Description
Ina Garten’s deep-dish apple pie combines classic American comfort with rustic charm. Layers of tender apples, buttery crust, and warm spices promise a delightful dessert that will satisfy any sweet craving.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.8 kg (4 lbs) Granny Smith apples, peeled, quartered, and cored
- 375 g (3 cups) plain flour
- 170 g (1½ sticks) very cold unsalted butter
- 75 g (⅓ cup) very cold vegetable shortening
- 100 g (½ cup) sugar, plus 1 tsp for sprinkling
- 30 g (¼ cup) plain flour
- 6–8 tbsps (120 ml / 4 fl oz) ice water
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ⅛ tsp ground allspice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tbsps freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) | 400°F, positioning the rack in the center for even heat distribution.
- Apple Filling: Slice apples into thin wedges, then toss with citrus zest, fruit juices, sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, ensuring each slice is thoroughly coated with the aromatic seasoning.
- Crust Assembly: Gently lay the first pastry layer into the pie dish, allowing a slight overhang, then carefully pour the seasoned apple mixture, spreading it evenly across the base.
- Topping and Sealing: Brush the bottom crust’s edge with egg wash, place the second pastry layer on top, trimming and crimping the edges to create a seamless, decorative border that locks in the fragrant filling.
- Finishing Touches: Generously coat the pie’s surface with egg wash, sprinkle with sugar, and create strategic steam vents by making 4-5 delicate slits across the top crust.
- Baking: Position the pie on a sturdy baking tray and bake for 1-1¼ hours, rotating midway to ensure a uniformly golden-brown crust with bubbling, caramelized edges.
- Resting: Remove from the oven and allow the pie to cool slightly, letting the flavors meld and intensify before serving while still warm and inviting.
Notes
- Slice Apples Precisely: Cut each apple quarter into three uniform pieces for consistent texture and even cooking throughout the pie.
- Spice Balance Matters: Combine cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice carefully to create a harmonious flavor profile that enhances the natural sweetness of apples.
- Protect Pie Edges: Wrap aluminum foil around the crust edges halfway through baking to prevent over-browning and ensure a perfectly golden crust.
- Steam Vents are Critical: Make 4-5 strategic cuts on the top crust to allow steam escape, preventing a soggy bottom and maintaining a crisp pastry texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg