cinnamon and nutmeg.
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 Apple 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, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Ice Water: Add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll Out Dough: Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim the edges and refrigerate while preparing the filling.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice until well coated. Set aside.
- Prepare the Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and flour until smooth.
- Assemble the Pie: Arrange the apple mixture evenly in the prepared pie crust.
- Pour Custard: Pour the custard over the apples, ensuring it fills all the gaps.
- Bake: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until the custard is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor balance.
- Ensure the butter is very cold to achieve a flaky crust.
- Chilling the dough before rolling helps prevent shrinking during baking.
- Allowing the pie to cool completely ensures the custard sets properly for clean slices.
- Optional: Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
