Introduction: Can a Pie Bring Warmth to Your Sunday Table?
Ever dreamed of filling your home with the comforting aroma of a freshly baked apple pie? Sunday’s Apple Pie is the classic dessert that delivers warm, cinnamon-spiced apples wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust. Perfect for family gatherings, cozy weekends, or any occasion that calls for a slice of nostalgia, this pie is both simple and heartwarming. Ready to bake a pie that’s sure to become a tradition? Let’s roll out the dough and create a slice of Sunday bliss!
Overview: Why Sunday’s Apple Pie is a Timeless Classic
Sunday’s Apple Pie is a traditional dessert featuring tender, tart apples coated in cinnamon-sugar and baked in a double-crust pastry. Its balance of sweet, spicy, and buttery flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make. Here’s what makes it special:
- Time Requirement: About 20 minutes to prep, 50-60 minutes to bake, plus cooling time.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate—requires basic pie-making skills but is approachable for beginners with patience.
- Why It’s Special: The combination of tart apples, warm cinnamon, and flaky crust creates a comforting, nostalgic flavor. It yields 8 servings, making it perfect for sharing at family dinners or celebrations.
Ideal for Sunday suppers, holidays, or any time you want a classic fruit pie, this apple pie is a heartwarming treat that never goes out of style.
Essential Ingredients
Sunday’s Apple Pie uses simple ingredients to highlight the natural flavor of apples. Here’s what you’ll need for 8 servings:
- ½ cup white sugar: Sweetens the apple filling and balances tartness.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the filling for a perfect consistency.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy flavor to the apples.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Enhances richness and adds a buttery finish to the filling.
- 1 (14.1-ounce) package double-crust pie pastry, thawed: The flaky foundation and top of the pie.
- 6 medium tart apples (peeled, cored, and sliced): The star ingredient, providing a tart, juicy filling.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Tart Apples: Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp provide a tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet, spiced filling.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth, making the pie feel cozy and inviting.
- Flour: Helps thicken the apple juices to prevent a runny filling.
- Double Crust: The buttery pastry encases the filling, offering a crisp, flaky texture.
Substitutions and Variations
- Apples: Use a mix of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Gala or Fuji) apples for a more complex flavor.
- Flour: Swap with 1 tablespoon cornstarch for a gluten-free filling.
- Sugar: Reduce to â…“ cup for a less sweet pie or use brown sugar for a caramel-like depth.
- Spices: Add ¼ teaspoon nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
- Crust: Use a store-bought crust for convenience or a gluten-free crust for dietary needs.
- Vegan Option: Replace butter with vegan butter and use a vegan pie pastry.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Sunday’s Apple Pie is a rewarding process that combines simple ingredients into a comforting dessert. Let’s get baking!
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place a baking sheet on an oven rack to catch any drips during baking.
- Thaw a 14.1-ounce package of double-crust pie pastry if frozen, following package instructions.
Tip: A preheated baking sheet helps the bottom crust cook evenly and stay crisp.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In a small bowl, stir together ½ cup white sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Cut 3 tablespoons unsalted butter into small pieces and divide into two equal piles.
- In a large bowl, toss 6 medium tart apples (peeled, cored, and sliced) with the sugar-cinnamon mixture until thoroughly coated. Add one pile of butter pieces and toss again.
Tip: Slice apples to about ¼-inch thickness for even cooking and a tender texture.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
- Roll out one portion of the pie pastry to an 11- or 12-inch circle and press it into a 9-inch pie pan, letting it overhang slightly.
- Pour the apple mixture into the pastry-lined pie pan, spreading it evenly.
- Dot the apples with the remaining pile of butter pieces.
- Roll out the second pastry to cover the filling. Place it over the apples, trim excess dough, and seal the edges by crimping or fluting.
- Cut several steam vents in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Tip: For a decorative touch, create a lattice crust or use cookie cutters to make shapes from the top crust.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
- Place the pie on the preheated baking sheet in the oven.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
- If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges with foil or a pie shield after 30 minutes.
Tip: Check for doneness by looking for bubbling filling through the vents and a golden crust.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2-3 hours to allow the filling to set.
- Slice into 8 wedges and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tip: Use a sharp knife for clean slices, and serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Assembly: Building the Perfect Apple Pie
Assembling Sunday’s Apple Pie is all about creating a beautiful, flavorful dessert with a balance of juicy filling and flaky crust. Here’s how to make it shine:
- Bottom Crust: Fit the pastry snugly into the pie pan, with a slight overhang for sealing.
- Filling: Toss apples evenly with the sugar mixture and layer them compactly to avoid gaps.
- Top Crust: Seal the edges tightly to prevent leaks, and cut vents or create a lattice for steam release and a decorative look.
- Presentation: Serve on a pie plate or stand to showcase the golden crust and peekaboo apple filling.
Presentation Tips
- Brush the top crust with milk or an egg wash before baking for a glossy finish.
- Sprinkle coarse sugar on the top crust for a sparkly, crunchy effect.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic pairing.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Sunday’s Apple Pie is perfect for making ahead and stores well for enjoying over a few days.
- Storage:
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze the baked pie (wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat at 300°F for 10-15 minutes to revive the crust.
- Make-Ahead:
- Prepare the pie crust dough up to 2 days ahead and store wrapped in the fridge.
- Slice apples and toss with a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning; store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
- Assemble and bake the pie a day in advance for the best flavor, as the filling sets beautifully.
Tip: Reheat slices in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes to restore the crust’s flakiness.
Recipe Variations
Sunday’s Apple Pie is a versatile dessert that’s easy to customize. Here are some fun twists:
- Caramel Apple Pie: Drizzle ¼ cup caramel sauce over the apples before adding the top crust.
- Apple-Cranberry Pie: Add ½ cup dried or fresh cranberries to the filling for a tart twist.
- Spiced Apple Pie: Include ¼ teaspoon nutmeg and a pinch of cloves for extra warmth.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pie crust and replace flour with cornstarch.
- Cheddar Apple Pie: Add ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese to the crust or sprinkle on top for a savory-sweet combo.
Conclusion: Share the Warmth of Sunday’s Apple Pie!
Sunday’s Apple Pie is the dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Its tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and flaky crust make it a timeless treat that’s perfect for family dinners, holidays, or cozy weekends. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a pie that’s as heartwarming as it is delicious. So, grab your apples, roll out that pastry, and bake a slice of Sunday tradition. We’d love to hear how your pie turns out—share your creations in the comments or on social media!
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Sunday’s Apple Pie
Description
Ever dreamed of filling your home with the comforting aroma of a freshly baked apple pie? Sunday’s Apple Pie is the classic dessert that delivers warm, cinnamon-spiced apples wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust.
Ingredients
Sunday’s Apple Pie uses simple ingredients to highlight the natural flavor of apples. Here’s what you’ll need for 8 servings:
- ½ cup white sugar: Sweetens the apple filling and balances tartness.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the filling for a perfect consistency.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy flavor to the apples.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Enhances richness and adds a buttery finish to the filling.
- 1 (14.1-ounce) package double-crust pie pastry, thawed: The flaky foundation and top of the pie.
- 6 medium tart apples (peeled, cored, and sliced): The star ingredient, providing a tart, juicy filling.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Tart Apples: Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp provide a tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet, spiced filling.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth, making the pie feel cozy and inviting.
- Flour: Helps thicken the apple juices to prevent a runny filling.
- Double Crust: The buttery pastry encases the filling, offering a crisp, flaky texture.
Substitutions and Variations
- Apples: Use a mix of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Gala or Fuji) apples for a more complex flavor.
- Flour: Swap with 1 tablespoon cornstarch for a gluten-free filling.
- Sugar: Reduce to â…“ cup for a less sweet pie or use brown sugar for a caramel-like depth.
- Spices: Add ¼ teaspoon nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
- Crust: Use a store-bought crust for convenience or a gluten-free crust for dietary needs.
- Vegan Option: Replace butter with vegan butter and use a vegan pie pastry.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place a baking sheet on an oven rack to catch any drips during baking.
- Thaw a 14.1-ounce package of double-crust pie pastry if frozen, following package instructions.
Tip: A preheated baking sheet helps the bottom crust cook evenly and stay crisp.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In a small bowl, stir together ½ cup white sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Cut 3 tablespoons unsalted butter into small pieces and divide into two equal piles.
- In a large bowl, toss 6 medium tart apples (peeled, cored, and sliced) with the sugar-cinnamon mixture until thoroughly coated. Add one pile of butter pieces and toss again.
Tip: Slice apples to about ¼-inch thickness for even cooking and a tender texture.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
- Roll out one portion of the pie pastry to an 11- or 12-inch circle and press it into a 9-inch pie pan, letting it overhang slightly.
- Pour the apple mixture into the pastry-lined pie pan, spreading it evenly.
- Dot the apples with the remaining pile of butter pieces.
- Roll out the second pastry to cover the filling. Place it over the apples, trim excess dough, and seal the edges by crimping or fluting.
- Cut several steam vents in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Tip: For a decorative touch, create a lattice crust or use cookie cutters to make shapes from the top crust.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
- Place the pie on the preheated baking sheet in the oven.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
- If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges with foil or a pie shield after 30 minutes.
Tip: Check for doneness by looking for bubbling filling through the vents and a golden crust.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2-3 hours to allow the filling to set.
- Slice into 8 wedges and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tip: Use a sharp knife for clean slices, and serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
FAQs
1. Why is my pie filling runny?
Runny filling can result from underbaking or using overly juicy apples. Bake until the filling bubbles, and use tart, firm apples like Granny Smith.
2. Can I use sweet apples instead of tart?
Yes, but reduce sugar to â…“ cup to balance sweetness. Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal for flavor.
3. Is this pie gluten-free?
Not as written, but use a gluten-free pie crust and substitute flour with cornstarch for a gluten-free version.
4. Can I make this pie ahead?
Yes! Bake a day ahead and store at room temperature or in the fridge. The filling sets better after cooling.
5. Why did my crust get soggy?
A soggy crust can happen if the apples are too wet or the bottom crust isn’t baked on a hot surface. Use a preheated baking sheet and drain excess liquid from apples if needed.
6. Can I use a store-bought crust?
Absolutely! A store-bought double-crust pastry saves time and works well—just follow package instructions.
7. What are the health benefits of this pie?
Apples provide fiber and antioxidants, while cinnamon offers anti-inflammatory properties. Enjoy in moderation due to the sugar and butter content.