Cinnamon Crust Apple Pie: A Spiced Fall Delight

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked Cinnamon Crust Apple Pie filling your kitchen. This pie takes the classic apple pie to the next level with a buttery, flaky crust enhanced with the warmth of cinnamon. Inside, sweet, tender apples are spiced to perfection with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of lemon zest. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or simply to enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee, this apple pie is sure to be a crowd favorite.

Key Information

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Number of Servings: 8 slices
• Serving Size: 1 slice

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fat: 16g
• Dietary Info: Vegetarian, contains gluten and dairy

Ingredients List

• For the Cinnamon Crust:

  • 2 1/2 cups (310g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
  • 4-6 tbsp ice water (more if needed)

• For the Apple Filling:

  • 6-8 medium apples (a mix of sweet and tart, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

• For the Topping (Optional):

  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • 1 tbsp sugar (for sprinkling)

Detailed Method of Preparation

Make the Cinnamon Crust:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Cut in the Butter:
   • Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your hands to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter.
3. Add Ice Water:
   • Gradually add 4-6 tablespoons of ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough. If needed, add more water, one tablespoon at a time.
4. Chill the Dough:
   • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and form it into a disc. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before rolling out.

Prepare the Apple Filling:

5. Prepare the Apples:
   • Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin, uniform slices. Place the slices in a large bowl.
6. Mix the Filling:
   • Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the apples. Toss gently to combine. If you prefer a thicker filling, stir in 1 tablespoon of flour.
7. Let the Filling Rest:
   • Let the apple filling sit for about 10 minutes to allow the juices to release.

Assemble the Pie:

8. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Roll Out the Dough:
   • On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and sides of the dish.
10. Add the Apple Filling:
    • Spoon the prepared apple filling into the pie crust, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.
11. Top with the Second Crust:
    • Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the pie. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal the pie. If you’d like, you can create a lattice crust by cutting the dough into strips and weaving them over the filling.
12. Make an Egg Wash:
    • Whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water and brush it over the top of the pie to create a golden, glossy finish. Sprinkle with a tablespoon of sugar for added crunch and shine.

Bake the Pie:

13. Bake the Pie:
    • Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil or a pie shield.
14. Cool the Pie:
    • Allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to slice.

Tips for Culinary Success

• Use a Variety of Apples: A mix of tart apples (like Granny Smith) and sweet apples (like Honeycrisp or Fuji) gives the filling a balanced flavor that’s not too sweet or too sour.
• Chill the Dough: Make sure to chill your dough before rolling it out. This ensures a flaky, tender crust. You can even make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Prevent a Soggy Bottom: If you’re worried about a soggy bottom crust, sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or cornstarch on the bottom of the pie crust before adding the apples. This will help absorb any excess moisture.
• For Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the apple filling for a subtle, spiced twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make the crust ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the cinnamon crust dough a day in advance. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.

2. What should I do if the pie crust gets too brown? If the edges of the crust are browning too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie shield during baking to prevent over-baking.

3. Can I freeze this apple pie? Yes, this pie can be frozen either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the pie, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra baking time. To freeze after baking, let the pie cool completely, then wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

4. How do I store leftover pie? Store leftover pie at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to bring back its fresh-baked taste.

There’s nothing more comforting than a homemade Cinnamon Crust Apple Pie fresh out of the oven. With its spiced crust, tender apples, and perfect balance of sweetness, this pie is an absolute showstopper. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a cozy evening at home, this pie is guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to your table. Happy baking!