German Apple Pie Recipe
If you’re searching for a heartwarming dessert that brings together tender apples, luscious cream, and a flaky crust, look no further than German Apple Pie. This classic recipe is a family favorite, bursting with tart apples and warm spices, all nestled in a cozy deep-dish crust. The magic of this pie comes from the creamy filling that gently hugs every apple slice, making each bite a celebration of autumn flavors with a European twist. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or just treating yourself on a quiet afternoon, German Apple Pie is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for German Apple Pie is refreshingly simple, but each one plays a vital role in building those signature layers of flavor and texture. From tart apples to rich cream, every component adds something special to the final result.
- Unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie crust: This sturdy base holds all the luscious filling and ensures a crisp, golden edge with every slice.
- Tart apples (such as Granny Smith), thinly sliced: The stars of the show! Their tanginess balances the sweetness and holds up beautifully during baking.
- Lemon juice: A splash keeps the apples bright and prevents browning, while adding a fresh, zesty note.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the apples and helps create that irresistible caramelized flavor in the filling.
- Light brown sugar: Adds depth and a hint of molasses, enhancing the pie’s cozy, autumnal character.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the filling just enough to keep it sliceable without being runny.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and spice, pairing perfectly with apples for that classic pie aroma.
- Ground nutmeg: Offers an extra layer of spice, giving subtle complexity to every forkful.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies all the other flavors.
- Heavy cream: The secret to a creamy, custardy filling that sets German Apple Pie apart from the rest.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a gentle, fragrant sweetness that ties everything together.
How to Make German Apple Pie
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming, peel, core, and thinly slice your tart apples. Place the slices in a large bowl and toss them with lemon juice—this keeps them vibrant and prevents any browning while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2: Mix the Sugars and Spices
In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir everything together so the dry ingredients are evenly blended. This mixture will coat the apples, infusing them with warmth, sweetness, and just the right hint of spice.
Step 3: Combine Apples and Sugar Mixture
Pour the sugar and spice blend over the sliced apples. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each piece of apple is thoroughly coated. This step guarantees that every bite of German Apple Pie is just as flavorful as the last.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Spoon the apple mixture into your unbaked deep-dish pie crust, mounding the apples slightly in the center. This not only looks beautiful but also allows the apples to bake down evenly, resulting in a picture-perfect pie.
Step 5: Pour in the Cream
In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Carefully pour this creamy mixture evenly over the apples. As the pie bakes, the cream transforms into a custardy filling that sets German Apple Pie apart from any other apple pie you’ve tried.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Place the pie on the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Keep an eye on the crust—if the edges are browning too quickly, shield them with foil during the last 15 to 20 minutes. When the apples are tender and the filling is set with a slight golden hue, remove the pie and let it cool at room temperature for at least two hours before slicing. This patience pays off with perfectly set slices.
How to Serve German Apple Pie
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, dust the top of your German Apple Pie with a little powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream truly elevates each serving, adding creamy contrast to the tart apples and rich custard.
Side Dishes
German Apple Pie shines all on its own, but if you’re setting out a dessert spread, consider pairing it with coffee or spiced tea. For a festive twist, serve it alongside a cheese plate or a crisp green salad with walnuts for a satisfying mix of sweet and savory.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your pie slightly warm in individual ramekins for a rustic look, or top each slice with toasted chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch. Mini versions baked in muffin tins also make delightful single-serve treats at parties or potlucks, ensuring everyone gets their own perfect bite of German Apple Pie.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover German Apple Pie, cover it loosely with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it a great make-ahead dessert for gatherings.
Freezing
German Apple Pie freezes surprisingly well. Once completely cooled, wrap the pie (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked magic, warm slices of German Apple Pie in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes. This brings back the filling’s creaminess and revives the crust’s flaky texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are classic for their tartness, feel free to mix in other varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn for a more complex flavor and texture profile in your German Apple Pie.
Do I have to use heavy cream?
Heavy cream is key to creating that signature custardy filling, but you can substitute with half-and-half for a slightly lighter texture. Just note the filling may be a bit less rich than traditional German Apple Pie.
Can I make the pie crust from scratch?
Definitely! A homemade crust adds a wonderful homemade touch and flavor. Use your favorite recipe for a flaky, buttery base that will make your German Apple Pie even more special.
How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
For a crisp crust, consider brushing the bottom with a bit of beaten egg white before filling, or bake the pie on the lower rack of your oven to ensure the bottom gets nicely browned.
Is German Apple Pie best served warm or cold?
It’s delicious both ways! Slightly warm brings out the creaminess of the filling, while room temperature or chilled slices are easy to serve and just as satisfying. It’s all about your preference.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to fill your home with the aroma of baked apples and spice, give this German Apple Pie a try. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert with a creamy twist and a rich history you’ll want to share again and again. Enjoy every slice!
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German Apple Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic German Apple Pie featuring a deep-dish crust filled with tart Granny Smith apples coated in a spiced sugar mixture and topped with a rich, creamy vanilla-infused custard. This dessert is perfect for cozy gatherings and pairs beautifully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie crust
Apple Filling
- 6 cups thinly sliced tart apples (such as Granny Smith)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cream Topping
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Prepare Apples: Place the thinly sliced tart apples in a large bowl and gently toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning and add brightness.
- Mix Sugar and Spices: In a separate bowl, combine granulated sugar, light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt, ensuring the mixture is well blended.
- Coat Apples: Add the sugar and spice mixture to the apples and toss until all slices are evenly coated, which will create a flavorful filling.
- Fill Pie Crust: Pour the coated apple mixture into the unbaked deep-dish pie crust, mounding it slightly in the center to accommodate the filling.
- Prepare Cream Topping: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Add Cream Over Apples: Evenly pour the cream mixture over the apple filling to create a luscious layer that bakes into a custard.
- Bake Pie: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes until the apples are tender and the filling is set and slightly golden on top.
- Protect Crust Edges: If the edges of the crust brown too quickly during the last 15 to 20 minutes, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
- Cool: Allow the pie to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours before slicing. This resting time helps the filling set properly.
Notes
- Best served slightly warm or at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
- Pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the dessert experience.
- For extra texture and nutty flavor, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 33g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
