Rustic Apple Pie
Updated: 2 days ago
A classic apple pie with a rustic feel, made with tender apples, warm cinnamon and buttery, flaky pastry. The filling is lightly spiced to let the flavour of the apples come through, while the pastry bakes into a beautifully crisp, golden crust.
Simple in its ingredients, yet wonderfully satisfying, this is an apple pie with an effortless homemade character. Best served warm, with softly whipped cream, vanilla custard or a scoop of ice cream alongside.
Prep Time: 25 min
Chill Time: 30 min
Bake Time: 45 min
Total Time: 1 hour 40 min
Serves: 8
Ingredients
For the Crust
2½ cups (355 g) all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup (227 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
1 egg yolk
4–5 Tbsp cold milk, added gradually
Alternatively, you can use store-bought pie pastry.
For the Apple Filling
10 medium Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored and sliced
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
1 Tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp finely grated lemon zest
⅓ cup (75 g) light brown sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
To Finish
1 egg yolk
1 Tbsp whipping cream or milk
2 Tbsp turbinado or light brown sugar
2 Tbsp fine plain breadcrumbs
Method
Make the Pastry
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar and salt. Add the cold butter and, working quickly with your fingertips, rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk with 4 tablespoons of cold milk. Gradually add the mixture to the flour, tossing gently with a fork until the dough begins to come together. Add the remaining tablespoon of milk only if needed.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently bring it together with your hands. Knead only a few times, just until smooth enough to form a ball. Do not overwork the dough.
Divide the pastry into two equal portions and shape each into a disc. Wrap in baking paper or cling film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Apple Filling
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the prepared apples in a large bowl. Add the brown sugar, lemon juice and lemon zest, and toss gently to coat.
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the apples and cook, stirring gently, until they begin to soften and most of the excess juice has evaporated. The apples should still be firm and hold their shape.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cinnamon and vanilla extract. Transfer the filling to a bowl and allow it to cool completely.
Assemble the Pie
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of pastry to approximately 30 cm (12 inches) in diameter. Carefully transfer it to a 23 cm (9-inch) pie dish, gently pressing it into the base and sides. Trim away any excess pastry, leaving a small overhang.
Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the pastry base. Spoon the cooled apple filling into the crust and gently level the surface.
Make the Lattice Crust
Roll out the second disc of pastry to approximately 30 cm (12 inches) in diameter. Using a pastry wheel, sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into 16 strips, about 1.3 cm (½ inch) wide.
Arrange the pastry strips over the apples, weaving them over and under one another to create a lattice. Trim away the excess pastry and gently press or crimp the edges to seal.
Finish and Bake
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and cream or milk. Lightly brush the lattice with the egg wash, then sprinkle with the turbinado or brown sugar.
Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling gently.
Allow the pie to cool for at least 20–30 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream, vanilla custard or ice cream.
Enjoy!
“ Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love—that makes life and nature harmonize.”― George Eliot
Have you tried making this Rustic Apple Pie? I'd love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts and any creative twists you added to the recipe in the comments below. Or, tag me on Instagram (@FeliChic'Cuisine) when you post your recipe creations. Let's inspire each other. Thank You!
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